WESTCHESTER COUNTY: Residents Should Be Aware Of These Senior Programs And Services

WESTCHESTER COUNTY: Below is a list of programs, resources and information that will be helpful in navigating the often confusing world of benefits available to seniors.

HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION, COUNSELING AND ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (HIICAP)

HIICAP counselors at the County Department of Senior Programs and Services stand ready to provide local seniors with counseling on Medicare benefits/plans, including Part D (prescription drug program of Medicare); Medicare Advantage Plans; Medigap Plans; prescription discount plans; including information about eligibility criteria.If you want help understanding your options, please call the Departments HIICAP line at (914) 813-6100.

Advisors are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

BENEFITS CHECKUP WEBSITE

The National Council on Aging maintains a comprehensive web-based service to help seniors with limited income and resources discover benefits they may be eligible for. You can visit NCOA's Benefits Checkup online at www.benefitscheckup.org.The site will help answer questions anonymously to find out if you may be eligible for key benefits programs, including Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid, Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS) - Extra Help, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and among others.

NEW YORK STATE ELDERLY PHARMACEUTICAL INSURANCE COVERAGE (EPIC)

This New York State program helps more than 325,000 income-eligible seniors aged 65 and older to supplement their out-of-pocket Medicare Part D drug plan costs. Seniors can apply for EPIC at any time of the year and must be enrolled or eligible to be enrolled in a Medicare Part D drug plan to receive EPIC benefits and maintain coverage. To learn more visit https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/epic/index.htm

SOCIAL SECURITY EXTRA HELP WITH MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN COSTS

You may be able to get extra help to pay for the monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and co-payments related to the Medicare Prescription Drug program through the federal government.

For more information or to apply for extra help with Social Security Office Administration visit https://secure.ssa.gov/i1020/startor call 1-800-772-1213

COUPONS/REBATES

There may be coupons or rebates available on many of your prescription drugs.

Websites such as www.Needymeds.org or www.goodrx.com can help you search for these discounts.

DRUG COMPANY PATIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Many pharmaceutical companies also offer Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) for those qualify. You will have to apply directly with the drug company in question if you qualify. To find more information about and search for these programs you can visit https://www.needymeds.org/pap

Always check with your personal pharmacist/pharmacy regarding additional discounts that they may be aware of …

OTHER RESOURCES: 

The County Department of Senior Programs and Services has a printable guide to Financial Benefits & Savings programs and services for seniors, you can see it at:

https://seniorcitizens.westchestergov.com/images/stories/pdfs/2022finguide.pdf

You can also reach out to a DSPS Information and Assistance Specialist for general help by calling (914) 813-6300, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For the uninsured, Federally Qualified Health Centers are available, for more information visit:

https://health.westchestergov.com/services/community-health-centers

And don't forget to bookmark the website of the County Department of Senior Programs and Service at www.westchestergov.com/seniors 

This Article Was Previously Published In The Yonkers Newswire News Discussion Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/posts/3313574575566764/