By Alexander James, Licensed Independent Insurance Agent · NPN 19291077
Part of our guide to Medicare and Medicaid together.
Who gets Extra Help automatically
According to Medicare.gov, you get Extra Help automatically if you have any of these:
Full Medicaid
A Medicare Savings Program that pays your Part B premium (QMB, SLMB or QI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Medicare or Social Security mails a notice to let you know. If you are dual eligible, this is one of the ways your two programs already work together.
2026 income and resource limits
Extra Help: 2026 limits (Medicare.gov)
Yearly income
- Single
- $23,940
- Married
- $32,460
Resources
- Single
- $18,090
- Married
- $36,100
| Limit | Single | Married |
|---|---|---|
| Yearly income | $23,940 | $32,460 |
| Resources | $18,090 | $36,100 |
Limits for 2027 have not been published yet. Some state publications show resource figures about $1,500 per person lower, because Medicare.gov's figures include an allowance for burial expenses.
The once-a-month drug coverage change
With Medicaid or Extra Help, Medicare.gov says you can change your drug coverage once a month. Since January 1, 2025, this monthly option lets you move to Original Medicare with a stand-alone drug plan, or change from one stand-alone drug plan to another. It does not let you join or change Medicare Advantage plans; those changes use the usual enrollment windows. Our Part D guide explains how drug coverage works.
FAQ
Frequently asked
Sources
Each page was read on October 23, 2026.
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