What is the income limit for Medicare Part D?

Asked by: Lavada Durgan  |  Last update: November 17, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (47 votes)

It is also known as the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS). If your monthly income is up to $1,976 in 2025 ($2,664 for couples) and your assets are below specified limits, you may be eligible for Extra Help (see the Extra Help income and asset limit chart for details).

Is there an income limit for Medicare Part D?

Key Takeaways. The Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS/Extra Help) benefit can save you thousands on your prescriptions each year. Older adults with incomes up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Level qualify for the LIS/Extra Help program. Our chart explains income and assets limits, who needs to apply, and more.

What makes you eligible for Medicare Part D?

A person becomes eligible for Medicare Part D when they qualify for other parts of Medicare. This usually means reaching 65 years of age. However, there are exceptions based on disabilities and medical conditions, including ESRD and ALS.

What is the Medicare Part D premium for 2024 for high income earners?

In addition to the monthly premium, Part D enrollees with higher incomes ($103,000/individual; $206,000/couple) pay an income-related premium surcharge, ranging from $12.90 to $81.00 per month in 2024 (depending on income).

Is there an income adjustment for Medicare Part D?

The Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) is an amount you may have to pay in addition to your Part B or Part D premium if your income is above a certain level. The Social Security Administration (SSA) sets four income brackets that determine your (or your and your spouse's) IRMAA.

Your Income Impacts What You Pay for Medicare | Part B & D

44 related questions found

What is the cap for Medicare Part D?

In 2024, some people with Part D prescription drug coverage who had high drug costs had their out-of-pocket drug costs capped at about $3,500. As of January 1, 2025, the cap was lowered to $2,000 annually.

What income level triggers higher Medicare premiums?

If you file your taxes as "married, filing jointly" and your MAGI is greater than $212,000, you'll pay higher premiums for your Part B and Medicare prescription drug coverage. If you file your taxes using a different status, and your MAGI is greater than $106,000, you'll pay higher premiums.

What is the $2000 limit for Medicare Part D?

Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, in 2025 annual out-of-pocket costs will be capped at $2,000 for people with Medicare Part D.

What income is used to determine Medicare premiums 2024?

What income is counted for Medicare premiums? Your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), which includes total gross income and certain non-taxable Social Security benefits, determines your Medicare premium.

Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.

What are the new Part D rules?

Beginning January 1, 2025, people with Part D plans through traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage won't pay more than $2,000 over the calendar year in out-of-pocket costs for their prescription medications.

Is Medicare Part D worth it?

No, Medicare Part D isn't a requirement. However, many people find that enrolling in a Part D plan is worth the investment. Your health can be unpredictable, so while you may not need many (or any) prescription drugs now, you may need them in the future.

Does everyone have to pay for Medicare Part D?

No, Medicare Part D isn't free. But in 2025, at least one $0-premium plan is available in 43 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Most plans do have a monthly premium. And all plans have other costs beyond premiums, such as copays, coinsurance and deductibles.

Who is not eligible for Medicare Part D?

You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and/or Part B to enroll in Part D. Medicare drug coverage is only available through private plans. If you have Medicare Part A and/or Part B and you do not have other drug coverage (creditable coverage), you should enroll in a Part D plan.

How much does the average person pay for Medicare Part D?

The average estimated monthly Part D plan premium in 2025 is $46.50. Other factors can affect the cost of Part D including monthly premium, yearly deductible and copayments. High-income earners may pay a surcharge known as the “income-related monthly adjustment amount” (IRMAA).

How much money can you have in the bank if you're on Medicare?

eligibility for Medi-Cal. For new Medi-Cal applications only, current asset limits are $130,000 for one person and $65,000 for each additional household member, up to 10. Starting on January 1, 2024, Medi-Cal applications will no longer ask for asset information.

Is Medicare Part D based on income?

You may have to pay more, depending on your income. Who pays a higher Part D premium because of income? You'll pay an extra 1% for each month you could have signed up for Part D, but didn't, and didn't have creditable drug coverage.

What is the Medicare salary cap for 2024?

There is no limit on the amount of earnings subject to Medicare (Hospital insurance) tax.

Does Medicare check your income every year?

Each fall, when we ask the IRS for information to determine next year's premiums, we ask for tax information to verify your reports of changes affecting your income-related monthly adjustment amounts, if any. We also ask the IRS for your two-year-old MAGI if we've temporarily used three-year-old MAGI.

Who qualifies for low income subsidy for their part of Medicare Part D costs?

People with incomes of up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) are eligible for LIS/Extra Help. Learn how the LIS/Extra Help program works, who can get this benefit, and how to enroll.

Is Medicare free at age 65 for seniors?

People age 65 or older, who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States, are eligible for Medicare Part A. You're eligible for Part A at no cost at age 65 if 1 of the following applies: You receive or are eligible to receive benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB).

How do you qualify for $144 back from Medicare?

To be eligible for the Medicare Part B Giveback Benefit, you must:
  1. Be enrolled Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
  2. Pay your own Part B premium.
  3. Live in the service area of a plan that offers a Part B giveback.

Does Social Security count as income for Medicare?

In situations where you have Social Security payments in conjunction with an income that meets the tax filing limitations, only the income will be counted toward your total when being considered for income-related medical benefits.