Older New Yorkers Could Save on Medicare, Rx Costs

Older New Yorkers with limited incomes could save thousands of dollars a year under a newly expanded state program that helps pay Medicare expenses.

The Medicare Savings Program typically covers the cost of the standard Medicare Part B premium—$164.90 a month for 2023. But many people can also get help paying other out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles and copays.

The state extended the program to include those 65 and over with incomes of up to 186 percent of the federal poverty level ($2,107 a month for an individual in 2022). The current limit is 135 percent ($1,549 a month for an individual this year). The change takes effect Jan. 1.

Enrollees are automatically signed up for the Medicare Part D Extra Help program, which can save them about $5,100 annually in prescription drug costs.

“New York City is expensive, and there’s no reason not to get help paying for necessities like prescription drugs and health care,” says Beth Finkel, AARP New York state director.

For help applying, call the nonprofit Medicare Rights Center at 800-333-4114 or the state’s Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) at 800-701-0501.

—Misty Williams