Visit the following websites for detailed information on how and when to apply for Medicare based on your own individual situation.

• Getting started with Medicare
• How To Apply Online For Just Medicare

You can get help from your state paying your Medicare premiums. There are different kinds of Medicare Savings Programs:

• Qualified Individual (QI)
  • Must be 65+
  • Must have Medicare Part A, Part B or both to apply
  • Pays for Medicare Part B premium only
  • Individuals can’t be eligible for QI and Medicaid
  • Monthly Income Limits: $1,549 (individuals) and $2,080 (couples). There is no resource limit
• Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiary Program (SLMB)
  • Must be 65+
  • Must have Medicare Part A, Part B or both to apply
  • Pays for Medicare Part B premium only
  • Individuals can be eligible for SLMB only or SLMB and Medicaid with spendown
  • Monthly Income Limits: $1,379 (individuals) and $1,851 (couples). There is no resource limit
• Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program (QMB)
  • Must be 65+
  • Must have Medicare Part A, Part B or both to apply
  • Pays for Medicare Part B premium, coinsurances, deductibles and copays
  • Individuals can be eligible for QMB only or QMB and Medicaid
  • Monthly Income Limits: $1,153 (individuals) and $1,546 (couples). There is no resource limit

This program provides financial assistance to seniors to help with the costs of prescription medications (both generic and brand names).

• It provides co-payment assistance for Medicare Part D covered prescription drugs after any Part D deductible is met.
• EPIC also covers many Medicare Part D excluded drugs
• EPIC may pay for part or all of your Medicare Part D plan premium. Coverage depends on your income.
• You must be a New York State resident and 65+ to join.
• Individuals can have Medicaid with spendown only. EPIC is not available to those who are currently receiving full Medicaid benefits.
• Income limits: $75,000 (individuals) and $100,000 (couples).

Medicaid is a federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources.

• Provides comprehensive health care benefits for persons 65+ or blind/disabled.
• Provides coverage for: prescription drugs, physician services, hospitals, nursing homes and home care.
• Monthly Income and Resource Limits:
  • Individuals: $954 income, $16,800 resources
  • Couples: $1,387 income, $24,600 resources