Governor touts state Medicare program enrollment

Oct. 14—Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Monday, Oct. 14 that nearly one million New Yorkers are now enrolled in a state-administered Medicare Savings Program, which can help eligible older adults save an estimated average of $7,400 per year in health care costs, according to a news release from Hochul's office.

With the Medicare open enrollment period starting Tuesday, Oct. 15, Hochul also encouraged more New Yorkers to learn about and enroll in the MSP.

"Our work to expand the Medicare Savings Program is helping ease the burden of health care costs for nearly one million New Yorkers and putting thousands of dollars back in their pockets," Hochul said. "I encourage older adults in New York to use the Medicare open enrollment period to find out if they are eligible for the program and to learn if other Medicare coverage options can provide additional cost savings."

The Medicare open enrollment period will remain open until Dec. 7. While New Yorkers can enroll in the MSP all year, the open enrollment period "is a great time to learn about the benefits and address any Medicare questions," the release stated.

The MSP helps Medicare beneficiaries living on limited incomes by paying their Medicare Part B premiums and automatically enrolling them in the federal government's Extra Help program, which helps with prescription drug costs.

The 2024 income eligibility limits for the MSP are $2,355 per month for an individual and $3,189 per month for a couple.

Medicare beneficiaries or Medicare-eligible individuals are encouraged to contact the state's Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program for information on enrolling in the MSP or to receive assistance with other Medicare enrollment questions, the release stated. New Yorkers can call the HIICAP toll-free hotline at 1-800-701-0501.

According to the release, the MSP helps Medicare beneficiaries living on limited incomes by paying their Medicare Part B premiums and automatically enrolls them in Extra Help. The U.S. Social Security Administration estimates a potential cost savings of $5,300 per person enrolled in Extra Help. The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees is $174.70 per month. Combined, the assistance equals nearly $7,400 in savings annually.

Beneficiaries with income just above the posted limits should still consider contacting New York HIICAP for assistance in the application process, the release stated, as individuals may be paying for out-of-pocket costs that can be deducted from their gross income to make them eligible. HIICAP offers free counseling for Medicare beneficiaries needing assistance applying for the MSP or any other Medicare-related questions.

An application for the MSP is also available on the state Department of Health website. The application and required documentation should be sent your local Department of Social Services or Human Resource Administration. To apply, applicants will need photocopies of their Medicare card, proof of income, documentation about health insurance premiums other than Medicare, proof of date of birth and residence.

Open enrollment is the time when Medicare beneficiaries can make changes in their health plans or prescription drug coverage and other options.

During open enrollment, or at any time of the year, HIICAP can help people:

—Understand the Medicare prescription drug benefit (Medicare Part D) and how to select the best plan.

—Understand low-income subsidy programs, including Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs.

—Find ways to pay for medications or medical equipment.

—Understand and apply for the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage program.

—Choose between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans.

—Understand Medicare rules and medical bills.

—Report possible Medicare fraud or abuse.

—Provide information on how to appeal a decision by Medicare, a managed care provider or other health insurance company.

—Discover ways to fill in Medicare's gaps.

—Learn how to file a Medicare or Medigap complaint.

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