What Extra Help pays
Extra Help, also called the Low Income Subsidy (LIS), helps pay your Part D plan premium, deductible and what you pay at the pharmacy. In 2026, people with Extra Help pay no more than $5.10 for a generic drug and $12.65 for a brand-name drug, and less if they have full SoonerCare with low income. Everyone with Part D has an annual out-of-pocket cap of $2,100 in 2026. CMS has already set slightly higher Extra Help copay limits for 2027.
Who gets it automatically in Oklahoma
Medicare.gov says you qualify automatically if you have full Medicaid (in Oklahoma, SoonerCare), get help paying your Part B premium through a Medicare Savings Program, or receive SSI. OKDHS explains that when it tells Social Security you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, Social Security enrolls you in Extra Help. Medicare mails you a letter; you don't need to apply. See what QMB is in Oklahoma.
How to apply
- Check the limits. In 2026: income up to $23,940 a year (single) or $32,460 (married), and resources up to $18,090 or $36,100. Apply even if you're close.
- Apply with Social Security. Apply online at ssa.gov, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or visit an Oklahoma Social Security office. The paper form is SSA-1020.
- Let it start a Medicare Savings Program application. Medicare.gov says Social Security sends your information to Oklahoma to start a Medicare Savings Program application unless you say no. OKDHS then contacts you.
- Choose or review your drug plan. With Extra Help you can change Part D coverage once a month. You can see plans for your ZIP code or request a call from a licensed insurance agent.
Tip: OKDHS has regional MIPPA coordinators who explain Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs; its Medicare and medicines page lists them.
Related questions
How do I apply for a Medicare Savings Program?
OKDHS steps and timing.
Oklahoma's income limits
QMB Plus, SLMB and QI-1 from Appendix C-1.
Medicare Savings Programs in Oklahoma
The full guide to help paying.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Help with drug costs (Extra Help)
- Social Security — Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs
- CMS — CY 2026 Resource and Cost-Sharing Limits for Low-Income Subsidy
- Oklahoma Human Services — Medicare Savings and Premium Help
- Oklahoma Human Services — Financial Help for Medicare and Medicines (MIPPA)
- Medicare.gov — Special Enrollment Periods
More questions in this guide
- Will Oklahoma take my house if I get help paying my Medicare premiums?
- How do I apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Oklahoma?
- What are the Medicare Savings Program income limits in Oklahoma?
- What is QMB in Oklahoma?
Part of the guide: Medicare Savings Programs in Oklahoma · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Is Extra Help the same as a Medicare Savings Program?
No. Extra Help lowers Part D drug costs and is run by Social Security and Medicare. Medicare Savings Programs pay Part A or Part B costs and are decided in Oklahoma by OKDHS. If you get a Medicare Savings Program, you get Extra Help automatically.
Do I still need a Part D plan with Extra Help?
Yes. Extra Help pays toward the costs of Part D coverage, so you need a standalone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage. If you don't pick one, Medicare enrolls you in a plan.
Does my house count as a resource?
No. Social Security doesn't count the home you live in, your car or your personal belongings. Bank accounts, stocks, bonds and cash do count.
What are the limits for a married couple?
In 2026 the income limit is $32,460 a year and the resource limit is $36,100, including the amount allowed for burial expenses.
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