$23,9402026 income limit, individual
$32,4602026 income limit, married couple
$18,090Resource limit, individual
$36,100Resource limit, couple
What Extra Help is
Extra Help, also called the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), is run by Social Security. For people who qualify in 2026 it lowers the Part D premium and deductible to $0 for benchmark plans and reduces drug copays. The full subsidy goes to everyone who qualifies; the old partial-subsidy tier no longer exists.
2026 limits
| Individual | Married couple living together | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual income limit (150% of poverty, 48 states and DC) | $23,940 | $32,460 |
| Resource limit (includes $1,500 per person for burial expenses) | $18,090 | $36,100 |
SSA does not count the first $20 a month of unearned income, and some resources, such as your home and car, do not count. Alaska and Hawaii have higher income limits.
Who qualifies automatically
You are generally deemed eligible, with no application, if you have full Medicaid, if a state Medicare Savings Program (QMB, SLMB, or QI) pays your Part B premium, or if you receive SSI. Medicare tells these members, and they are placed in a plan if they do not choose one.
How to apply
- Apply online at ssa.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or ask your State Medicaid agency.
- Have income and resource information ready for you and your spouse.
- Once approved, choose a Part D plan or Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage. Compare options at Medicare.gov/plan-compare.
Worth checking: Part D out-of-pocket spending is capped at $2,100 in 2026 for everyone, and the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan lets you spread costs across the year. Extra Help goes further by cutting premiums, deductibles, and copays.
Limits change every year. The 2027 income and resource limits had not been confirmed when this page was reviewed. Check SSA before applying.
Many people who qualify for Extra Help also qualify for a Medicare Savings Program that pays the $202.90 Part B premium. Ask your State Medicaid office.