New York, New York — The Center for Medicare Rights recognizes Governor Hochul, sponsors Rep. Amy Paulin and Sen. Cordell Clear, and New York State Representatives for enacting important legislation that further simplifies and expands access to the Medicare Savings Program (MSP). praise. This important initiative automates MSP enrollment using information from the Social Security Low Income Supplement (LIS) program, commonly known as Additional Help, making it easier for seniors and people with disabilities to access this important benefit. We will support you to make it available to you.
MSP provides a financial lifeline to eligible individuals. Medicare Part B Premium Payments ($174.70 per month in 2024) additional helpthe Federal Prescription Drug Subsidy Program estimated by the Social Security Administration. worth about $5,900 per year. Combined, these benefits save enrollees an estimated $8,000 a year in medical costs, allowing them to maintain Medicare coverage, purchase medications, and better cover daily living expenses such as food and housing.
” Expanding the Medicare Savings Program Automating enrollment is a necessary step to ensure New Yorkers who need this assistance receive it,” said Fred Riccardi, Director of the Medicare Rights Center. “This legislation will provide relief to many who have struggled with the tedious application process and who may have remained unaware of MSP.”
“This legislation will simplify the overall registration process, increase enrollment, and most importantly, help seniors save money on health care costs,” said Congresswoman Amy Paulin. Ta. “I would like to thank my state Senate partner, Sen. Cordell Creale, for his efforts in getting this bill passed in the Senate. I would like to thank Governor Hochul for signing this bill into law, and for his firm commitment to We thank the Center for Medicare Rights for their advocacy efforts.”
State Sen. Cordell Clear, chairman of the Senate Committee on Aging, said, “The Medicare Savings Program provides benefits to all senior New Yorkers, including assistance paying for prescription drugs, deductibles, insurance premiums, and health care costs. There are clear benefits that can be achieved.” This legislation will help facilitate direct and reliable enrollment of New Yorkers and ensure that the program is available to all who qualify. ”
For many Medicare beneficiaries, applying for MSP has traditionally been complex and time-consuming. The new law uses existing information from the Extra Help application to confirm recent federal efforts to remove such barriers and increase access to affordable coverage. A streamlined approach helps individuals, reduces administrative burden on Medicaid offices and other agencies responsible for processing benefits, and makes the system more efficient and fair.
“This change recognizes the challenges older adults and people with disabilities face navigating complex benefit programs and the need to modernize state systems,” Riccardi said. “Auto-enrollment is a thoughtful and practical solution that ensures life-saving support reaches those who need it.”
New York State will expand MSP eligibility starting January 1, 2023, increasing income limits to $2,355 per month for individuals and $3,189 per month for married couples in 2024, and eliminating asset limits. Recently, Governor Hochul announced Nearly 1 million New Yorkers are currently enrolled in this benefit, improving their health and financial security. Automatic enrollment changes will take effect in 2026.
The Center for Medicare Rights encourages anyone who thinks they may be eligible for MSP to research their eligibility and seek assistance. Help is available through the Medicare Rights Center Helpline at 800-333-4114. www.medicareinteractive.org/mspny, or state health insurance program.
“This bill exemplifies what is possible when policymakers prioritize the needs of their constituents,” Riccardi said. “We look forward to continuing to work with Governor Hochul, the Legislature, and other stakeholders to find additional ways to streamline benefit enrollment and address affordability challenges.”
