Through seminars, one-on-one counseling sessions, and the Information & Assistance Line; the Department’s HIICAP program provides unbiased 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 access a one-on-one counseling session, contact us at (518) 447-7177, or attend a regularly scheduled clinic. CLICK HERE for information about clinic locations, dates and contact info. Open enrollment for 2013 is from October 15, 2012 to December 7, 2012. This is the time to review the options and select the best plan for you or your loved one!

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.

Compare Drug Prices

The New York State Board of Pharmacy publishes an annual list of the 150 most frequently prescribed drugs http://rx.nyhealth.gov/pdpw/SearchDrugs/Home.action, in the most common quantities. The New York State Department of Health collects retail price information on these drugs from pharmacies that participate in the Medicaid program and from pharmacies that submit their retail price information directly to the Department of Health. This site allows you to search for specific drugs from the most frequently prescribed drug list.

Medicaid

For Medicaid questions and eligibility information see: http://www.health.state.ny.us/health_care/medicaid/

To apply for Medicaid (or Family Health Plus) go to Access NY application at: http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/fhplus/application.htm 

To apply for Medicaid and food stamps together go to: http://otda.ny.gov/main/programs/applications/2921.pdf

Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid Spenddown and Medicaid  

Medicare Savings programs can help seniors (individuals/couples) pay for all or for portions of medical costs or Medicare premiums (depending on level of income). For an application  www.nyhealth.gov/health_care/medicaid/program/update/savingsprogram/msapp.pdf.

A person may be able to qualify for Medicaid Spenddown if they spend (down) enough of their income on medical bills and qualifying medical expenses. To find out more about current Medicaid income rates visit the NYS Dept of Health Medicaid in New York State and click the link: "How do I know if I qualify for Medicaid?"

Medicaid /Medicaid Spenddown/ Medicare Saving Programs Application Assistance

To receive help with your application from an Albany County DSS Eligibility Examiner (on a first-come, first-served basis) see the list of sites, dates and phone number to call for directions:

• Bethlehem Senior Center—As needed on the 2nd Monday of each month, 10:00am-12noon, RSVP (518) 439-4955
• CHOICES (Ravena-Faith Plaza)—4th Wednesday of each month, 9:00am-2:00pm, (518) 756-8650
• Guilderland Town Hall—3rd Thursday of each month, 9:30-11:30am, (518) 356-1980x 1048
• Colonie Senior Resources—2nd Friday of each month, 1:30-3:30pm, (518) 459-5051
• Albany County Dept of Mental Health—Every other Thursday, 1:00-4:00pm, (518) 447-4555
• City Rescue Mission—1st Tuesday, 10:00am-2:00pm, (518) 449-1305

Under special circumstances, if a senior is incapable of leaving their home (must be homebound) and do not have someone to assist them in completing and submitting an application; call (518) 447-7177 for more information.

An individual may also request an application over the phone by calling (518) 447-7403, and can submit their Medicaid and Food Stamps applications via regular mail without having to meet with a representative from the Department of Social Services.

Other Helpful Websites and Contact Numbers

• The New York State Wide Senior Action Council provides counseling to seniors seeking more information about Medicare Part D prescription coverage with EPIC. Contact 1-800-333-4374 or email affordablemedicine@nysenior.org.
• Medicare Savings Programs can assist income eligible individuals/couples in paying for their Medicare premiums. For information and income eligibility visit NYS Health Dept Medicare Savings Program 2009.
• People who are over sixty-five, under 21, or blind or disabled, and who are over income for Medicaid may be able to qualify for Medicaid spenddown if they spend down enough of their income on medical bills and qualifying medical expenses.To find out more about current Medicaid income rates visit the NYS Dept of Health Medicaid in New York State and click the link: "How do I know if I qualify for Medicaid?" Contact Albany County NY-Connects at (518) 447-7177 for more information.
• 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/
• The NY Bridge Plan is a low cost health plan for uninsured adults and children with a pre-existing condition, who do not qualify for Medicare, Medicaid, Family Health Plus, or Child Health Plus. For more information call 1-877-444-9622 or visit www.nybridgeplan.com
• The NYS Insurance Dept provides updated information on LTC policies at http://www.ins.state.ny.us/ltc/ltc_index.htm and rankings on health insurance companies at http://www.ins.state.ny.us/ihmoindx.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
• Long-Term Care insurance 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. See http://www.nyspltc.org/ or to request NYS Partnership for Long Term care brochures and information call (518) 447-7177.
• The Empire Justice Center, The Legal Aid Society, and Selfhelp Community Services' website, New York Health Access, http://nyhealthaccess.org/  is designed for consumers, caregivers, and New York State health advocates. The website assists senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, the uninsured, underinsured and other individuals facing medical debt; access to Medicare supplemental benefits, Medicaid, Family Health Plus and Child Health Plus.