Costs & Savings

Are You Missing Out on Extra Help?

AltaMedicare is an independent Medicare agency in Alpine, Utah, founded by Bret Swope, a licensed Medicare agent. We provide educational, no-pressure help comparing Medicare Advantage, Medigap (Medicare Supplement), and Part D at no cost, serving the entire state of Utah. Call or text (435) 292-5548.

Many Utah seniors qualify for Extra Help with prescription costs and don't know it. Checking your eligibility could save thousands.

Extra Help is a federal program that lowers what you pay for Medicare Part D prescription drugs — including premiums, deductibles, and copays. The savings can add up to thousands of dollars a year, yet many people who qualify never apply, simply because they don’t realize they’re eligible.

You may qualify if

  • Your income and savings are limited (the limits are higher than most people assume)
  • You already receive Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or a Medicare Savings Program
  • You’re a Utah senior on a fixed income worried about drug costs

Recent rules expanded Extra Help so that more people now get the full benefit rather than a partial one.

How to check

There’s no harm in applying — it’s free, and approval can substantially cut your prescription costs. Start with our IRMAA & income tools to understand where you stand, learn more on the prescription drug plans page, or just ask Bret. We’ll help you figure out if you qualify and walk through the application — at no cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Extra Help?

Extra Help is a federal program that lowers what you pay for Medicare Part D prescription drugs, including premiums, deductibles, and copays.

Who qualifies for Extra Help?

People with limited income and resources may qualify. If you already have Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or a Medicare Savings Program, you generally qualify automatically.

What are the 2026 Extra Help resource limits?

For 2026 the resource (asset) limits are $16,590 for an individual and $33,100 for a married couple. These are asset limits, not income limits — income is assessed separately.

How much do prescriptions cost with Extra Help?

With Extra Help, copays for covered drugs are no more than $12.65 in 2026.

Does it cost anything to apply for Extra Help?

No. Applying is free, and there's no downside to checking — approval can substantially reduce your prescription costs.

Want a real person to walk through this with you?

Bret Swope is a licensed Utah Medicare agent. No bots, no pressure — just clear answers.