Medicare beneficiaries can qualify for Extra Help with their Medicare prescription drug plan costs. The Extra Help is also known as the Low Income Subsidy (LIS).  The Extra Help is estimated to be worth about $4,000 per year.  Extra Help pays for the costs of monthly premiums,  annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments related to a Medicare prescription drug plan.

To qualify for the Extra Help:

• You must reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia;

• Your resources must be limited to $13,440 for an individual or $26,860 for a married couple living together.  Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks and bonds. We do not count your home, car or any life insurance policy as resources

• Your annual income must be limited to $17,235 for an individual or $23,265 for a married couple living together. Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help. Some examples where your income may be higher are if you or your spouse support other family members that live with you or have earnings from work.

Your eligibility for assistance can be determined by either the Social Security Administration (SSA) or you Senior Services office.  To apply online or get more information on Low Income Subsidy visit the Social Security website.