If you have Medicare and the costs feel tight, there is help paying for Medicare in 2026 that many people never use. Two federal programs can lower what you pay in a meaningful way: Extra Help (also called the Low Income Subsidy, or LIS) for Part D prescription drugs, and the Medicare Savings Programs (MSP), which help with Part A and Part B premiums and deductibles. This guide explains who may qualify, what each program covers, and where to apply.
Extra Help: savings on Part D prescription drugs
Extra Help is a federal benefit that lowers the cost of Medicare Part D prescription drugs. When you qualify for the full benefit, you usually pay $0 in Part D premium and $0 deductible, and your copays per prescription are very low. For many households, that adds up to hundreds of dollars in savings each year.
For 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expanded the full benefit to people with income up to 150% of the federal poverty level. Broadly, that works out to an annual income of up to $23,475 for an individual and $31,725 for a married couple, with resource limits of $18,090 and $36,100. These figures update every year, so it is worth checking your own case against an official source.
If you already have full Medicaid, a Medicare Savings Program, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you are generally enrolled in Extra Help automatically and do not need to fill out the application.
Where to apply for Extra Help
You apply for Extra Help through the Social Security Administration (SSA). You can apply online at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. The application takes only a few minutes and is free. Keep in mind that the exact limits and what you save depend on your situation and can change each year.
Medicare Savings Programs (MSP): help with Part A and B premiums
Medicare Savings Programs are run by your state’s Medicaid office to help pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. There are three main programs, each with a different income limit:
- QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): the most complete. It helps pay Part A and Part B premiums, plus deductibles and coinsurance.
- SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary): helps pay the Part B premium, which is about $202.90 a month in 2026.
- QI (Qualifying Individual): also helps with the Part B premium, for people with slightly higher income. Funding is limited, so apply early each year.
Income and resource limits vary by state. Many states use limits close to the federal ones, but others have dropped the resource test or allow higher income. That is why it is worth applying even if your income seems high: your state decides final eligibility. One important point: enrolling in any MSP automatically qualifies you for Extra Help.
Where to apply for an MSP
You apply for an MSP through your state’s Medicaid office, not Social Security. A good place to start is the official information at Medicare.gov, which shows how to reach your state program. Because each state has its own rules and forms, confirm the requirements and amounts directly with your state.
How to know if you qualify
There is no single answer for everyone, because the limits change by state and by year. These steps will help you start:
- Gather your income and resource information (savings and investment accounts; your home and primary car usually do not count).
- Apply for Extra Help with Social Security for your Part D drugs.
- Contact your state Medicaid office to check whether you qualify for QMB, SLMB, or QI.
- If you are denied but your situation changes, apply again: eligibility is reviewed every year.
If you want to understand how these savings work alongside your plan, you may also find it helpful to read our guide on the Medicare Advantage benefit cuts in 2026 and, if you are thinking about changing coverage, the guide to switching from Medicare Advantage to Medigap.
Get free help with no obligation
Checking your eligibility for Extra Help and the Medicare Savings Programs can be confusing, especially since the rules change by state. If you would rather have someone walk you through it step by step, we can help at no cost. Request your Medicare guidance here and an advisor will review your options with you.
Frequently asked questions
What is Extra Help in Medicare?
Extra Help, also known as the Low Income Subsidy (LIS), is a federal benefit that lowers the cost of Part D prescription drugs. With the full benefit, you usually pay $0 in premium and $0 deductible for Part D, plus very low copays per prescription.
What is the difference between Extra Help and the Medicare Savings Programs?
Extra Help lowers the cost of Part D drugs and is requested through Social Security. The Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) help pay Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance, and are requested through your state Medicaid office. If you qualify for an MSP, you are automatically enrolled in Extra Help.
How much can I earn and still qualify in 2026?
For full Extra Help in 2026, annual income is around $23,475 for an individual and $31,725 for a couple, with resource limits. For the MSPs, limits vary by state and some do not apply a resource test. Since the figures change, check your case against an official source such as Medicare.gov or Social Security.
Where do I apply for each program?
Extra Help is requested through the Social Security Administration (ssa.gov or 1-800-772-1213). The Medicare Savings Programs are requested through your state Medicaid office. Medicare.gov shows how to reach your state program.
My income seems high. Is it worth applying?
Yes. MSP limits vary by state and some allow higher income or have dropped the resource test. Since your state decides final eligibility, applying is the only way to know for sure.
Do these programs affect my current Medicare plan?
You do not lose coverage by applying. Extra Help and the MSPs work alongside your plan to reduce what you pay. If you are unsure how they combine with your plan, an advisor can review it with you at no cost.
