Basic Medicare Part D plans with monthly premiums below the California average that also meet Medicare’s “benchmark” criteria are referred to as benchmark plans. The premium for these plans in California is at or below $29.66 in 2025. The Extra Help/Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program covers the premium and deductible of benchmark plans. This means you do not pay a premium or deductible if you receive the Extra Help/LIS benefit and enroll in a benchmark plan. You are, however, still responsible for copayments of $4.90-$12.15 for each covered prescription.
NOTE: Other presciption drug plans may have premiums below the benchmark amount, but they don’t qualify as benchmark plans because their benefits are enhanced, that is, better than the basic Part D benefit. This means you would pay a reduced premium if you enroll in a non-benchmark plan but you would still have the rest of the Extra Help benefit, i.e. no deductible and the low copayments. See a complete description of plans.
