As Medicare Open Enrollment Period Begins Tomorrow, Governor Encourages More New Yorkers to Enroll in Medicare Savings Program
Governor Expanded Income Eligibility to Ensure Program Serves More Older Adults Statewide
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced 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. With the Medicare open enrollment period starting tomorrow, Governor Hochul also encouraged more New Yorkers to learn about and enroll in the MSP. 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.
“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,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “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 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.
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.
In 2022, Governor Hochul secured an historic expansion of the MSP that increased income eligibility limits for New Yorkers. 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 (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.
Below is a regional breakdown of the nearly one million New Yorkers already enrolled in the MSP as of late Sept.
REDC Region | Number of MSP Enrollees |
Western New York Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara | 62,004 |
Finger Lakes Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, Yates | 49,062 |
Southern Tier Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Delaware, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins | 30,340 |
Central New York Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Oswego | 30,409 |
Mohawk Valley Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, Schoharie | 24,673 |
North Country Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence | 20,973 |
Capital District Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren, Washington | 39,803 |
Hudson Valley Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester | 71,200 |
New York City | 574,665 |
Long Island Nassau, Suffolk | 79,863 |
Statewide Total | 982,992 |
More About the MSP
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 (SSA) 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 this assistance equals nearly $7,400 in savings annually. This financial assistance can be a lifeline for enrollees, allowing them to maintain their Medicare coverage, access needed care, and afford other necessities.
In 2022, Governor Hochul announced an historic expansion of the MSP, which is administered at the state level. The 2024 income eligibility limits for the MSP are $2,355 per month for an individual and $3,189per month for a couple.
Beneficiaries with income just above the posted limits should still consider contacting New York HIICAP for assistance in the application process, 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 and objective counseling for Medicare beneficiaries needing assistance applying for the MSP or any other Medicare-related questions. Simply call HIICAP at 1-800-701-0501. Callers will be routed to their local program for assistance.
An application for the MSP is also available on the New York State Department of Health website here . The application and required documentation should be sent your local Department of Social Services (LDSS) or Human Resource Administration (HRA). Find the address in your county here. 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. Learn more on NYSOFA's website.
About Medicare Open Enrollment
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.
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