The Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy, sometimes referred to as Extra Help, assists people with limited income and resources with paying for their prescriptions. Extra Help pays for a Medicare beneficiary’s plan premium up to a benchmark amount, and at the pharmacy beneficiaries pay no more than $10 for their medications.
Extra Help is administered by the Social Security Administration. There are two levels of Extra Help: full and partial. People who receive Medicaid, a Medicare Savings Program, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will be automatically enrolled into Extra Help.
Income limits are set based on the federal poverty guidelines which were updated in January. The Extra Help income limit for a single individual is $20,385 per year, or $1,699 per month. The income limit for a couple is $27,465 per year, or $2,289 per month.
Resource or asset limits to receive full Extra Help are $9,900 for an individual and $15,600 for a couple. Partial help limits are $15,510 for an individual and $30,950 for a couple.
Beneficiary’s must meet both income and asset guidelines. If you think you might qualify or have questions contact Brenda at 785-346-2521 or bklangdon@ksu.edu.
By: Brenda Langdon
