Improving Access to Extra Help for Prescription Drugs

Current Medicare policies expose low- and moderate-income beneficiaries to excessive out-of-pocket costs. For those who qualify, the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program (also called “Extra Help”) can be a lifeline, helping them pay for Medicare coverage they would not otherwise be able to afford. But accessing this program presents challenges of its own. The application process is complex and fragmented, and the eligibility requirements are woefully outdated. As a result, many who need this assistance aren’t able to get it.