During Medicare Open Enrollment, NYSOFA Reminds Older Adults That Free NYS Medicare Counseling Is Available

 

Income-eligible beneficiaries also encouraged to enroll in Medicare Savings Program (MSP) to save up to an estimated $8,100 annually on out-of-pocket costs

The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) reminds older New Yorkers that free and objective counseling is available to help Medicare beneficiaries navigate their options during the Medicare Open Enrollment period from October 15 through December 7. Medicare Open Enrollment is the time when Medicare beneficiaries can review their current coverage and make changes in their health plan or prescription drug coverage. Any changes take effect January 1.

This year, accessing trusted help is especially important. The Medicare Advantage marketplace is undergoing significant changes. Changes in federal policy, along with other market factors, are affecting plan availability and costs in some areas. As a result, some beneficiaries may need to select new coverage for 2027. Even when plans remain available, their costs, provider networks, prescription drug coverage, and other benefits may change. That’s why it’s especially important for Medicare beneficiaries to review their coverage options carefully during Open Enrollment.

The NYSOFA-administered Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) helps 250,000 New Yorkers annually to understand Medicare decisions during Medicare Open Enrollment and throughout the year. It also helps beneficiaries apply for programs, like the Medicare Savings Program (MSP), to save on costs such as co-payments, premiums and deductibles. This free and objective assistance is provided locally by trained counselors. Call the helpline at 1-800-701-0501. More information about HIICAP is on NYSOFA's website, or watch these NYSOFA videos featuring HIICAP and the Medicare Savings Program.

Assistance is also available from partner organizations, including the Medicare Rights Center (MRC), which helps older adults get answers to their Medicare questions, resolve coverage problems, and access the care they need. MRC runs a free helpline at 1-800-333-4114.

NYSOFA Director Greg Olsen said, “During Medicare Open Enrollment we understand you’re bombarded with advertisements, and it can be overwhelming. NYSOFA’s network of HIICAP counselors and partners like the Medicare Rights Center are available to provide free and objective information to help you make your best health insurance choices. This service also helps you explore benefits and subsidies that you may be eligible for, such as the Medicare Savings Program, to help you keep more of your hard-earned money.”

Medicare Rights Center President Fred Riccardi said, “Every year, millions of people with Medicare face important choices during Medicare Open Enrollment. We urge everyone with Medicare to use this time to make sure their doctors, facilities, pharmacies, and prescriptions are still covered and to choose the coverage that best fits their needs. This is also a good time to learn about the Medicare Savings Program, which can help pay the Part B premium and lower prescription drug costs. HIICAP provides free, unbiased counseling and can screen individuals for the program."

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

For income-eligible older adults, the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) helps pay Medicare Part B premiums and automatically enrolls beneficiaries in Extra Help. This financial assistance can be a lifeline for enrollees, allowing them to maintain their Medicare coverage, access needed care, and afford other necessities. Eligible individuals who enroll can save up to an estimated $8,100 annually. Learn more about this program, and how to enroll, on NYSOFA's MSP information page here where you can also see a video tutorial about the application process. To date, over 1 million individuals have enrolled in the MSP following Governor Hochul’s historic expansion of the MSP in 2022.

HIICAP in Detail

During Medicare Open Enrollment, or at any time of the year, HIICAP can help you:

• Compare Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans.
• Understand Medicare coverage and costs.
• Learn about assistance like the MSP, Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program, and other programs.
• Learn how to appeal a decision by Medicare, your managed care provider, or other health insurance company, or file a Medicare or Medigap complaint.

Protecting Yourself

Medicare experts report a higher risk of potential fraud during the Medicare Open Enrollment period as well as potentially misleading marketing. Medicare has rules about how plans can and cannot communicate with you to market their insurance products. The Medicare Rights Center offers the following warnings:

• Plans are allowed to send you mail. However, unless you are currently enrolled in the company’s plan, they are not allowed to call, email, visit your home, or approach you in public to market their plan without your permission.
• Beware of people who pressure you about making plan changes, claim to represent Medicare, or attempt to alarm you about losing benefits unless you enroll in a particular plan.
• Beneficiaries who believe they are a victim of fraud or identity theft should contact Medicare. More information is available at medicare.gov.

NYSOFA also reminds older adults to treat their Medicare number as they do their Social Security number and credit card information. People with Medicare should never give their personal information to anyone arriving at their home uninvited or making unsolicited phone calls selling Medicare-related products or services. If someone calls and asks for a recipient’s Medicare number or other personal information, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).