First, check whether you already have it
Under 42 CFR 423.773(c), Medicare treats you as eligible for Extra Help without an application if you have full Ohio Medicaid (including MyCare Ohio), Supplemental Security Income, or one of Ohio's Medicare Premium Assistance Programs (QMB, SLMB or QI-1). You'll get a letter from Medicare. If you think you qualify for an Ohio program, applying there first gets you both; see How do I apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Ohio?
How to apply with Social Security
- Check the 2026 limits. Yearly income below $23,940 (single) or $32,460 (married, living together), and resources up to $18,090 or $36,100. These are higher than Ohio's MSP limits.
- Gather your numbers. Balances of bank, investment and retirement accounts, plus income such as Social Security, wages, and pensions from OPERS, STRS Ohio, SERS or a private employer. Social Security doesn't count your home, vehicles, personal possessions, life insurance, burial plots or irrevocable burial contracts.
- Apply. Online at ssa.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, on form SSA-1020, or at one of Ohio's Social Security offices. A family member or caregiver can help you fill it out.
- Leave the state referral on. Unless you opt out, Social Security passes your information to Ohio to start a Medicare Savings Program application, which could also pay your Part B premium.
- Read the decision letter and pick a plan. If you're approved, use a Part D plan or Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage. If you're denied, the letter explains how to appeal.
What you get
In 2026, Extra Help caps your cost at $5.10 for each generic and $12.65 for each brand-name drug, removes any Part D late enrollment penalty, and, Medicare.gov says, may let you change drug coverage once a month. Medicare.gov has posted somewhat higher caps for 2027. Details: Extra Help in Ohio.
Ohio is its own Part D region, with 9 standalone drug plans offered statewide for 2027. To compare plans that cover your drugs from the companies they work with, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for information on all of your options.
Related questions
QMB vs. SLMB vs. QI in Ohio
Programs that include Extra Help.
How do I apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Ohio?
The Ohio side.
What assets count for Medicare Savings Programs in Ohio?
Ohio's stricter asset test.
Sources
- Social Security — Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs
- Social Security — Understanding the Extra Help With Your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDF)
- Medicare.gov — Help with drug costs (2026 limits, MSP referral)
- eCFR — 42 CFR 423.773, Requirements for eligibility
More questions in this guide
- Can a doctor bill me if I have QMB?
- How do I apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Ohio?
- What is the difference between QMB, SLMB and QI in Ohio?
- What are the Medicare Savings Program income limits in Ohio?
- What assets count for Medicare Savings Programs in Ohio?
- What is QMB in Ohio?
- What is the Medicare Premium Assistance Program in Ohio?
Part of the guide: Medicare Savings Programs in Ohio · All questions
Frequently asked questions
What are the Extra Help limits in 2026?
Yearly income below $23,940 for one person or $32,460 for a married couple, and resources up to $18,090 or $36,100, per Medicare.gov. Your home, cars and life insurance don't count.
Can I apply for Extra Help at any time?
Yes. You can apply any time of year, and Medicare.gov says you can reapply whenever your income or resources change.
Will applying for Extra Help also start a Medicare Savings Program application in Ohio?
Usually. Medicare.gov says Social Security sends your information to your state to start a Medicare Savings Program application unless you tell it not to on the Extra Help application.
Do I still choose a drug plan?
Yes. Extra Help lowers costs in a Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage. If you're approved and don't pick one, Medicare enrolls you in a plan, and you can switch.
Medicare in your Ohio county
Plans, local agents and help, county by county: Franklin · Cuyahoga · Hamilton · Summit · Montgomery · Lucas · Butler · Stark · Lorain · Warren · Delaware · Lake · Mahoning · Clermont · Trumbull · Licking · Medina · Greene · Fairfield · Portage · All 88 counties →
