How do I apply for Extra Help with Medicare drug costs in Florida?

First, check whether you already have it

Under 42 CFR 423.773(c), Medicare treats you as eligible with no application if you have full Florida Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or a Medicare Savings Program from DCF (QMB, SLMB or QI1). Medicare.gov says you'll get a notice in the mail. If that's you, skip the application.

How to apply

1. Pick a way to apply. Online at ssa.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help; by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778); with paper form SSA-1020; or at a Social Security office. You can apply any time of year.
2. Have your numbers ready. Balances of bank, investment and retirement accounts, and your income: Social Security, a pension such as the Florida Retirement System or a union or federal plan, and any wages.
3. Leave the Medicare Savings Program referral on. Unless you say no, Social Security sends your information to the state, and DCF opens a Medicare Savings Program application. That program could also pay your Part B premium, $202.90 a month in 2026.
4. Read the decision letter. If you're approved and don't have a drug plan, Medicare enrolls you in one; you can choose another. If you're denied, the letter explains how to appeal, and you can reapply if your income or savings go down.

Florida tips

• Extra Help reaches higher than DCF's programs. QI1 stops at 135% of the poverty level; Extra Help goes to 150%, with a higher resource limit. Apply even if DCF turned you down.
• No state backup program. Florida doesn't have a state drug-assistance program for seniors, so Extra Help is the main help with Part D costs. See Does Florida have a state drug assistance program for seniors?
• State retirees, check first. If you have State Group Insurance after Medicare, ask People First before joining any outside Medicare plan. See Florida state retirees and Medicare.
• Gap in coverage? If you qualify but aren't in a drug plan yet, Medicare's LI NET program can cover drugs for a short time (1-800-783-1307, TTY 711).

Once you have Extra Help, compare drug plans with your prescriptions at PlanMatch, or you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent. More in Extra Help in Florida.

Related questions

Sources

• Medicare.gov — Help with drug costs (Extra Help, 2026 limits, LI NET, MSP referral)
• Social Security — Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs
• eCFR — 42 CFR 423.773, Requirements for eligibility (deemed eligibility)
• CMS — CY 2026 Resource and Cost-Sharing Limits for Low-Income Subsidy (PDF)
• Florida DCF — Appendix A-9.1, MSP and LIS Financial Standards, effective April 2026 (PDF)

More questions in this guide

• What documents do I need to apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Florida?
• Will Florida Medicaid take my house after I die if I get a Medicare Savings Program?
• How do I apply for a Medicare Savings Program in Florida?
• What are the Medicare Savings Program income limits in Florida?
• Does Florida count my house or car for Medicare Savings Programs?
• What is QMB in Florida?

Part of the guide: Medicare Savings Programs in Florida · All questions

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