Medicare LIS: What It Is, Who Qualifies, and How It Cuts Prescription Costs
When you’re on Medicare LIS, a federal program that helps people with limited income pay for Medicare Part D prescription drugs. Also known as the Low-Income Subsidy, it’s one of the most underused benefits in Medicare — and it can slash your monthly drug bills by hundreds of dollars. If you’re taking medications for high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease, and you’re struggling to afford them, Medicare LIS might be your best friend.
This program doesn’t just cover part of your drug costs — it can eliminate your Part D premium, lower your copays to just a few dollars per prescription, and remove the coverage gap (that’s the infamous ‘donut hole’). You don’t need to be broke to qualify. In 2025, individuals earning up to $21,590 a year and couples earning up to $29,170 can qualify. Even if you get some help from Medicaid, SNAP, or Extra Help, you might still be eligible. Many people think they make too much, or they don’t know the application process, so they skip it. But the truth? The Social Security Administration automatically checks your eligibility if you’re on Medicaid or SSI. If you’re not, you still need to apply — and it’s easier than you think.
Medicare LIS connects directly to other key parts of your healthcare. It works hand-in-hand with Medicare Part D, the prescription drug coverage offered through private insurers — meaning you can pair your LIS benefits with any Part D plan that accepts it. It also reduces your out-of-pocket spending, which matters if you’re on expensive drugs like insulin, statins, or anticoagulants. And because it’s tied to your income, it’s not a one-time thing — you’ll get reviewed every year, so if your situation changes, your benefits adjust too. This isn’t charity. It’s a structured safety net built into Medicare to keep people healthy and out of the hospital.
Look at the posts below. You’ll find real-world examples of how people use this benefit to manage chronic conditions — from reducing costs on rosuvastatin to navigating insurance coverage for authorized generics. You’ll see how pharmacists help patients apply for LIS during medication reviews, and how formulary placement can make or break your savings when you’re on a tight budget. These aren’t theoretical stories. These are people who were paying $200 a month for their meds — and after getting LIS, paid $5.
If you or someone you care about is taking daily prescriptions and feeling the pinch, don’t assume you don’t qualify. The system doesn’t always reach out. You have to ask. And what you find out might change your year — maybe even your life.
- By Percival Harrington
- /
- 14 Nov 2025
Extra Help Program for Low-Income Seniors: How to Qualify for Prescription Drug Savings
Learn how low-income seniors can qualify for the Medicare Extra Help Program to cut prescription drug costs to just a few dollars per pill - no premiums, no deductibles, and automatic enrollment for many.