Extra Help is a program to help people with limited income and resources pay for prescription drug program costs.

Extra Help may lower your premiums, deductibles and copays or coinsurance. It also covers you throughout the coverage gap and waives any Part D late enrollment penalty.

If you qualify for Extra Help and join a Medicare prescription drug program, you’ll:

• Get help paying your Medicare drug plan’s costs
• Have no Part D late enrollment penalty
• Be covered during the coverage gap (also called the "donut hole")

Four different levels of Extra Help

Based on your income and assets, you could qualify for one of four different levels of Extra Help. Depending on your plan and your level, the program may pay 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% of your monthly Medicare Part D premium for you.

Keep in mind: Extra Help only covers prescription drug costs.

You may qualify if your income is limited to $19,320 for an individual ($26,130 for a married couple living together) AND your resources are limited to $15,510 for an individual ($30,950 for a married couple living together), you may qualify for Extra Help. Note: Amounts are for 2022 and may change in 2023. If your income and resources are slightly higher, you should still apply.

For more information about qualifying, call or visit:

• The Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213; TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778, between 7 AM and 7 PM, Monday to Friday.
• Social Security Administration's website

There are multiple ways to apply for Extra Help. Here are three ways to start:

• If you’re an Allina Health | Aetna Medicare member, you can get help with your application from an independent service called “BeneLynk”. They’re available Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM ET. Call 1-888-715-0098 (TTY: 711).
• Apply online at Social Security’s website.
• Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778, Monday to Friday, 7 AM to 7 PM