Medicare Extra Help / Low Income Subsidy (LIS)
UPDATED Oct. 25, 2023. You may qualify for Medicare Extra Help, which is also referred to as the Low Income Subsidy (LIS) to pay Prescription Drug Costs if you are enrolled in Medicare Part D. You are automatically qualified for Medicare Extra Help if you meet one of the following conditions:
- You have full Medicaid
- You are in one of the Medicare Savings Programs
- You receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
If you do not automatically qualify, then you must meet one of the income and resource guidelines listed below to enroll in an LIS program.
Types of Medicare Extra Help Programs – 2024
Low Income Subsidy (LIS) – Extra Help/ Medicare with full Medicaid coverage
- Income: Single/Married income should be less than 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Yearly income for single/couple should be below $13,590 / $18,310.
- Full Extra Help Benefits:
– No monthly premium
– No annual deductible
– Copayments of $1.55 for generic and $4.60 for brand name.
– No coverage gap
– No late enrollment penalty
– No copay after TrOOP threshold in total drug costs
Low Income Subsidy (LIS) – Extra Help/ Non-Institutionalized Beneficiaries
- Income: Single/Married income should below 150% of FPL. Yearly income for single/couple should be below $21,890 / $29,580.
- Full Extra Help Benefits:
– No monthly premium
– No annual deductible
– Copayments of $4.50 for generic and $11.20 for brand name
– No coverage gap
– No late enrollment penalty
– No copay after TrOOP threshold in total drug costs
Low Income Subsidy (LIS) – Extra Help/ Medicare with Medicare Savings Programs (QMB/SLMB/QI)
- Income: Single/Married income should be above 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) but below 150% of FPL. Yearly income for single/couple should be below $21,890 / $29,580.
- Resources: Below $10,590 for individuals and $16,630 for couples.
- Full Extra Help Benefits:
– No monthly premium
– No annual deductible
– Copayments of $4.50 for generic and $11.20 for brand name
– No coverage gap
– No late enrollment penalty
– No copay after TrOOP threshold in total drug costs
Resources include money in checking or savings accounts, stocks, and bonds. Not included are your home, car, burial plot, furniture, and other household and personal items.
How to Apply for Medicare Extra Help
You may apply in one of the following ways:
- Apply online at www.ssa.gov/extrahelp/
- Call Social Security (800.772.1213) to apply over the phone or to request an application
- Apply at your local Social Security Office
After you apply, Social Security will review the application and send you a letter to let you know whether you are qualified for the Medicare Extra Help. Once you qualify, you can choose a Medicare Prescription Drug plan. If you do not select a plan, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services will do it for you.
If you do not qualify for Medicare Extra Help one year, you may reapply later whenever there are changes in your income.
US Government Sources
How Can Liberty Medicare Help?
Liberty Medicare is a leading insurance agency that specializes in Medicare insurance in Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. All our services are absolutely free to you. An essential part of our job is working with low-income senior citizens and providing suggestions on available Medicare Extra Help Programs that will help with your Prescription Drug Costs.
Contact us if you need advice on applying to one of the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) Programs.
Get our Medicare Quotes, or give us a call at 877-657-7477, and you will be connected to a licensed agent/broker.