Medicare Extra Help: What It Is, Who Qualifies, and How to Apply

Medicare Extra Help: What It Is, Who Qualifies, and How to Apply

July 16, 20252 min read

If you’re on Medicare and struggling to afford prescriptions, this program could save you thousands.
But most people don’t even know it exists.

The Problem

Even with Medicare, prescription drugs can be a burden.
We often hear:

“I’m skipping doses to make it last.”
“I can’t afford one of my medications.”
“I thought Medicare would cover more.”

And yet… many people who are struggling qualify for Extra Help, a federal program designed to dramatically lower your costs.
The issue? Most don’t even know they qualify.

The Guide

At Mere, we help people across Jacksonville and Northeast Florida get the savings and support they deserve—without stress, confusion, or pressure.

We’ve walked hundreds of clients through the Extra Help application—saving them money and restoring peace of mind.

The Plan: What to Know About Extra Help

What is Extra Help?

Also known as Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), this Medicare program helps reduce:

  • Part D premiums

  • Annual deductibles

  • Prescription copays

With the $2,000 drug cost cap starting in 2025, Extra Help can still provide meaningful savings—especially for those on fixed incomes.

Who Qualifies?

Eligibility is based on your monthly income and assets.

In 2025, approximate limits are:

  • Single:
    Monthly income under ~$1,903
    Resources below ~$17,220

  • Married (living together):
    Monthly income under ~$2,575
    Resources below ~$34,360

Note: Your home, car, and personal belongings don’t count toward assets.

Even if you're close to these limits, it's still worth checking—some levels of Extra Help are partial, but still very beneficial.

What Could You Save?

If you qualify for full Extra Help, you may receive:

  • $0 drug plan premium

  • No deductible

  • $0–$4.50 for generic medications

  • $0–$11.20 for brand-name medications

  • No late enrollment penalties

Even with Medicare’s new $2,000 drug cost cap in 2025, Extra Help can save you $2,500–$3,000 or more annually by eliminating premiums, deductibles, and reducing copays.

How to Apply

  • Apply online at ssa.gov

  • Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213

  • Or let our team walk you through it—at no cost

We’ll help you gather the right documents and submit the application correctly the first time.

Real Story: No More Skipping Doses

Martha from Nassau County was skipping her blood pressure medication every other day. We reviewed her income and realized she qualified for full Extra Help.

Her plan premium dropped to $0, her copays were under $3, and she could finally take her medications consistently.

“I cried when I filled all my prescriptions for under $10.” — Martha

The Success You Want

With Extra Help, you can:

  • Afford the medications you need

  • Avoid late penalties

  • Stay out of the coverage gap

  • Keep more money in your pocket each month

📞 Your Next Step

Wondering if you qualify? Let’s find out.
We’ll review your situation and help you apply—at no cost and with no obligation.

➡️ Visit www.merebenefits.com/rx-savings or call our office today.

Let’s see if you're leaving money—and peace of mind—on the table.

#simplyforyourbenefit
Helping Medicare recipients across Jacksonville, Clay, and St. Johns County stay healthy and save more

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Disclaimer

Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, Social Security, Healthcare.gov, or any government agency.

Need Help? The MereCare Team is here for you year-round.

Licensed Insurance Agency

Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or ‍1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information. Not affiliate with or endorsed by the United States government, the federal Medicare program. Social Security, or
Healthcare.gov.


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