Who qualifies
Medicare beneficiaries with 2026 annual income below $23,940 for an individual or $32,460 for a married couple, and resources below $18,090 or $36,100 respectively. Different limits apply in Alaska and Hawaii.
What you get
For 2026, Extra Help reduces the Part D plan premium and deductible to $0 and limits participating-pharmacy copays to $5.10 for each generic drug and $12.65 for each brand-name drug. Covered drugs cost $0 after total drug costs reach $2,100.
Federal figures verified July 16, 2026. Sources: Medicare.gov 2026 Extra Help limits and costs.
Tips that matter
Since 2024 there's only one full-subsidy tier (no more partial subsidy). If you qualify for Medicaid, SSI, or an MSP, you get Extra Help automatically.
How to apply
Apply at ssa.gov/extrahelp or call 1-800-772-1213.
State-level help on top of this
Most states layer their own programs on top of this federal one — pharmacy assistance, property tax relief, state Medicaid waivers. Pick your state to see what's available where you live.