Low Income Subsidy
Low Income Subsidy (LIS) is a Medicare Program that assists in paying Medicare drug coverage for people with limited income resources.
Have You Applied for LIS? You Might Be Eligible For Medicare Drug Coverage
How well do you know your healthcare benefits?
Changes to Medicare Insurance Plans in 2025 are directly impacting your medication costs for the rest of the year. These changes were implemented by the US Government and change how much of your medication costs you are responsible for paying. We want to assist in directing you to a resource that could help cover those costs.
LIS or Low Income Subsidy is a Medicare Program that assists in paying Medicare drug coverage for people with limited income resources.
If you think you might qualify, follow the link below and answer all the questions accurately.
Having Trouble Applying? Click here for step-by-step instructions.
Once you submit your application, expect to hear back in about 2-3 weeks. They will inform you if you have been approved, denied, or if additional information is needed.
If you think you might qualify, follow the link below and answer all the questions accurately.
Please be aware that the LIS application must be filled out every year.
If you have further questions about your Medicare Plan, Gonzaba Medical Group can connect you with a licensed healthcare professional. Call now at 210-921-3800 and get your questions answered!
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ's
What’s LIS?
Low Income Subsidy, (LIS), also known as “Extra Help” is a Medicare program to help people with limited income and resources pay Medicare drug coverage (Part D) costs:
- What is Premium – A monthly amount you pay for Medicare coverage, whether you get services or not.
- What is a Deductible – An amount you have to pay for covered services and items each year before Medicare or your plan starts to pay.
- What is Coinsurance – A percentage of the cost that you pay.
Who might need help with their LIS?
There are 4 groups of people who already have the LIS, but may need some help to keep it or to understand that their LIS is changing. We send them targeted notices on colored paper when there are changes to their LIS.
1. People who won’t automatically be eligible for the LIS
Each September, we mail a notice (CMS Publication No. 11198) (PDF) on gray paper to people who’ll no longer automatically get the LIS. This notice is a LIS application, and it includes a postage-paid pre-addressed envelope. These people may still qualify for the LIS, but they will need to send in a new application. The gray notice:
- Tells the person why they no longer automatically qualify for the LIS
- Encourages them to fill out and send in a LIS application
2. People who’ll have a change to their LIS co-payment
In early October, we mail a notice (CMS Publication No. 11199) (PDF) on orange paper to people who’ll qualify for extra help, but will have a change to their co-payment.
3. People who’ll be reassigned to a new plan
In early November, we mail a notice on blue paper (CMS Publication No. 11208) (PDF) to people who qualify for the LIS, but will be reassigned to a new prescription drug plan starting on January 1st.
We automatically reassign people who:
- Qualify for the full (100%) premium subsidy
- Are in a prescription drug plan that’s raising the premium above the low-income premium amount
- Were enrolled in their current plan by CMS
We’ll also automatically reassign people who qualify for the LIS, if their prescription drug plan leaves the Medicare Program.
Do I have to go to a certain pharmacy if approved?
No, LIS is honored at any pharmacy you choose to use. The pharmacy will run the prescription through your current Medicare coverage and since LIS is provided by Medicare, the pharmacy will know of your LIS status and copays will automatically apply accordingly.
Will I get a call from the program or just a letter?
You will receive a letter from LIS in about 2-3 week to inform you if you are approved, denied or if additional information is needed.
Do I really need to provide my spouse's social since they are not applying?
No.
Do you need the actual amount of what I get?
No, just an estimate.
If my daughter lives with us, do I include her proof of income?
If you file income tax together (you claim her, or she claims you), yes.
Will this affect my current Medicare (MC) coverage?
No.
Will this affect my assets, will the state be able to take my home later?
At Gonzaba Medical Group, we provide the highest quality of healthcare through our coordinated care model. Your primary care provider will be at the forefront of your care with the support of in-house specialty services ranging from physical medicine to diabetic education. We can’t wait to tell you more!
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