Topic
Lowering Medicare costs
The monthly premium is not the only cost. Extra Help can lower what you pay for Part D drugs. Apply for Extra Help through Social Security. A Medicare Savings Program can pay the Part B premium. In California, apply for that program through Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal is the state Medicaid program, and the county decides whether you qualify for it. This website does not make that decision.
Read these together
- 1Can I pay less for Medicare?Extra Help, Medicare Savings Programs, and Medi-Cal are three different programs.
- 2Extra Help in CaliforniaHow Extra Help sits next to Medi-Cal in California. Not a determination that you qualify.
- 3Extra Help copay levels in 2026The 2026 copay levels, including after you reach the Part D cap.
- 4Medicare costsPremiums, deductibles, and IRMAA. Confirm the figures on Medicare.gov.
- 5What is IRMAA?An income-related amount on Part B and Part D. It is not a plan premium.
- 6How Medicare Part D worksFormularies, pharmacies, and why drug cost is separate from the medical premium.
- 7Medicare Prescription Payment PlanIt spreads what you owe. It does not lower the total.
Tools for this question
- See if I may qualifyAn estimate of Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs. Not an eligibility decision.
- Compare Medicare Advantage plansPremiums and copays from public 2026 files. No best-plan ranking.
- Medicare Supplement standardized plansWhat Plan G, Plan N, and the other letters cover. Not a price quote.
Other topics
Common questions
What programs can help with Medicare costs?
Extra Help can lower what you pay for Part D drugs. Apply for Extra Help through Social Security. A Medicare Savings Program can pay the Part B premium. In California, apply for that program through Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal is the state Medicaid program, and the county decides whether you qualify for it. This website does not make that decision.
Is the cheapest premium the lowest cost?
Not always. A Medicare Advantage plan can have a low premium and copays when you use care. A Medicare Supplement usually has a higher premium and more predictable costs. Compare both the premium and what you pay when you get care.
Does spreading Part D costs lower the bill?
The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan changes when you pay. It does not reduce the amount you owe.