Find Out If You Qualify

Contact: 1-800-333-4114, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m. Easternimage

Many people with limited incomes have tough choices to make—to pay for prescription drugs or for other necessities like heat, groceries and rent. Many do not know they are eligible for programs that may pay for some or most of the costs of Medicare.

If you or someone you know needs financial assistance meeting Medicare costs, please call our hotline at 1-800-333-4114.

Hotline counselors will work with you to see if you are eligible for a federal benefit called Extra Help, the Low-Income Subsidy for Medicare Part D. We actively seek out people who may be eligible for Extra Help.

Extra Help can assist qualified individuals pay for some, or most, of the costs of Medicare prescription drug coverage. The Social Security Administration estimates that Extra Help can save the average individual up to $3,600 every year. Our counselors can provide you assistance in the Extra Help application process.

imageIn addition to screening for Extra Help, our counselors also determine if you are eligible for Medicare Savings Programs, which can potentially create even more savings on Medicare premiums and co-insurance. There may also be state programs that can help, and the counselors can direct you to your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), where you can get more information about your state's programs. Counselors can screen clients in New York State for EPIC, New York State's Pharmaceutical Assistance Program.

Our counselors have access to the Medicare Rights Center's database of Medicare information, so clients can obtain accurate, up-to-date information about their hospital, medical and drug coverage. And they're available to provide ongoing support, timely health care messages and referrals to affordable local services.