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:

• Qualifing Individual (QI)
  • Pays for your Part B premium
  • May receive up to 3 months retroactive reimbursement for Part B premiums (Note: only for premiums paid up to 3 months before your MSP effective date, and within the same year of that effective date).
  • Individuals cannot have both QI & Medicaid
  • Monthly Income Limits: $2,280 (individuals) $3,077 (couples) No asset limit
• Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program (QMB)
  • Pays for Medicare premiums
  • Providers are prohibited from charging you for Medicare cost-sharing (deductibles, coinsurance and co-payments). This means you should not be billed for any Medicare-covered services you receive from Original Medicare providers or providers in your Medicare Advantage Plan’s network.
  • Individuals can have both QMB and Medicaid
  • Monthly Income Limits: $1,697 (individuals) and $2,288 (couples). No asset limit
• Qualifing Individual (QI)
  • Medicaid
  • Health coverage for people with limited income and assets
  • For services covered by Medicare and Medicaid, Medicare will pay first and Medicaid may cover your Medicare co-insurance or copayments.
  • May cover services that Medicare does not, such as dental and/or vision
  • Monthly Income & Resource Limits:
    Individuals: $1,697 income, $28,133 resources
    Couples: $2,288 income, $37,902 resources

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

• NYS Program that provides co-payment assistance for Medicare Part D covered prescription drugs after any Part D deductible is met.
• Must be 65+ and a NYS resident
• EPIC also covers many Medicare Part D excluded drugs
• EPIC may pay for part or all of your Medicare Part D plan premium...depends on your income.
• Individuals can have Medicaid w/spendown only...not full Medicaid.
• Income limits: $75,000 (individuals) $100,000 (couples)