If you have Medicare and your income and savings are modest, there is a federal program that could significantly reduce what you pay for prescription drugs. It is called Extra Help — also known as the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS). Many people who qualify do not know it exists, or assume they do not qualify when they actually do.
This is especially common in communities like the Coachella Valley, where families stretch fixed incomes and the cost of medication is a real burden. Do not leave this benefit on the table.
What Extra Help Does
Extra Help is a federal benefit program that helps people with limited income and resources pay for Medicare Part D costs — including premiums, deductibles, and copayments at the pharmacy.
For people who qualify for full Extra Help, the impact is substantial. Drug deductibles may be eliminated. Monthly Part D premiums may be fully covered or heavily subsidized. Copays at the pharmacy are reduced to a small fixed amount for most drugs. For those who qualify for partial Extra Help, the savings are smaller but still meaningful — especially on a fixed income where every dollar at the pharmacy counts.
Who May Qualify
Eligibility is based on income and resources (assets) — not just income alone. Thresholds adjust each year based on the federal poverty level. As a general guideline, individuals with income up to roughly 150% of the federal poverty level may qualify. Resources — savings and investments — are also considered, but your home, one car, and certain life insurance policies are generally excluded from the count.
Already have both Medicare and Medicaid? You are automatically enrolled in Extra Help — you may already have it and not realize it. The same applies if you are enrolled in a Medicare Savings Program. Confirm with your plan or a licensed agent.
Medicare Savings Programs — Related Help for Premiums
Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state-administered and can help pay your Part B premium — and in some cases, your Part A premium, deductibles, and cost-sharing as well. Qualifying for an MSP automatically qualifies you for Extra Help.
Most comprehensive assistance
Can cover Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing. For individuals with income at or below approximately $1,350/month (2026 approximate; confirm with your county).
Part B premium assistance
State pays your Part B premium. Income limit is somewhat higher than QMB.
Part B premium assistance
Also covers the Part B premium. Income limit slightly higher than SLMB. Funded on a first-come, first-served basis each year.
Applications go through your state Medicaid office or county social services — not through Medicare directly.
How to Apply for Extra Help
Apply through Social Security:
- Online at ssa.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help
- By calling Social Security: 1-800-772-1213
- In person at your local Social Security office
The application is straightforward and takes about 15–20 minutes. Social Security will notify you of the decision. If you are denied, you can appeal. For Medicare Savings Programs, apply separately through your state Medicaid office or county social services.
Income thresholds adjust annually. Even if you were told you did not qualify in a prior year, it is worth checking again. Limits increase with the federal poverty level, and your circumstances may have changed.
Do Not Leave This on the Table
Many families in the Coachella Valley qualify for Extra Help or a Medicare Savings Program and never apply — because they were never told about it, assumed they earned too much, or did not know where to start.
We help identify which programs may apply to your situation and point you to the right place to apply. We do not determine eligibility — Social Security and your state do that — but we make sure you do not miss something worth having.
Cesar & Associates is an independent insurance agency and is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. We do not determine eligibility for government assistance programs — that is done by Social Security or your state Medicaid office. Plan availability, costs, and benefits vary by county, your doctors, and your prescriptions. Income and resource thresholds referenced here are approximate and change annually — confirm current limits at ssa.gov or medicare.gov.