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Extra Help Paying for Prescriptions

Get help paying for your Medicare prescription drug costs 

The Medicare Extra Help program is for those with limited income and resources.  It helps pay for Medicare prescription drug costs. If you qualify for Extra Help, you’ll:

  • Get help paying your Medicare drug plan’s monthly premium, yearly deductible, coinsurance, and copayments
  • Have no coverage gap
  • Have no late enrollment penalty

Premium for Aetna members with Extra Help

Beginning January 1, 2021, those with Extra Help can switch plans once a quarter in the first nine months of the year.

You may qualify if you have up to $19,312 in yearly income ($26,130 for a married couple) and up to $13,290 in resources ($26,520 for a married couple). Note: Amounts are for 2021 and may change in 2022. If your income and resources are slightly higher, you should still apply.

You pay a lower plan premium if you qualify for Extra Help. The level of Extra Help you get determines your monthly plan premium. 

How to apply for Extra Help 

Apply online

Or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778, Monday to Friday, 7 AM to 7 PM

Aetna members can receive help applying for government assistance programs. To get help with your application, call "My Advocate" at 1-866-706-6757 (TTY: 711). They’re available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. "My Advocate" is a service offered by an independent company.

Learn more about Extra Help 


       Y0001_4006_10829 Approved 10/27/2017
       Page last updated: Mar 01, 2021