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Costs & paperwork · 3-minute guide

Ask about help with Medicare costs

Learn which cost-help conversations may be useful.

The short answer

Extra Help (Medicare’s program for Part D drug costs) and Medicare Savings Programs (state programs that help pay Medicare costs) are starting points to ask about. Eligibility and applications depend on the program and your circumstances; this site does not determine qualification.

A useful next step

  1. Name the cost that is difficult

    For example, prescription costs or Medicare premiums. Keep exact financial information for the official application or counselor.

  2. Ask which program to explore

    Ask Medicare or a SHIP counselor (State Health Insurance Assistance Program — free, unbiased Medicare counseling) where to start. Extra Help concerns Part D prescription costs; state Medicare Savings Programs may help with certain Medicare costs.

  3. Prepare for the application

    Ask the official program what documents are needed and how to apply securely. Do not enter income or account numbers here.

Words you can use

“Which programs should I ask about, and where do I apply through an official channel?”

An everyday example · Fictional

Drew is worried about costs and asks a counselor which official programs to explore. No eligibility or savings are assumed in this example.

A question worth keeping

Ask which cost-help programs I can apply for and what information is needed.

Words on this page

SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program)
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling in every state. Counselors do not sell insurance. Find your state’s SHIPshiphelp.org
Extra Help
A federal program that lowers Part D premiums and drug costs for people with limited income. Applied for through Social Security. Help with drug costsmedicare.gov
Medicare Savings Programs
State programs, run through your state Medicaid office, that pay the Part B premium and sometimes more. Medicare Savings Programsmedicare.gov

Source and scope

General educational guidance. This does not confirm benefits, eligibility, deadlines, or costs for an individual.

Official sources

Links open the official site in this tab. We send no information about you. Checked October 10, 2026.

Sources checked October 10, 2026.