Medicare and Health Insurance

 Medicare

Medicare provides health insurance for people age 65+, certain people with disabilities, and those in final stages of renal (kidney) disease. The Social Security Administration takes applications for Medicare and provides information regarding eligibility. To avoid penalties, apply during the period from three months before your 65th birthday month through three months after your birthday month.

Additionally, New York State and the federal government help low-income Medicare beneficiaries with out-of-pocket expenses. Contact NY Connects or the Health Insurance Information.

Medicaid

This program provides medical assistance for people 65 or older, those who are blind, those with a disability who are eligible for SSI, or for those who have too little income and resources to meet their medical needs. Medicaid also pays for long-term care services for people after they “spend down” their assets to qualify for many benefits. For more information, contact NY Connects or your local department of social services.

Prescription Plans

Many older New Yorkers take multiple prescriptions. Finding the right prescription drug plan to meet your needs is important for your overall health and for your wallet. Older adults can schedule free and confidential appointments with highly trained counselors to discuss their prescription drug plan needs. If you can’t afford the prescription drugs you need, you may be eligible for assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical manufacturers, nonprofit groups, or state government.

Medicare Quality of Care – Livanta

Livanta is the federal contractor to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries are receiving high quality care. They help with Medicare questions, appeals, hospital patients’ rights, billing issues, and complaints.

Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC)

EPIC, administered by the New York State Department of Health, helps many older New Yorkers pay for prescription drugs. It covers those who do not have adequate insurance coverage for prescription drugs and who are not eligible for Medicaid. EPIC is coordinated with Medicare Part D prescription coverage to provide services with additional coverage for prescription medication.