Beginning this year, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) expands eligibility for the Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS), also called “Extra Help.” This important program helps people afford their medication and coverage.

New in 2024, everyone with Extra Help will pay a $0 premium, $0 deductible, and a reduced amount for both generic and brand-name drugs.

For people who previously had any level of Extra Help and continue to meet the qualifications, these expanded savings will apply automatically; they do not need to reapply.

To qualify for Extra Help, people must, in most cases, live in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia, and have income and resources below a certain limit. For 2024, an enrollee’s monthly income must be below $1,903 for an individual ($2,575 for a couple). Resources—which include stocks, bonds, and money in a checking, savings, or retirement account—must be below $17,220 ($34,360 for a couple).

Some people—those enrolled in Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or a Medicare Savings Program (MSP)—automatically qualify for and are enrolled in Extra Help; they do not have to apply. Others can apply at any time, either online ssa.gov/extrahelp or by calling Social Security (1-800-772-1213).

For more information about Extra Help and other ways to lower drug costs, visit the Department of Health and Human Services’ newly launched resource hub at LowerDrugCosts.gov.

Visit Medicare.gov/extrahelp or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to learn about Medicare drug plans, Extra Help, and other ways to lower your prescription drug costs. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

Learn more about Extra Help and how to apply from Medicare Interactive.