You can fill out an application on the Social Security Administration website.
Help paying for Medicare prescriptionsExtra Help can lower your drug costs
Extra Help is a federal program that helps members with lower income and resources. It helps pay for Medicare prescription drug costs.
Who qualifies and what Extra Help covers
If you qualify for Extra Help, you'll pay less for your Part D coverage costs. You may qualify based on your income and other factors. Here's a quick look at what's covered and what it takes to qualify.
To qualify, you need Medicare Part D drug coverage. To get Part D, you must meet all three:
| Requirement | What you need |
|---|---|
| Medicare coverage | You must have at least one part of Original Medicare (Part A, Part B or both). |
| Where you live | You must live in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. |
| Legal presence* | You must have legal presence in the U.S. and live in the plan's service area. |
You may qualify for Extra Help if your yearly income and resources* are at or below these amounts:
| Household | Income limit | Resource limit |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $23,940 | $18,090 |
| Married | $32,460 | $36,100 |
These amounts are for 2026 and may change in 2027. If your income and resources are a bit higher, you should still apply. Social Security looks at your full situation and decides if you qualify. Applying is the only way to find out if you qualify.
Extra Help helps pay for your Medicare Part D costs, including:
Monthly Part D premium
Yearly deductible
Coinsurance
Copayments
Extra Help will also waive the Part D late enrollment penalty. You may qualify based on your income and other factors.
Check if Extra Help lowers your premium
Use this tool to see if Extra Help lowers your monthly Medicare drug coverage premium. Enter your information to see a Low‑Income Subsidy (LIS) premium table. This shows plans in your area that have a $0 premium with Extra Help. In the LIS table, find your state, then look for the plan name to see if it qualifies.
Already have Extra Help? You may be able to switch plans once per month.
CHOOSE YOUR LOCATION AND PLAN TO SEE YOUR MONTHLY PLAN PREMIUM:
Ways to apply for Extra Help
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Apply online
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Get help
Need help applying? Call BeneLynk at 1-888-715-0225 (TTY: 711), Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM ET. BeneLynk is an independent company.
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Call Social Security
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 7 PM. You can talk to an agent or schedule a visit.
Common questions about Extra Help
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If you already have Extra Help and you think you’re paying an incorrect cost share for your drugs at the pharmacy, you have options.
Based on the federal Best Available Evidence (BAE) policy, you can send any one of these documents to have us review your Part D cost share:
A copy of your Medicaid card
A copy of your Social Security Administration Award Letter
A state document (or copy of one) that shows you have Medicaid
A screenprint from the Medicaid system showing active Medicaid status
A printed copy of a state electronic enrollment file showing Medicaid status
Other state documents showing Medicaid eligibility status
An “Application Filed by Deemed Eligible” notice from Social Security confirming automatic eligibility for Extra Help based on SSI
A copy of a state-approved Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) plan with your name and the effective date
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If you're helping someone with Extra Help choose Medicare drug coverage, here are some key things to compare:
- Drug list (formulary): Make sure the plan covers their prescriptions.
- Pharmacy network: Check that their go-to pharmacy is in the plan's network.
- Monthly premium: Many plans have a $0 premium with Extra Help. Use the tool on this page to compare Aetna® plans in their area.
- Copays: Compare what they'll pay at the pharmacy for each drug.
- Mail order pharmacy: Some plans let you get drugs sent to you, often at a lower cost.
- Plan quality ratings: Check star ratings on Medicare.gov
For no cost help comparing plans, call BeneLynk or an Aetna representative.
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Extra Help is not the only way to lower your drug costs. These programs may work along with your Extra Help benefits:
State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states have their own programs that can help cover drug costs along with Extra Help. Contact your state for details.
Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs): These help pay for Medicare premiums and other costs. If you qualify for an MSP, you may also automatically get Extra Help.
Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs): Some drug makers offer programs to help with the cost of specific medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about options for your prescriptions.
Visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to learn more.
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Once you have Extra Help:
Aetna representatives can help you choose a plan that works for you. Call 1-855-335-1407 (TTY: 711), Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM.
Already a member? Your plan's Member Services team can help too. You can find this number on the back of your member ID. You can also get free help from BeneLynk.
Want to learn more?
Questions? We’ve got answers
Member Services
Get help from Member Services. Find contact info for your plan and other resources.
Not yet a member?
Email us or call an Aetna representative at 1-855-335-1407 (TTY: 711), Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM.