How do I get help paying for Medicare and healthcare? How do I apply?

If you live in New York and have limited income, you might get help with your healthcare costs through Medicare Savings Program (MSP) or Medicaid.

Medicare Savings Programs

Qualifying Individual (QI):

• Pays for your Medicare Part B monthly payment
• Can pay you back for up to three months of Part B payments you already made (within the same year)
• You can't have both QI and Medicaid

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB):

• Covers Medicare monthly payments
• Doctors and hospitals can't charge you extra fees for Medicare services (like copays and deductibles)
• You can have both QMB and Medicaid

If you get an MSP, you'll automatically get Extra Help, which is a federal program that helps pay for Medicare prescription drug costs.

How to apply: If you meet the income limits and live in New York, you can apply through the Medicare Rights Center at 800-333-4114, or your local Department of Social Services office.

What you need: A signed application and copies of documents like your Social Security card, Medicare card, ID, proof of address, and income.

If denied: You can request a fair hearing to challenge the decision.

Medicaid

What it covers:

• Health coverage for people with limited income and money
• When you have both Medicare and Medicaid, Medicare pays first, then Medicaid may help with leftover costs
• May cover services Medicare doesn't, like dental and vision care
• You might also qualify for QMB, which covers your Part B monthly payment

Even if you think your income might be too high, you might still qualify through "spend-down."

How to apply: Contact your local Medicaid office

If you have questions, contact the New York State Medicaid helpline: (800) 541-2831

Remember

If you qualify, these programs can help reduce your healthcare costs. Reach out and apply to get the support you need.