Medicare is the country's health insurance program for people age 65 or older. (You may also qualify if you have permanent kidney failure or receive Disability benefits.)
If you have Medicare or will soon get it, you can get free, private help to understand your choices in New York.
Trained counselors can explain:
- Your benefits
- The different plans
- How your bills work
- Ways to lower your costs
You can also ask them about Medigap supplemental insurance, Medicare Advantage plans, and prescription drug coverage.
HIICAP (Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance Program) helps with Medicare benefits, plan choices, out-of-pocket costs, and low-income savings programs. Call HIICAP at 1-800-701-0501 to speak with a trained counselor in your county.
New York StateWide Senior Action Council also offers free help to join Medicare, check if your current plan fits your needs, and learn about cost-saving programs. They can help with fraud or billing problems too. Call 1-800-333-4374 to talk with trained staff.
Last Reviewed: October 27, 2025