Short answer: For 2026, Extra Help is for a single person with income up to $23,940 and resources up to $18,090, or a married couple living together with income up to $32,460 and resources up to $36,100. People on full Medicaid, a Medicare Savings Program or SSI get it automatically without meeting these tests separately.
Medicare.gov lists these 2026 limits for Extra Help (the Part D Low-Income Subsidy):
- Individual: income $23,940, resources $18,090
- Married couple: income $32,460, resources $36,100
The income test is built on the federal poverty level: under 42 CFR 423.773, a full subsidy goes to people with income below 150% of the poverty level for their family size and resources at or below the yearly threshold. Since 2024 there is no longer a separate partial-subsidy tier for incomes between 135% and 150%; everyone who qualifies gets the full subsidy.
The limits can rise each year, and they differ in Alaska and Hawaii. Someone who is close to the line should apply anyway: Social Security makes the call, and Medicare.gov notes someone who is turned down can reapply any time their income or resources change.