Costs
Low-Income Subsidy (LIS)
Quick answer
LIS is the technical name for Extra Help — federal assistance that lowers or eliminates Part D drug costs for people with limited income and resources.
Plain-English definition
LIS is what CMS calls the program; 'Extra Help' is the beneficiary-facing name.
Why it matters
You'll see both terms in official Medicare materials.
A simple example
The LIS award letter is what proves you qualify for Extra Help.
Common mistakes & misconceptions
Related terms
Extra Help
Extra Help — also called the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) — is a federal program that helps people with limited income and resources pay Part D premiums, deductibles, and copays.
Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage sold by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. You get it either as a stand-alone drug plan (PDP) with Original Medicare or bundled inside most Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that helps people with limited income and resources pay for health care. People who have both Medicare and Medicaid are 'dual-eligible.'
Frequently asked questions
LIS vs Extra Help?+
Same thing.
Sources & references
📚 Where this information comes from
- Medicare.gov — official U.S. government site for people with Medicare ↗Primary source for benefits, enrollment periods, and plan comparison.
- CMS.gov — Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ↗Federal rulemaking, program updates, and official guidance.
- Social Security Administration — Medicare enrollment & premiums ↗Enrollment, premium withholding, and IRMAA determinations.
When you're ready, compare plans on your own terms
See Medicare Advantage plans from the insurance companies we represent, or walk the course with a licensed agent whenever you'd like a second set of eyes.
We help compare Medicare Advantage plans from the insurance companies we represent, and we don't offer every plan available in your area.
Medicare Caddies is an independent insurance agency. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the U.S. government, the federal Medicare program, or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). We help compare Medicare Advantage plans from the insurance companies we represent, and we don't offer every plan available in your area.