Financial Assistance · Medicare

Medicare Extra Help & Savings Programs

Medicare Extra Help (also called the Part D Low-Income Subsidy) helps pay Part D premiums, deductibles, and copays for people with limited income and resources. Separate Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI) can help pay Part A and Part B costs through your state Medicaid agency. Programs are based on income and asset limits that change annually.

Many Medicare beneficiaries qualify for financial assistance but never apply. Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs can reduce prescription costs and Part B expenses, and may open the door to dual-eligible plan options. This guide explains the main programs, how to apply, and when to talk with an advisor.

Last updated Jul 11, 2026

Extra Help eligibility screener

Quick check against 2026 screening limits. This is not an official Social Security determination: SSA decides Extra Help (LIS) eligibility.

Household

Do you have full Medicaid, SSI, or a Medicare Savings Program?

SwitchBlue cannot approve Extra Help. For official rules see Medicare.gov help with drug costs. Figures for calendar year 2026. Confirm on Medicare.gov / SSA before relying on them.

What We Review

Part D Extra Help (LIS)

Federal program that lowers Part D premiums, deductibles, and drug copays. Apply through Social Security (online, phone, or mail). You can use it with standalone Part D or Advantage plans that include drug coverage.

Medicare Savings Programs (MSP)

State Medicaid programs that help pay Medicare premiums and cost-sharing: Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB), and Qualifying Individual (QI). Rules and names vary slightly by state.

Full vs. Partial Dual Eligible

If MSP or Medicaid covers your Medicare premiums and cost-sharing, you may be "full dual eligible" and qualify for D-SNP plans. Partial dual status may still qualify for certain assistance programs.

How to Apply

Extra Help: apply at SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. MSP/Medicaid: contact your state Medicaid office. Many states use a single application for Medicaid, MSP, and related programs.

Annual Recertification

Income and resource limits are reviewed periodically. Report changes in income, marital status, or assets to Social Security and your state Medicaid agency to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits.

How This Affects Plan Choice

Extra Help changes Part D costs and which plans are advisable. Medicaid/MSP status may make D-SNP plans a strong fit. We factor your assistance level into plan comparisons during AEP and year-round when SEPs apply.

Book a Time Online Free Medicare Review Call (850) 613-0057

How we're paid: SwitchBlue provides no-cost Medicare guidance to consumers. When you enroll in a plan through our agency, we may receive a standard commission from the insurance carrier. You pay the same plan premium whether you enroll on your own or through our agency.

Independent Medicare advisor
Licensed in FL, AL, GA & NC
Virtual appointments across the Southeast

What to Know Before You Enroll

Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs are separate from choosing a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan, but they directly affect what you pay and which plan types may fit best.

SwitchBlue helps beneficiaries in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina understand how assistance programs interact with plan choice. For official eligibility determinations, always use Social Security and your state Medicaid agency.

Related Medicare Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs?

Extra Help (LIS) is a federal program that lowers Part D prescription costs. Medicare Savings Programs are administered by your state and can help pay Part A and Part B premiums and cost-sharing. You may qualify for one, both, or neither depending on income and resources.

If I get Extra Help, do I still need a Part D plan?

Yes, in most cases. Extra Help lowers the cost of enrolling in Part D. Through a standalone drug plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage. Going without creditable drug coverage can still trigger late enrollment penalties.

Can SwitchBlue help me apply for Extra Help?

We can point you to official application channels and explain how assistance affects plan comparisons. Eligibility determinations are made by Social Security and state agencies, not by insurance agents.

Does Medicaid automatically enroll me in the best Medicare plan?

No. Medicaid and MSP help with costs and eligibility categories, but you still choose and enroll in a Medicare plan. Dual-eligible beneficiaries often compare D-SNP plans during enrollment periods.

Want more detail? Part D cost and formulary tools

Looking for help in a specific city? Browse Medicare help by city and state

Prefer to Research on Your Own?

You can compare every plan available in your area and get unbiased, free help from official government resources:

Plan Availability Notice: We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY: 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day / 7 days a week, to get information on all available options. Plan benefits, premiums, and availability vary by plan, county, and year.SwitchBlue Insurance Agency LLC is a licensed independent insurance agency and is not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.