Extra Help is a Medicare program for people with limited income and resources. It helps with Medicare drug coverage, also called Part D. It may lower the plan premium, deductible, coinsurance, and copayments.
Some people get it without a separate application
You generally get Extra Help automatically if you have full Medicaid, get help from a Medicare Savings Program, or receive Supplemental Security Income. Medicare sends a notice. Keep it.
Others can apply
Apply through Social Security online or by phone. The Medicare Extra Help page links to the application. You can also ask your State Health Insurance Assistance Program, called SHIP, for free help.
Income and resource limits change. Use the current Medicare page. Do not let an old brochure decide for you.
Ask: “Can we check Extra Help and a Medicare Savings Program at the same time?”
Bring the right little stack
- Medicare number and current Part D plan card.
- Social Security and pension income letters.
- Information about bank accounts and investments if requested.
- Medicaid, SSI, or Medicare Savings Program notices.
- A current list of medicines and pharmacies for plan questions.
Extra Help does not pick every detail for you
Medicare may enroll a person in a Part D plan when needed. You can usually choose a different Medicare drug plan. Compare whether each medicine is covered, the pharmacy is in network, and any plan rules apply. A zero premium does not make every plan equal.
If the pharmacy price looks wrong
Show the Extra Help notice and plan card. Ask the plan what eligibility level it has on file. Medicare has a “best available evidence” process when the system does not show a person’s correct low-income status. SHIP or 1-800-MEDICARE can help explain the next step.
Territories work differently
Extra Help is not available in the U.S. territories in the same way. Medicare says territories have other programs for people with limited income and resources. Contact the territory’s Medicaid office.
Never give a caller your Medicare number just because the caller says “Extra Help.” Hang up and call Medicare, Social Security, SHIP, or the plan using an official number.
Where we checked
Go straight to the source
- Medicare Extra HelpOfficial 2026 limits, automatic eligibility, costs, and application link.
- Social Security Extra HelpOfficial Social Security application and program explanation.
- SHIP help locatorFree local Medicare counseling and application help.
We link to the official office when one exists. A link is not an endorsement, and we do not control outside sites.
