Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Policies

New York requires insurers to offer at least one Medicare Supplement policy to adults under sixty-five afflicted with disability.

Mini-COBRA Policies (Small Group)

New York mandates small employers provide continuation coverage for thirty-six months although insurers can drop certain benefits available under the group plan such as vision or dental care.

Medicare Savings Programs (Premium Support)

New York has three Medicare Savings Programs:

Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMBs): For individuals with a monthly income under $903 and for couples with a monthly income under $1215, the state pays all premiums for Part B and all Co-Pays and Deductibles for Parts A & B.
Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMBs): For individuals with income under $1083 or couples with income under $1457, the state pays premiums for Part B.
Qualified Individuals (QIs): For individuals with income under $1219 or for couples with an income under $1640, the state pays premiums for Part B.

There are no restrictions related to the value of beneficiaries' assets.

State Health Insurance Assistance Program
The New York State Office for the Aging's Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) operates through a network of 59 county Area Agencies on Aging. HIICAP counselors help beneficiaries and their caregivers to understand Medicare and other health insurance options and benefits. Callers will be redirected to an area agency for assistance.
www.aging.ny.gov/

State Disability Insurance Program
New York offers partial wage replacement for workers who are disabled for a short time. For more information,

please see: http://ww3.nysif.com/DisabilityBenefits/ClaimantServices/ClaimsFAQs.aspx#two

State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program
New York offers pharmaceutical help through the Elderly Pharmaceutical Assistance Program with income-eligible (individuals with incomes under thirty-five thousand and couples with incomes over fifty-five thousand) adults over sixty-five.
http://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/epic/

Low-Income Subsidy (“extra-help”) for Prescription Drugs:
This program is a subsidy for Part D recipients with resources under $13,070 (or $26,120 for a couple) to receive money towards a Medicare prescription drug plan. The benchmark of support is different depending on which region of the country you live in. In New York in 2012, the low-income subsidy was $39.79 per month.

If you live in New York, and you are interested in getting a Medicare Plan, please contact the Medicare experts at eAmeriFamily Insurance. They are industry veterans and will guide you through the process of getting the right Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or MediGap Plan for you.