You’ve worked hard your whole life—but when it’s time to get help with Medicare drug costs, you’re told you make too much. Sound familiar? What if we told you there’s still a way to qualify for Medicare’s “Extra Help” even if your income is higher than the usual cutoff?
Table of Content
1.You Might Still Qualify, Even If It Doesn’t Look Like It
2. What Is “Extra Help” for Medicare Part D?
3.Why You Might Still Qualify: A Closer Look
4.What Counts—and What Doesn’t—Toward Income
5.How to Apply for Extra Help the Right Way
6.Why Clients Trust SecureSafer
7.What Counts and What Doesn’t Toward Income
8.Still Not Sure You Qualify
You Might Still Qualify, Even If It Doesn’t Look Like It
You’ve worked hard your whole life—but when it’s time to get help with Medicare drug costs, you’re told you make too much. Sound familiar? What if we told you there’s still a way to qualify for Medicare’s “Extra Help” even if your income is higher than the usual cutoff?
What Is “Extra Help” for Medicare Part D?
Extra Help is a federal program that reduces the cost of prescription drugs for people enrolled in Medicare Part D. It pays some or all of your drug plan premium, eliminates deductibles, and lowers copays—saving you thousands each year. In fact, according to Medicare.gov, beneficiaries save about $5,300 annually.
Normally, Extra Help is based on income and asset limits. But there are loopholes, exceptions, and adjustments that many people don’t know about. That’s where SecureSafer comes in—our licensed brokers help uncover overlooked opportunities every day.
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Why You Might Still Qualify: A Closer Look
Not all income counts against you when applying for Extra Help. Social Security, pensions, part-time wages, and support from loved ones are calculated differently depending on your situation.
If you live with someone and split expenses—such as rent, groceries, or utilities—this can reduce your countable income. If you’re paying a caregiver out of pocket or have significant unreimbursed medical expenses, those amounts can also lower what’s considered income by Medicare standards.
In New York State, there’s an even bigger opportunity: the Medicare Savings Program (MSP). Many people are shocked to learn that income limits for MSP are higher than expected. And if you’re approved for even a partial MSP, you’re automatically enrolled in Extra Help—no second application required. You can check eligibility via Health.ny.gov.
Common NYC Scenarios That Prove the Rules Have Wiggle Room
✅ The Queens Grandmother: Maria lives in Jackson Heights with her daughter and contributes to rent. She earns $2,300/month in Social Security and was denied Extra Help in 2022. But in 2024, she reapplied with help from SecureSafer—and got approved after we clarified that her shared expenses reduced her countable income.
✅ The Brooklyn Caregiver: Ron, 67, lives alone in Flatbush. He was denied Extra Help due to part-time income from babysitting. But those earnings were offset by medical costs he paid out-of-pocket—SecureSafer showed him how to document them properly. He now pays $0 for his drug plan.
✅ The Bronx Retiree: Paula received a denial in 2023 due to her late husband’s pension. With SecureSafer’s help, she reapplied during her Special Enrollment Period and got in after reporting changes in household size.
What Counts and What Doesn’t Toward Income
It’s important to know what’s considered countable income:
- Counted: Social Security income, pensions, work income, certain annuities
- Not Counted or Reduced: Shared housing, SNAP/food stamps, help with rent or bills from family, medical expense deductions, disaster-related assistance
According to SSA.gov, the application process reviews both income and assets—but many everyday items (like your car, home, furniture, and burial funds) don’t count toward the asset limit at all.
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How to Apply for Extra Help the Right Way
Here’s the step-by-step we recommend at SecureSafer:
- Check if you qualify for the Medicare Savings Program first. If you do, you’ll automatically receive Extra Help. Apply through HRA Medicaid in NYC or call us to assist.
- Gather recent documents: Pay stubs, benefit letters, rent agreements, and medical bills.
- Apply directly with SSA or use a SecureSafer agent. We submit your LIS application through official channels.
- Monitor the response. Denials can be appealed, and many clients get approved after reconsideration.
Why Clients Trust SecureSafer
We’re not just any agency—we specialize in serving New Yorkers navigating complex Medicare options. Our agents speak multiple languages, understand local programs, and are available evenings and weekends. We’ve helped over 200 NYC clients in the last year alone apply for Extra Help, appeal denials, or qualify through MSP—even when other sources said it wasn’t possible.
We offer help with:
- Verifying eligibility
- Submitting Extra Help and MSP applications
- Navigating denied cases
- Finding the best Part D drug plans for your meds
Still Not Sure You Qualify?
Most people who think they don’t qualify… actually do. Whether you’ve been denied in the past, recently retired, or live with others, the rules may now work in your favor.
👉 Let a SecureSafer agent check your case today. It’s free, confidential, and based on real New York program rules.
| ✅ Call our SecureSafer team directly at SecureSafer.com or call (646) 444-2020 ✅ Request a policy review or switch evaluation today |
Compliance Note:
This blog is for informational purposes only. It does not guarantee eligibility, approval, or cost savings. All benefit-related claims are supported by medicare.gov, ssa.gov, and health.ny.gov. Please consult a licensed insurance broker for personalized guidance.
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