Extra Help with Part D Costs for People with Low Income

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In 2006, Medicare began providing prescription drug coverage called Medicare Part D. Medicare also provides extra help with the cost of prescription drugs for those who qualify. This is known as the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program.

Benefits of the Medicare Part D Extra Help/Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) Program

The Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program helps pay for a portion of Part D prescription drug plan costs, including Part D premiums, deductibles and copayments. Depending on your income and assets, you may qualify for the full subsidy or a partial subsidy. All beneficiaries who qualify for the LIS program are permitted to change Part D plans once a month at anytime during the year.

In this section:

  1. How to Qualify for Extra Help/Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) with Part D Costs

  2. How to Apply for Extra Help with Part D Costs

  3. Benchmark Prescription Drug Plans

Also, listen to our podcast: Medicare Part D Extra Help and other Low-Income Programs — English and Spanish MP3s

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Updated Feb. 4, 2010

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