Indiana Extra Help for Medicare Part D: Eligibility and How to Apply
What Extra Help Does
Extra Help — officially the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) — is a federal program that dramatically reduces prescription drug costs under Medicare Part D. In 2026, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act's expansion, all Extra Help enrollees receive full benefits:
- $0 monthly premium on benchmark Part D plans
- $0 annual deductible
- $5.10 copay for generic drugs
- $12.65 copay for brand-name drugs
- $2,100 annual out-of-pocket cap on total drug spending
For a senior taking multiple medications, Extra Help can save thousands of dollars a year.
2026 Income and Asset Limits
To qualify for Extra Help directly through Social Security:
| Single | Couple | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual income limit | $23,940 | $32,460 |
| Resource limit | $18,090 | $36,100 |
Note that the Extra Help resource limits ($18,090 / $36,100) are significantly higher than Indiana's MSP resource limits ($9,950 / $14,910). Someone whose assets exceed the MSP threshold might still qualify for Extra Help on its own.
The resource count excludes your home, one vehicle, burial plots, irrevocable burial contracts, and life insurance.
The MSP Shortcut: Automatic Extra Help
Here's the connection that matters most for Indiana families: if you qualify for any Indiana Medicare Savings Program — QMB, SLMB, or QI — you are automatically enrolled in Extra Help. No separate application required.
When DFR approves your MSP, the state transmits your eligibility data to CMS. CMS updates your Medicare profile to "deemed LIS eligible" and notifies your Part D plan. If you don't have a Part D plan, CMS auto-assigns you to a benchmark plan in Indiana.
This automatic enrollment is one of the strongest reasons to apply for an MSP even if you only qualify for SLMB or QI, which cover only the Part B premium. The Extra Help that comes with MSP approval adds prescription drug savings on top.
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How to Apply Directly
If your income or assets fall above Indiana's MSP limits but within the federal Extra Help thresholds, apply directly through Social Security:
- Online at ssa.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help
- By phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778)
- In person at your local Social Security office
When you apply through SSA, the agency can automatically send your information to Indiana DFR to screen you for MSP eligibility too, unless you opt out. This dual screening costs nothing and could unlock additional benefits.
When You're Denied Extra Help
If SSA denies your Extra Help application because of excess assets, check whether you qualify for HoosierRx — Indiana's state program that pays up to $70 a month toward your Part D premium. HoosierRx has no asset test, only an income threshold ($23,940/year single, $32,460/year couple) and an age requirement (65+).
Best Available Evidence at the Pharmacy
After MSP approval, it can take a few weeks for the Extra Help status to sync to your Part D plan's system. If a pharmacy charges you full price or high copays during this gap, present "Best Available Evidence" — your DFR Notice of Action showing MSP approval. The pharmacy or plan is required to apply the LIS copay levels.
The Indiana Medicare Savings Programs Guide explains the full relationship between MSPs, Extra Help, and HoosierRx, including how to handle the transition period after approval.
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