HIICAP can help you:
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understand Medicare prescription drug benefit (Medicare Part D) and how to select the best plan
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understand "Extra Help," a low income subsidy offered by the Social Security Administration
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find ways to par for your prescription drugs or medical equipment
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understand and apply for EPIC (Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage)
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choose between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, including Medicare HMOs, Medicare PPOs, Medicare Special Needs Plans and Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans
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understand Medicare rules and your medical bills
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report possible Medicare fraud or abuse
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appeal a decision by Medicare, your managed care provider or other health insurance companies
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discover ways to fill in Medicare's gaps
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file an insurance claim and deal with paperwork
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learn about prevention and screening coverage that keeps you healthy or helps detect issues early
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pick the right Long Term Care insurance policy
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explore New York State Partnership for Long Term Care options
To access HIICAP services, contact your local office for the aging.
- Set up a meeting with a counselor
- Request publications on special topics
- Ask about group educational meetings
For local help, contact Donna Martino at:
Office for the Aging
97 Main Street
Delhi, NY 13753
Phone: (607) 832-5750
Fax: (607) 832-6050
Other Helpful Websites and Contact Numbers:
Medicare Website:
Visit www.Medicare.gov to search for prescription plans for your area (click "Compare Drug and Health Plans"), or to compare plans that match your drug list (click "Formulary Finder – 2012 Plan Data"), or you may also find extra help to pay for your coverage (click "Get Extra Help with Prescription Drug Costs").
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. TTY users should call 1-800-290-9138.
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 Spend down 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 go to:
www.nyhealth.gov/health_care/medicaid/program/update/savingsprogram/msapp.pdf
A person may be able to qualify for Medicaid Spend down 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?"
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 607-746-6333 for more information.
An individual may also request an application over the phone by calling 607-746-6333.
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 2012.
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 spend down 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 Delaware County Office for the Aging, 607-746-6333, 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
1-866-693-9277, TDD: 1-877-448-4975, or visit www.nybridgeplan.com
CMS /The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services:
www.cms.hhs.gov
Social Security Administration:
www.socialsecurity.gov ,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 607-746-6333
The Empire Justice Center, The Legal Aid Society, and Self help 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.
Call your NYS HIICAP Hotline at 1-800-701-0501
For issues that are specific to New York State residents, visit our website at: http://www.aging.ny.gov/healthbenefits/HIICAPIndex.cfm/
For general information and publications concerning Medicare call 1-800-633-4227