Extra Help

Ayuda Extra

In 9 languages

LanguageTerm
EnglishExtra Help
Spanish (Español) Ayuda Extra
Chinese (中文) 额外帮助
Korean (한국어) 추가 지원
Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) Hỗ trợ thêm
Filipino (Tagalog) Karagdagang Tulong
Portuguese (Português) Ajuda Extra
Thai (ภาษาไทย) ความช่วยเหลือพิเศษ
Japanese (日本語) 追加支援

What it means

Extra Help, also called the Low Income Subsidy (LIS), is a Social Security Administration program that helps Medicare beneficiaries with limited income and resources pay for Medicare Part D prescription drug costs. Qualifying individuals receive reduced or eliminated premiums, lower deductibles, and capped copayments on covered medications. People who automatically qualify include full Medicaid beneficiaries, those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and those in a Medicare Savings Program. Others with income below approximately 150% of the federal poverty level may apply directly through Social Security online, by phone, or in person. Enrollment in Extra Help can save beneficiaries hundreds of dollars per month on prescription drug costs throughout the year.

How to say it

Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:

Enrolling in Extra Help reduced my Medicare Part D copays from $50 to $3 per prescription.

Inscribirme en Ayuda Extra redujo mis copagos del Parte D de Medicare de $50 a $3 por receta.

If you receive Medicaid or SSI, you may automatically qualify for Extra Help without a separate application.

Si recibe Medicaid o SSI, puede calificar automáticamente para Ayuda Extra sin una solicitud por separado.

Apply for Extra Help through Social Security online, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office.

Solicite Ayuda Extra a través del Seguro Social en línea, por teléfono al 1-800-772-1213 o en su oficina local del Seguro Social.

Where you'll see it

Medicare Part D plan enrollment packetSocial Security Administration noticeMedicare Summary NoticeMedicare Savings Program eligibility letter

Related terms

Sources

US Glossary Español A–Z US Codes United States

Last reviewed: September 2026