Medicare Extra Help Phone Number: Who to Call

If you are looking for the Medicare Extra Help phone number, the exact agency you need to call depends on whether you want to apply for the program or ask questions about existing drug coverage.

Because the Social Security Administration (SSA) processes applications for Extra Help (also known as the Low-Income Subsidy or LIS), you must call Social Security to submit an application or check application status. If you have broader questions about your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or coverage options, you should call Medicare. Lets deep dive into “Medicare Extra Help Phone Number: Who to Call”

Here is a quick reference table of official government phone numbers to connect you with the right support right away:

Need	Phone Number	Who Handles It	Hours of Operation
Apply for Extra Help	1-800-772-1213	Social Security Administration	8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Local Time), Monday–Friday
Extra Help TTY Number	1-800-325-0778	Social Security Administration	8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Local Time), Monday–Friday
General Medicare Questions	1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)	Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services	24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week
Medicare TTY Number	1-877-486-2048	Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services	24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week
Free Local Counseling	State-Specific Number	State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)	Varies by State / Local Office

If you want to apply for Extra Help or need assistance filling out the Extra Help application over the phone, start by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. If you have questions about which prescription drugs are covered by your plan, need help resolving a billing dispute at the pharmacy, or want to understand your general Medicare coverage, 1-800-MEDICARE is the appropriate contact. Knowing which agency handles your specific situation prevents unnecessary transfers and saves time.

READ MORE: Medicare Extra Help Program: Eligibility, Income Limits, Benefits & How to Apply

What Is the Medicare Extra Help Program?

Medicare Extra Help, officially designated as the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) is a federal benefit designed to assist low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities in paying for their prescription drug coverage. The federal government established Extra Help to ensure that out-of-pocket medication costs do not prevent Medicare beneficiaries from accessing vital daily prescriptions.

The Extra Help program provides targeted financial relief for several components of Medicare Part D prescription drug plans:

• Monthly Premiums: Extra Help pays all or a significant portion of your Part D plan’s monthly premium.
• Annual Deductibles: It eliminates or significantly lowers the annual deductible you must pay before your plan begins covering medications.
• Prescription Copayments and Coinsurance: It sets a fixed cap on the amount you pay for each covered prescription at the pharmacy.
• Coverage Gap Relief: It protects beneficiaries from experiencing unexpected spikes in out-of-pocket costs throughout the coverage year.

It is important to understand that Extra Help is exclusively associated with Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. It does not pay for hospital care (Medicare Part A), doctor visits or outpatient services (Medicare Part B), or routine dental, vision, and hearing services. It is specifically structured to lower the cost of prescription medications.

What Is the Medicare Extra Help Phone Number?

The primary phone number to apply for the Medicare Extra Help program is Social Security’s national toll-free helpline:

• Social Security Extra Help Phone Number: 1-800-772-1213
• Social Security TTY Number for Hearing/Speech Impaired: 1-800-325-0778

When you call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, you can:

1. Complete an Extra Help application directly over the telephone with a representative.
2. Request a physical paper application (Form SSA-1020) to be mailed to your home address.
3. Schedule an appointment with a representative at your local Social Security field office for in-person assistance.
4. Inquire about the current processing status of an Extra Help application you have already submitted.
5. Report changes in income, marital status, or household financial resources that might affect your subsidy.

Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM local time. Automated phone services are accessible 24/7 for basic automated inquiries.

READ MORE: Extra Help Paying Medicare Part B Premiums

What Is the 1-800-MEDICARE Phone Number?

While Social Security handles Extra Help applications, Medicare handles general program administration and plan management.

• 1-800-MEDICARE Phone Number: 1-800-633-4227 (1-800-MEDICARE)
• Medicare TTY Number for Hearing/Speech Impaired: 1-877-486-2048

You should call 1-800-MEDICARE instead of Social Security when you need help with:

• Understanding which Medicare Part D prescription drug plans are available in your zip code.
• Checking whether a specific prescription drug is included on a plan’s formulary (covered medication list).
• Resolving problems when a pharmacy states that your Extra Help subsidy is not showing up in their billing system.
• Filing a formal complaint or appeal against a Medicare Part D plan.
• Confirming your overall Medicare Part A and Part B enrollment status.

The 1-800-MEDICARE helpline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (excluding certain federal holidays), making it available anytime you experience an urgent prescription issue at a pharmacy.

Medicare Extra Help Phone Number vs. Social Security Phone Number

To avoid long hold times and transfers, use this comparison guide to determine whether to contact Social Security, Medicare, or another resource:

Question or Problem	Who to Call	Recommended Phone Number
Want to apply for Medicare Extra Help	Social Security	1-800-772-1213
Need phone assistance completing the application	Social Security	1-800-772-1213
Need TTY access to apply for Extra Help	Social Security TTY	1-800-325-0778
Check the status of a pending Extra Help application	Social Security	1-800-772-1213
General questions about Medicare Parts A, B, or D	Medicare	1-800-MEDICARE
Find a Part D plan that works with Extra Help	Medicare	1-800-MEDICARE
Pharmacy says Extra Help isn’t working at checkout	Your Part D Plan / Medicare	Phone number on insurance card / 1-800-MEDICARE
Need free, unbiased, local enrollment counseling	Local SHIP Office	State-specific SHIP helpline

Understanding this structural difference saves time: Social Security determines eligibility and processes applications, while Medicare administers the coverage and handles plan operations.

READ MORE: Dual Eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid: Eligibility & How It Works

How to Apply for Medicare Extra Help by Phone

If you prefer applying over the phone rather than online, Social Security offers step-by-step phone assistance.

1.Call the Social Security Toll-Free Number:1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).

Call between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM local time, Monday through Friday. Early morning calls typically have shorter wait times.

2.Request Extra Help Application Assistance:

When connected with a representative, state clearly: “I would like to apply for the Medicare Part D Extra Help program over the phone.” The representative will open the official Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (Form SSA-1020).

3.Provide Financial and Personal Information:

Answer the representative’s questions regarding your monthly income, assets, and household details. You do not need to send physical paper documents during the phone call, but you must provide accurate values based on your current financial records.

4.Review and Submit the Application:

The representative will read back your responses to ensure accuracy. Once confirmed, they will submit your application electronically into the Social Security processing system.

5.Await Your Official Determination Notice:

Social Security will review your information and mail an official decision letter to your address within several weeks, explaining whether you qualify and your specific level of savings.

What Should I Have Ready Before Calling Medicare Extra Help?

Having all necessary documentation organized before dialing will make your call smoother and faster. Use this senior-friendly checklist:

• [ ] Medicare Card: Have your 11-character Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) ready.
• [ ] Social Security Card or Number: Required for personal verification.
• [ ] Prescription Drug Plan Card: If you are currently enrolled in a Part D or Medicare Advantage plan.
• [ ] Income Information: Recent tax returns, Social Security benefit statements (Form SSA-1099), pension stubs, or statements for pay, alimony, or other monthly income.
• [ ] Financial Account Statements: Most recent statements for checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), stocks, bonds, or mutual funds.
• [ ] Medication List: A list of your current daily prescription drugs and dosages.
• [ ] Pharmacy Details: Name and location of your preferred pharmacy.
• [ ] Written Questions: A pad and pen to note down representative names, reference numbers, and specific instructions.

Consumer Safety Note: Federal representatives will never call you uninvited demanding personal financial details or bank numbers. Only share personal financial information when you initiate the call to the verified 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-MEDICARE phone numbers.

READ MORE: Medicare Telehealth Coverage Guidelines

What Questions Can I Ask About Medicare Extra Help?

When speaking with representatives at Social Security or Medicare, asking precise questions helps ensure you get complete information.

Questions for Social Security (1-800-772-1213)

• “Based on my income and financial resources, am I eligible to apply for Extra Help?”
• “Can you help me complete the SSA-1020 Extra Help application over the phone right now?”
• “What is the status of my Extra Help application submitted on [Date]?”
• “Does my Extra Help application automatically start an application for my state’s Medicare Savings Program?”
• “How do I report a change in my household income or marriage status?”

Questions for Medicare (1-800-MEDICARE)

• “Which Medicare Part D plans in my area qualify for a $0 monthly premium under Extra Help?”
• “My pharmacy says my Extra Help is active, but my prescription copay seems too high. Can you check my status?”
• “Does my current Part D plan cover all of my daily medications under the Extra Help copay limits?”
• “What steps should I take if my pharmacy cannot confirm my Extra Help status today?”

What If My Pharmacy Says My Extra Help Isn’t Showing?

A common issue occurs when a beneficiary has been approved for Extra Help, but the pharmacy counter system shows standard, non-discounted prescription prices. If this happens, follow these practical steps:

1. Ask the Pharmacist to Check the CMS Hub: Request that the pharmacist re-query the Medicare clearinghouse system or check for “Best Available Evidence” (BAE).
2. Show Official Documentation: Present your official Social Security Extra Help approval letter, Medicaid notice, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) award letter to the pharmacy staff.
3. Call Your Part D Insurance Plan Immediately: Contact the customer service number on the back of your prescription drug card. Drug plans have dedicated pharmacy support lines to update Extra Help status in real-time.
4. Contact 1-800-MEDICARE: If the pharmacy and drug plan cannot resolve the issue, call 1-800-MEDICARE while at the pharmacy. Medicare representatives can assist in confirming your LIS status so you do not leave without needed medication.

Important Health Advice: Never stop taking a prescribed medication due to a temporary billing issue at the pharmacy counter. Inform the pharmacist immediately if cost prevents you from picking up your prescription so they can assist you with temporary coverage or emergency supplies while the billing is corrected.

Can Someone Else Call Medicare Extra Help for Me?

Yes, a family member, caregiver, trusted friend, or legal representative can assist you when calling Medicare or Social Security. However, strictly enforced federal privacy rules protect your personal health and financial details.

Calling Social Security for Someone Else

• Applying on Their Behalf: A relative or friend can assist an applicant in answering questions during a phone application.
• Authorized Representatives: To manage an applicant’s ongoing Extra Help business or receive private records, Social Security requires formal authorization or documented legal status (such as Power of Attorney or Representative Payee designation).

Calling Medicare for Someone Else

• Standard Privacy Form: Medicare cannot discuss specific health information or plan details with a family member unless the beneficiary has submitted a Medicare Authorization to Disclose Personal Health Information form (CMS-10106).
• Verbal Permission on a 3-Way Call: If the beneficiary is on the telephone line with you, they can provide verbal authorization to the 1-800-MEDICARE representative to allow you to speak on their behalf for that specific call.

READ MORE: Transition from Employer Health Insurance to Medicare

Medicare Extra Help TTY Numbers for Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Beneficiaries

Federal agencies provide dedicated TTY (Teletypewriter) lines for older adults and beneficiaries who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities.

• Social Security Extra Help TTY Number:1-800-325-0778
  • Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Local Time), Monday–Friday
  • Primary Purpose: Application submission, income updates, and LIS status inquiries.
• Medicare TTY Number:1-877-486-2048
  • Hours: 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week
  • Primary Purpose: General Medicare assistance, drug plan inquiries, and pharmacy billing support.

When using TTY services, ensure your teletypewriter device is properly connected before dialing. Alternatively, telecommunications relay services (TRS) can be used by dialing 711 from any standard phone.

Can I Apply for Extra Help Online Instead of Calling?

Yes, applying online through Social Security is often faster and more convenient than calling.

Advantages of Applying Online

• No Waiting on Hold: You can start and complete the application at your own pace without waiting for an available phone representative.
• Save and Resume: The online portal allows you to save your progress and return later if you need to locate bank statements or tax documents.
• Instant Confirmation: You receive an immediate digital receipt and confirmation number confirming that your application was received by Social Security.

How to Apply Online

To submit your application digitally, visit the official Social Security website at SSA.gov/extrahelp. The online form is simple, takes about 15–30 minutes to complete, and does not require a digital signature.

If you run into difficulties while completing the online application, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to have a representative guide you through the remaining steps.

What If I Don’t Qualify Automatically for Extra Help?

Some Medicare beneficiaries qualify for Extra Help automatically without needing to file an application. You automatically qualify for Extra Help if you have Medicare and receive:

• Full Medicaid coverage
• Help from your state paying Part B premiums through a Medicare Savings Program (QMB, SLMB, or QI)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits

If you do not automatically qualify, you can still apply as long as your income and assets fall below the annual federal guidelines.

2026 Extra Help Eligibility Guidelines

The Inflation Reduction Act expanded Extra Help so that all eligible applicants receive full 100% Extra Help benefits if their income is below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Applicant Status	2026 Annual Income Limit*	2026 Countable Resource Limit**
Single Individual	$23,940	$16,590
Married Couple Living Together	$32,460	$33,100

*Income limits are higher for residents of Alaska and Hawaii, or for individuals supporting additional family members living in the household.

Resource limits include $1,500 per person set aside for burial expenses. Countable resources include checking/savings accounts, CDs, stocks, and bonds. Countable resources do not include your primary home, one vehicle, personal belongings, or life insurance policies.

If your financial situation changes due to retirement, loss of income, or changes in household size, you should apply even if you were previously denied.

Does Extra Help Cover Medicare Part B?

No, Medicare Extra Help does not cover Medicare Part B costs.

A common area of confusion for older adults is mixing up Extra Help with Medicare Part B assistance.

• Medicare Extra Help: Covers Part D prescription drugs (premiums, deductibles, copays).
• Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs): Covers Part B costs (monthly Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance).

If you need assistance paying your monthly Medicare Part B premium, you must apply for a Medicare Savings Program through your state’s Medicaid office.

Medicare Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs

Understanding the difference between state and federal assistance programs ensures you get all the benefits you qualify for:

Feature	Medicare Extra Help (LIS)	Medicare Savings Programs (MSP)	Medicaid
Primary Purpose	Lowers Part D prescription drug costs	Pays Part B premiums (and sometimes Part A/B cost-sharing)	Provides comprehensive health coverage and long-term care
Administered By	Social Security Administration / Federal	State Medicaid Offices	Joint State and Federal Program
What It Covers	Premiums, deductibles, copays for medicine	Part B premiums ($185.00/month standard in 2025/2026), deductibles	Doctor visits, hospital stays, nursing home care, prescriptions
Dual Advantage	Qualifies you automatically for MSP in many states	Automatically qualifies you for full Extra Help	Automatically qualifies you for full Extra Help

Pro Tip: When you apply for Extra Help through Social Security, Social Security will securely forward your information to your state’s Medicaid agency to initiate a Medicare Savings Program application unless you explicitly opt out on the application.

Free Help From SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program)

If navigating phone systems or determining eligibility feels overwhelming, you do not have to do it alone. The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free, unbiased, one-on-one Medicare counseling.

What SHIP Counselors Do

• Unbiased Advice: SHIP counselors are trained, certified volunteers and staff who are not insurance agents and do not sell products.
• Application Assistance: They can sit down with you—in person or over the phone—to help gather documents and fill out Extra Help applications.
• Plan Comparison: They can run your exact medications through Medicare’s plan finder tool to identify which Part D plans save you the most money when combined with Extra Help.

To locate your state’s dedicated SHIP office, visit shiphelp.org or call 1-877-839-2675.

What If I Can’t Get Through on the Phone?

During peak enrollment seasons (such as Medicare Annual Enrollment from October 15 through December 7), phone lines for Social Security and Medicare can experience high call volumes. If you face long wait times, try these strategies:

1. Time Your Call Strategically: Social Security phone lines are generally less busy early in the morning (between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM), later in the week (Wednesday through Friday), or toward the end of the month.
2. Use the Automated Phone Features: If you only need standard forms or basic office location information, use the 24/7 automated options at 1-800-772-1213 without waiting for an operator.
3. Schedule a Call Back or Field Office Appointment: Request a scheduled telephone callback or set up an appointment at your local Social Security field office.
4. Leverage Online Self-Service: Complete your application or check claim status online at SSA.gov.
5. Reach Out to SHIP: Local SHIP counselors can often assist you directly without waiting on national federal phone queues.

Beware of Medicare and Extra Help Scams

Older adults are frequently targeted by identity thieves posing as government officials. Protect your personal information by watching for these red flags:

• “Pay to Apply” Scams: Applying for Medicare Extra Help is 100% free. Anyone asking for a fee or processing charge to submit your application is a scammer.
• Unsolicited Phone Calls: Neither Medicare nor Social Security will place unexpected phone calls demanding your Medicare number, Social Security number, or banking details.
• Threats of Cancellation: Scammers often claim your Medicare benefits will be terminated immediately unless you verify personal details over the phone.
• Guaranteed Approval Claims: No private company or third party can guarantee approval for Extra Help; only the Social Security Administration makes official eligibility determinations.

If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately and report it to 1-800-MEDICARE or the HHS Office of Inspector General at 1-800-HHS-TIPS.

Medicare Extra Help Phone Number — Quick Reference

Keep these verified official contacts on hand for easy access:

Service / Agency	Phone Number	TTY Line	Primary Purpose
Social Security Administration	1-800-772-1213	1-800-325-0778	Extra Help Applications & Status
Official Medicare Helpline	1-800-633-4227 (1-800-MEDICARE)	1-877-486-2048	Drug Plans, Coverage & Pharmacy Issues
SHIP National Locator	1-877-839-2675	Dial 711 Relay	Free Local Medicare Counseling
SSA Online Portal	SSA.gov/extrahelp	N/A	Online Application Portal
Medicare Online Portal	Medicare.gov	N/A	Plan Comparison & Health Records

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Takeaway

Navigating Medicare prescription coverage does not have to be confusing or expensive. If you are struggling with out-of-pocket drug costs, calling the Medicare Extra Help phone number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) is your first step toward getting financial relief.

Remember these core rules:

• Call Social Security (1-800-772-1213) to submit or check an Extra Help application.
• Call Medicare (1-800-MEDICARE) for questions about Part D plans, coverage rules, or pharmacy billing issues.
• Reach out to your local SHIP office for free, unbiased assistance from certified counselors.
• Applying is 100% free—never pay anyone offering to process your application.

Sources & Official Resources

• Social Security Administration (SSA): Understanding the Extra Help With Your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (Form SSA-1020 / POMS LIS Guidelines). Available at SSA.gov
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): Save on Your Medicare Drug Costs with Extra Help (CMS Publication No. 12200). Available at Medicare.gov
• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS): Medicare Savings Programs & Low-Income Subsidy Regulations. Available at CMS.gov
• State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): National Medicare Counseling Network. Available at shiphelp.org

(Note: Program income limits and resource thresholds are reviewed annually by CMS and SSA. Information updated for 2026).