Enhance the Medicare Part D Extra Help program

PAN’S POSITION

The Medicare Part D Extra Help program—also known as the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program—should be further promoted to increase awareness and streamline enrollment.

In accordance with the Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law in August 2022, the income guidelines for the Extra Help program increased to allow people with an income of up to 150 percent of the federal poverty limit to qualify for help, effective January 2024.  

According to CMS, up to three million older adults and people with disabilities could benefit from the Extra Help program but are not currently enrolled. Specific outreach and enrollment efforts to ensure the program reaches the people who need it most are essential.

That’s why the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) should provide educational outreach about Extra Help to increase awareness of and enrollment in the program. Now that the Extra Help program has been enhanced, the PAN Foundation continues to serve as a key resource when it comes to increasing awareness, offering educational resources, and conducting research about the program.  

In accordance with the Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law in August 2022, the income guidelines for the Extra Help program increased to allow people with an income of up to 150 percent of the federal poverty limit to qualify for help, effective January 2024.