Medicare Part D

Extra Help in Central: Who Qualifies for Part D Savings

In Central, Louisiana, many people on Medicare pay more for their prescriptions than they need to — simply because they haven't heard about a program called Extra Help. Also known as the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), it is a federal benefit that lowers what you pay each month for Medicare Part D drug coverage.

Central sits in East Baton Rouge Parish, where residents have access to the same Medicare Part D plans available across the parish. Whether you already have a drug plan or you're just signing up, Extra Help can meaningfully reduce your out-of-pocket costs — if you qualify.

What Extra Help actually does

Extra Help pays for a large share of your Part D costs. That includes your monthly plan premium (up to a benchmark amount), your yearly deductible, and the copays you pay at the pharmacy for covered drugs. According to CMS, people who qualify for Extra Help pay no more than a small, set amount for each generic or brand-name prescription.

It also protects you from the late enrollment penalty for Part D. That's the extra fee Medicare normally adds to your premium if you go too long without drug coverage after becoming eligible.

Who qualifies in 2026 and 2027 and 2027

Extra Help is based on your income and your resources (savings, investments, and similar assets). Your home, one car, personal belongings, and burial funds generally do not count as resources.

In broad terms, you may qualify if your yearly income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level and your resources fall under the program's limits. Social Security updates the exact figures each year, so it's worth checking the current numbers at ssa.gov/extrahelp or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

Some people are automatically enrolled in Extra Help and don't need to apply. That includes people who have both Medicare and full Medicaid, people enrolled in a Medicare Savings Program, and those who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

How to apply

You don't need to wait for a special enrollment window. You can apply for Extra Help at any time. There are three easy ways:

• Online: Go to ssa.gov and search for "Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs."
• By phone: Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
• In person: Visit your local Social Security office. There is one in Baton Rouge that serves Central residents.

You'll need basic information about your income, savings, and any other benefits you receive. A family member or trusted friend can help you fill it out.

How Extra Help fits with recent Part D changes

Big changes have already reshaped Part D. As of 2025, the coverage gap (the old "donut hole") is gone, and Part D now has three simpler phases. The maximum Part D deductible is $615 for 2026 and $700 for 2027, and the annual out-of-pocket cap on drug spending is $2,100 for 2026 and $2,400 for 2027, per CMS.

There's also the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, an option that lets you spread your drug costs across the calendar year in monthly payments instead of paying a large amount at the pharmacy counter. It doesn't lower your total cost — Extra Help does that — but it can make budgeting easier.

Where Central residents can get free help

You don't have to sort this out alone. Louisiana's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), called SHIIP here, offers free, unbiased counseling for people on Medicare. Trained counselors can walk you through the Extra Help application, review whether you might also qualify for Medicaid or a Medicare Savings Program, and answer questions about Part D coverage in East Baton Rouge Parish.

You can reach Louisiana SHIIP at 1-800-259-5300. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit medicare.gov for personalized plan information.