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Extra Help and Medicare costs in California

Extra Help (the Part D Low-Income Subsidy) and other programs may lower what some people pay for Medicare. Eligibility depends on income, resources, and the rules in effect — not on this website. This page is education only. It is not a determination that you qualify.

What Extra Help may do

Extra Help is a federal program that may reduce Part D premiums, deductibles, and copays for people who meet the limits. Some people are automatically enrolled; others apply through Social Security. Apply and check status at SSA.gov. Medicare.gov also explains Extra Help in plain language.

Medi-Cal and dual eligibility

In California, Medicaid is called Medi-Cal. People with both Medicare and Medi-Cal are often called dual eligible. Depending on the level of Medi-Cal, they may qualify for extra cost help or, in some counties, Dual Special Needs Plans. Benefits vary by plan and ZIP code. We do not list or recommend those products here.

Public 2026 figures (confirm on Medicare.gov)

CMS has published these 2026 Original Medicare figures: Part B premium $202.90 per month; Part B deductible $283; Part A inpatient deductible $1,736 per benefit period. Figures can change. They are not a plan premium. Confirm on Medicare.gov before you budget.

ZIP code still decides what exists

Even with Extra Help, the Medicare Advantage and Part D products available to you depend on your ZIP code. Medisure does not offer every plan in your area. We currently represent 6 organizations that offer Medicare Advantage and Part D products in California. For a complete list, visit Medicare.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 711, or California HICAP at 1-800-434-0222.

Talk it through without a hard sell

If you want a licensed California agent to explain how Extra Help, Medi-Cal, and Medicare parts fit together, you can start with Medisure Answers or schedule an educational Zoom with Alan in Arcadia. Bring questions, not medical records. This website does not enroll you.

Common questions

Can this website tell me if I qualify for Extra Help?
No. Extra Help eligibility is set by federal rules. Apply or check status at Social Security (SSA.gov). This page is education only.
What is Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program. Some people have both Medicare and Medi-Cal. Benefits and options vary. Confirm details with the official programs, not this website.
Where can I see every plan in my ZIP code?
Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 711, or California HICAP at 1-800-434-0222.

We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program. This page is general education. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 6 organizations which offer Medicare Advantage and Part D products in California. The number of products available to you depends on your ZIP code. For a complete list of options, visit Medicare.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 711, or California HICAP at 1-800-434-0222.

We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program. Medisure Agency only has independent insurance agents. We do not offer health or drug plan enrollment on this website. We may help facilitate enrollment after a review of coverage, budget, and lifestyle needs, using carrier- or upline-approved enrollment processes. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 6 organizations which offer Medicare Advantage and Part D products in California. The number of products available to you depends on your ZIP code. For a complete list of options, visit Medicare.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 711, or California HICAP at 1-800-434-0222. Benefits, premiums, networks, and eligibility vary. This site is for education only and is not a determination of a “best” plan.

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