What is Low Income Subsidy (LIS)?

People with limited incomes may qualify for Extra Help to pay for their prescription drug costs. If eligible, Medicare could pay for up to one-hundred (100) percent of drug costs including monthly prescription drug premiums, annual deductibles, and co-insurance. Additionally, those who qualify will not be subject to the coverage gap or a late enrollment penalty. Many people are eligible for these savings and don’t know it. For more information about this Extra Help, contact your local Social Security office or call (800) MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. TTY users should call (877) 486-2048.

Low Income Subsidy

If you have a limited income, you may be eligible for help. Members with LIS may receive help with: 

• Monthly premiums
• Co-payments
• Continued drug coverage through the coverage gap

Take a look at the latest LIS Premium Summary Chart

You can apply for the LIS if you have Medicare Parts A and B, live in one of the 50 states or District Columbia, and meet the resource and income requirements.

Here's some basic information to help you determine whether you qualify for the LIS.

What is the Resource Limit?

For 2011

• Your combined savings, investments, and other assets less than $25,260 if you are married and living with your spouse, or
• $12,640 if you are not currently married or are not living with your spouse.

The Resource Limit does not include:

• The home that you live in
• Vehicles
• Personal possessions
• Burial plots or irrevocable burial contracts

Find out if you qualify and apply online.

What is the Income Limit?

Income limits for 2011

• $16,335 individual
• $22,065 married couple / living together

How do I get the LIS?

Complete and submit the Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (Form SSA-1020B-OCR-SM (12-2009) available:

• Call Trillium for assistance:
  Toll Free (800) 910-3906 or TTY (866) 279-9750


• or contact Social Security:
  www.socialsecurity.gov
  Toll Free (800) 772-1213 or TTY (800) 325-0778

What Will I Need to Complete the Form?

• Bank and credit union statements
• Investment statements
• Life insurance policy statements
• Stock certificates
• Tax returns
• Pension award letters
• Payroll slips

What Happens Next?

• Once you submit your application, Social Security will review the information and notify you by mail if you are approved
  or declined.
• If you are not already enrolled in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, you may do so once you receive this approval.