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.
Open enrollment is the time when Medicare beneficiaries can make changes in their health plan or prescription drug coverage and other options. Any changes take effect January 1.
The NYSOFA-administered Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) helps 248,000 New Yorkers annually to understand Medicare decisions. It also helps beneficiaries apply for programs that save older adults out-of-pocket costs such as co-payments, premiums and deductibles. Last year, HIICAP saved low-income Medicare beneficiaries an estimated $115 million through these programs. HIICAP counseling has also shown to reduce hospitalizations by 54% and emergency room visits by 14%. This free and objective assistance is provided locally by trained counselors. For assistance, call the helpline at 1-800-701-0501. More information about HIICAP is on NYSOFA’s website, https://aging.ny.gov/programs/medicare-and-health-insurance.
NYSOFA Director Greg Olsen said, “Trained counselors are available to help beneficiaries or new enrollees make informed decisions about plan coverage during Medicare open enrollment, a time when many may feel overwhelmed by their choices. Best yet, this information is free, objective, and local, through NYSOFA’s network of over 700 counselors statewide. By matching individuals with the right coverage levels, this assistance not only improves access to preventive health, but it also helps individuals save on health care costs and enroll in important benefits or subsidies, like the Medicare Savings Program, which provide vital economic security.”
Heather Leddick, administrator for HIICAP in New York, said, “All Medicare beneficiaries are encouraged to take a close look at their health care needs during open enrollment, especially any changes such as new doctors who might not be in their plan’s network, prescription changes, or additional service needs. HIICAP counselors provide information and tools that empower beneficiaries to make their own informed decisions about which options match their current needs.”
For income-eligible older adults, HIICAP is also available during open enrollment – and throughout the year – to assist in the application process for the Medicare Savings Program (MSP). The MSP was expanded in 2023 to help an additional 300,000 Medicare beneficiaries who may be potentially eligible to save up to an estimated $7,300 in Medicare-related health costs annually.
The MSP helps older adults and people with disabilities living on limited incomes by paying their Medicare Part B premiums and automatically enrolls them 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. Learn more about this program, and how to enroll, on NYSOFA’s MSP information page, https://aging.ny.gov/medicare-savings-program, including a video tutorial about the application process.
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