GOV. HOCHUL: Nearly one-million New Yorkers enrolled in program to help adults save $7,000 per-year in health care costs

ALBANY, NY- Governor Kathy Hochul announced this week that nearly one million New Yorkers are now enrolled in State-administered Medicare Savings Program (MSP), which can help eligible older adults save an estimated average of $7,400 per year in health care costs.

“Our work to expand the Medicare Savings Program is helping ease the burden of healthcare costs for nearly one million New Yorkers and putting thousands of dollars back in their pockets,” the Governor 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.”

With the Medicare open enrollment period underway as of October 15, Governor Hochul also encouraged more New Yorkers to learn about and enroll in the MSP.

Medicare beneficiaries or Medicare-eligible individuals are encouraged to contact the state's Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) for information on enrolling in the MSP or to receive assistance with other Medicare enrollment questions.

New Yorkers can call the HIICAP toll-free hotline at 1-800-701-0501.

Many older adults are eligible for this program following the Governor’s historic expansion of the MSP, which increased income eligibility limits to ensure more New Yorkers can benefit from health care savings.

The Medicare open enrollment period begins tomorrow, Oct. 15, and will remain open until Dec. 7.

While New Yorkers can enroll in the MSP all year round, the open enrollment period is a great time to learn about the benefits and address any Medicare questions.

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

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

• 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 (MSPs).
• Find ways to pay for your medications or medical equipment.
• Understand and apply for the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program.
• Choose between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans.
• Understand Medicare rules and your medical bills.
• Report possible Medicare fraud or abuse.
• Provide information on how to appeal a decision by Medicare, your 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.

Image via the office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul.