Access to medically necessary healthcare is critical for successful patient outcomes, yet access is often impeded or blocked entirely by high deductibles, co-pays and coinsurance. These out- of-pocket (OOP) costs hit low-income seniors especially hard. For economically vulnerable Medicare beneficiaries and people with disabilities, the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program is a critical safety net that helps cover OOP costs for prescription drugs. The PAN Foundation's Issue Brief describes the LIS program, how it helps low-income seniors and people with disabilities, and what more can be done to ensure that OOP drug costs do not prevent these beneficiaries from getting the treatment they need.
WHAT IS THE LIS PROGRAM AND WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
All Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for prescription drug coverage through Medicare Part D drug plans. Medicare beneficiaries with low incomes and very few assets (e.g. bank accounts, stocks, bonds, etc.) as well as some people with disabilities may qualify for the LIS program, which helps cover OOP prescription drug costs. Also called “Extra Help,” the LIS program shields economically vulnerable and disabled beneficiaries from high OOP drug costs by helping them pay for monthly premiums, annual deductibles and co-payments for prescription medications obtained through Medicare prescription drug programs.[1]
The LIS program is divided into two parts: the “Full LIS program” and the “Partial LIS program,” and they differ based on who is eligible, how people enroll, and how much support the program provides for OOP drug costs.
To learn more about the LIS program, download the PAN Foundation's Issue Brief 11 - Medicare’s Low-Income Subsidy Program.
Disclaimer: Guest blogs do not necessarily reflect the views of the ADAP Advocacy Association, but rather they provide a neutral platform whereby the author serves to promote open, honest discussion about public health-related issues and updates.
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