Health Insurance Information and Counseling ("HIICAP")

Through seminars, one-on-one counseling sessions, and the Information & Assistance Line; the Department’s HIICAP program provides information, education, and counseling regarding Medicare (including Part D), New York State EPIC, Long Term Care insurance, and other insurance issues. Trained HIICAP staff and volunteers can help you:

• compare private insurance plans that will best fit your needs;
• find ways to help you afford coverage and to fill Medicare’s gaps;
• understand what the 1% per month penalty for late enrollment means for you;
• solve issues and problems with your current plan.

If you would like to attend an upcoming clinic or educational presentation or to access a one-on-one counseling session, contact us at (518) 447-7177.

Long Term Care Insurance and Outreach Program

The Albany County Long Term Care Education and Outreach Program ("LTCIEOP") specialist will help you understand how the insurance plans participating in NYS Partnership for Long-Term Care can help you pay for costs related to a chronic medical condition or disabling injury while protecting your assets. LTC Insurance covers services provided in a nursing home, at home, in assisted living facility, or in other community-based settings. Call (518) 447-7177 for more information.

Medicare Website

Visit www.Medicare.gov to search for prescription plans for your area (click "Compare Medicare Prescription Drug Plans by State 2007") or to compare plans that match your drug list (click "Formulary Finder") or you may also find extra help to pay for your coverage (click "Lower Your Costs During the Coverage Gap").

On www.Medicare.gov you may also find out what Medicare covers, or compare health plans and Medigap policies, nursing homes, hospitals, dialysis facilities, or even find doctors and specialists in your area.

To speak to a Medicare representative call: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

EPIC Website

Visit http://www.health.state.ny.us/health_care/epic/ for more information about the New York State Prescription Plan for Seniors (65+). The site will help you understand the program benefits and eligibility. The EPIC application is also available on line. If you have any questions about the program call: 1 (800) 332-3742.

Other Helpful Websites and Contact Numbers

• Compare retail prices of the 150 most frequently used drugs in the most common quantities, at the NYS Dept of Health website: http://rx.nyhealth.gov/pdpw/
• www.hiicap.state.ny.us - NYS Office for Aging Health Insurance Information and Counseling page
• The NYS Insurance Dept provides updated information on LTC policies at http://www.ins.state.ny.us/lntmcare.htm; and rankings on health insurance companies at http://www.ins.state.ny.us/hgintro.htm
• www.cms.hhs.gov - CMS /The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• www.socialsecurity.gov - Social Security Administration 1 (800) 772-1213 or TTY 1 (800) 325-0778