How does a consumer who qualifies for Low Income Subsidy (LIS) receive financial assistance for their share of Medicare Part D costs?

• A. By enrolling in any Part D plan that has no premium
• B. Through the Extra Help program with lower or no monthly plan premiums and lower or no copayments
• C. It is automatically applied to LIS recipients
• D. Only available during annual enrollment

Answer: (B)

Extra Help is the program that provides this financial support. For those who qualify for LIS, Extra Help lowers the costs you pay for Medicare Part D by reducing or eliminating monthly plan premiums, reducing or eliminating the annual deductible, and lowering copayments for your prescriptions. It can also lessen the amount you pay when you reach the coverage gap, depending on the plan and benefits in place. This assistance is designed to make Part D affordable throughout the year, not just during a specific enrollment period.

Some LIS recipients automatically receive Extra Help, especially if they also have Medicaid or SSI, but others must apply to Social Security to qualify. The important point is that the mechanism of assistance is the Extra Help program, not simply choosing any plan with no premium or waiting only for annual enrollment.