Beginning January 1st 2010, Medicare is changing its eligibility requirements for the Extra Help Program, making it easier to qualify. This program helps low income individuals pay their Medicare Part D prescription plan premiums, deductibles and copays.

The 2009 income limits for Extra Help are $16,245 for individuals and $21,855 for married couples. The resources limits are $12,510 for individuals and $25,010 for married couples. These limits may go up in 2010, but that determination won’t be available until January 2010. You must meet the criteria under both limits – income and resources – to qualify for Extra Help.

Beginning in 2010 Medicare will no longer include the cash value of life insurance in the calculation of your resources, and they will no longer include the value of help received from others for household expenses (such as food, rent or utilities) in the calculation of your income. Medicare will be sending a notice to those who previously applied but were not eligible in February 2010 encouraging them to reapply. You can find more information here.