What is Medicare Extra Help?
Extra Help is a program that helps people with limited income and resources afford their Medicare Part D prescription drug cost.
Extra help can also reduce premiums, deductibles and copayments.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Be entitled or enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B
- Reside in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia
- Annual income must be below $23,475 for a single individual and $31,725 for a married couple
- Resources (assets) must be below $17,600 for a single individual and $35,130 for a married couple in 2025
YOU AUTOMATICALLY QUALIFY FOR EXTRA HELP IF YOU ARE ANY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING GROUPS:
- Medicare and full Medicaid
- Medicare and Supplement Security Income (SSI)
- Medicare and Medicare Savings Program (MSP) QMB, SLMB, or QI
You can use Medicaid Spenddown to get Extra Help with Part D, you only have to meet your Medicaid spend down one month in the year to be deemed a dual eligible.
ITEMS THAT CAN BE COUNTED AS RESOURCES ARE:
- BANK ACCOUNTS (including checking, savings and certificates of deposit
- Bonds, including U. S. Savings Bonds
- Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAS)
- Mutual Funds
- Real Estate (other than the primary residence)
- Life Insurance (cash surrender value over $1500)
- Cash at home or anywhere else
HOW TO APPLY:
If you are not deemed automatically qualified, an application must be filed with Social Security either in writing or online.
Think you may qualify? Make an appointment our Medicare Counselor and we can complete the application together. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Christine Thompson at 618.457.5200 ext. 67856.