Prescription costs can become a major expense for older adults, especially when several medications are needed each month. Fortunately, seniors with Medicare or limited income may have several ways to reduce prescription costs.
Options can include Medicare's Extra Help program, Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid, state pharmaceutical assistance programs, drug manufacturer assistance, and other prescription savings resources. The right option depends on your income, resources, medications, insurance, and where you live.
What Prescription Assistance May Help With
Depending on the program, assistance may help reduce:
- Prescription copayments
- Coinsurance
- Deductibles
- Medicare Part D premiums
- The cost of certain brand-name or generic medications
- Other eligible prescription drug expenses
Medicare's Extra Help program is specifically designed to help people with limited income and resources pay Medicare Part D prescription costs.
Who May Qualify?
Prescription assistance programs can have different requirements. Eligibility may depend on:
- Age
- Income
- Savings and other resources
- Medicare enrollment
- Medicaid eligibility
- The medications you take
- Your insurance coverage
- State of residence
- Whether a pharmaceutical company offers an assistance program for your medication
Being a senior does not automatically qualify someone for every prescription assistance program.
Check What You May Qualify For
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Programs vary based on income, location, insurance, medications, and age.
Prescription Assistance Programs for Seniors
Medicare Extra Help
Medicare's Extra Help program can help people with limited income and resources pay Medicare Part D premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and other prescription costs. Some people qualify automatically, while others need to apply.
For 2026, Medicare lists income and resource limits for Extra Help, with different limits for individuals and married couples. These limits can change, so check the current requirements when applying.
Medicare Savings Programs
Medicare Savings Programs are administered by states and can help eligible people with certain Medicare costs. People who qualify for some of these programs can also receive Extra Help with prescription drugs.
For example, Medicare states that people who qualify for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary, Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary, or Qualifying Individual programs also receive Extra Help with their prescription drugs.
Medicaid
Some seniors with limited income and resources may qualify for Medicaid in addition to Medicare. Medicaid eligibility and benefits vary by state.
People who receive full-benefit Medicaid automatically qualify for Medicare Extra Help.
State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs
Some states operate pharmaceutical assistance programs that can help qualifying residents with prescription costs. Availability and eligibility vary by state.
Medicare also identifies State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs as one possible source of help with drug costs.
Prescription Assistance From Drug Manufacturers
Some pharmaceutical companies offer assistance programs for people who meet their requirements. These programs can have specific income, insurance, medication, and diagnosis requirements.
USA.gov recommends contacting the company that makes a prescription drug to ask about low-cost options, discounts, or assistance.
Generic Medications
Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether a generic version is appropriate for your prescription. Generic medications can sometimes cost less than brand-name alternatives.
Never stop or change a prescription simply because it is expensive. Discuss lower-cost alternatives with your healthcare professional.
How to Find Prescription Assistance
- Review your Medicare drug coverage. Check your Part D or Medicare Advantage plan and the medications it covers.
- Check Extra Help eligibility. People with limited income and resources may qualify.
- Check Medicare Savings Programs. Your state determines eligibility for these programs.
- Ask about Medicaid. If you have limited income, check your state's Medicaid requirements.
- Check state prescription programs. Some states provide additional assistance.
- Ask your pharmacist about lower-cost options.
- Contact the drug manufacturer. Ask whether an assistance program exists for your medication.
- Compare your plan's prescription costs. Different Medicare drug plans can have different premiums, deductibles, copayments, and covered drugs.