Extra Help is for people with Medicare who have limited income and resources. Some people qualify automatically; others apply through Social Security.
Check whether you already qualify automatically
Medicare says you automatically get Extra Help if you have full-benefit Medicaid, receive help from a Medicare Savings Program paying your Part B premium, or receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Medicare mails a notice explaining the help and drug-plan enrollment.
Who should apply
Apply if you have Medicare, do not qualify automatically, and want Social Security to review your income and resources. The limits can change each year, so use Medicare's current official page rather than an older amount. Extra Help is not available in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or American Samoa; Medicare directs residents there to their local Medicaid office for other assistance.
Information to prepare
Social Security may ask about finances for you and a spouse who lives with you, including bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, pensions, annuities, veterans' benefits, Railroad Retirement Board benefits, wages, and other income. Answer from current records; Social Security decides what counts.
Steps
- Review the current Medicare eligibility page and check whether automatic qualification applies.
- Gather the financial information Social Security requests for you and your spouse, if applicable.
- Apply on SSA.gov, or call Social Security to apply by phone or arrange an appointment.
- Save the submission confirmation and read every decision or follow-up notice.
- If approved, review the Medicare notice about your drug plan and costs. You may choose a different Medicare drug plan.
When to apply
You may apply before or after joining a Part D plan, and you may reapply if your income or resources change. Applying for Extra Help does not itself replace the need for Medicare drug coverage; if you qualify and do not choose a plan, Medicare may enroll you in one.