Dear Malcolm,

Extra Help is a cost-assistance program that helps you pay for prescription drugs while on Medicare. It works by paying for your Part D premium (up to a state-specific benchmark amount) while lowering the cost of you prescription drugs.

Note: You pay no premium if you have a basic Part D drug plan with a premium at or below the Extra Help premium limit for your area. You will likely still owe a premium, though, if you have an enhanced Part D plan, even if the premium is below the benchmark.

Some extra perks are that if you qualify for Extra Help and happen to have a Part D late enrollment penalty, it will eliminate that fee. It also gives you Special Enrollment Periods throughout the year to enroll in a Part D or switch between plans.

You should automatically be enrolled in Extra Help if you have Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, or a Medicare Savings Program. If that’s not the case for you, you might still be eligible if you have limited assets and your income is below $1,903 per month as an individual, or $2,575 as part of a couple.

Apply online through the Social Security Administration or contact the Medicare Rights Center for assistance applying.

I hope that helps!

-Marci