New York state has expanded the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) to higher income limits in 2023. What does this mean to you? MSP helps older adults and people with disabilities living on limited incomes by paying their Medicare Part B premiums and automatically enrolls them in Extra Help.

This financial assistance helps by allowing enrollees to maintain their Medicare coverage, access needed care, and afford other necessities. The newly expanded program is estimated to save beneficiaries an average of up to $7,300 annually. You and approximately 100,000 thousand other Older Americans in New York State may be newly eligible for this assistance.

If your income is at or below $2,280 monthly for individuals or $3,077 monthly for a couple, please take the time to apply. Even if your income is slightly above these amounts you should still consider applying because you may be paying out of pocket costs that can be deducted from your gross monthly income which can make you eligible for MSP.

The MSP helps pay out of pocket Medicare costs such as your Part B premium. To be eligible you must already be a Medicare beneficiary, meet the income requirements and apply for this assistance.

You will need to gather some documentation. You will need photo copies of your Medicare card, proof of income, documentation about health insurance premiums you pay other than your Medicare premium, proof of your date of birth and proof of residency. Income information can include your social security award letter, your monthly pension statement or any other earned income such as pay stubs. Applicants who are approved for the program will receive reimbursement through their Social Security check. You can print an application at https://www.health.ny.gov/forms/doh-4328.pdf or pick up an application at your local Chautauqua County Office for Aging Service (OFAS).

Free objective assistance is available to help you in the application process through the OFAS, Health Insurance, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) locally. Please call NYConnects our information and assistance phone number at (716) 753-4582.