Back2023 Medicare Savings Program Eligibility Requirement Changes
Healthfirst Medicare Advantage Members may be able to save money thanks to new expanded eligibility requirements for the Medicare Savings Program. With a new, increased income limits, you may now qualify for extra assistance through the Medicare Savings Program and/or Medicaid. We can help you apply to make sure you get all the savings you’re entitled to.
What changed?
Beginning January 1, 2023, New York State expanded the Medicare Savings Program by raising the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) eligibility requirement.
What is the Medicare Savings Program?
The Medicare Savings Program (MSP) helps pay for your Medicare premiums and lower your drug plan costs. Depending on your income, the MSP may also pay for other cost-sharing expenses.
What does this mean?
Healthfirst Medicare members who made too much to qualify for financial help in the past, may now be eligible.
Do you qualify?
Eligibility is based on your household income, with no limit to assets. For example, if you own your home, but make less than the amounts below, you can still qualify. Are you:
Single and making less than $2,200 a month?
Married and making less than $3,000 a month?
Single and making less than $2,200 a month?
Married and making less than $3,000 a month?
If you answered “yes” to one of these questions, you may now be able to save even more!
It’s great news as it means you could switch from your current Healthfirst plan to a new Healthfirst Medicare Advantage plan with even lower costs. Plus, you can:
- Keep all your current doctors
- Call the same Healthfirst Member Services number for support
How to apply:
Call My Advocate for help applying right over the phone.
Monday to Saturday, 8am-8pm
TTY English: 1-855-368-9643
Once you apply, it could take New York State 60 days to respond. Until then, you’ll continue to enjoy your current Healthfirst Medicare plan coverage.
What to do if you are approved
We can make it easy for you to switch plans by enrolling you right over the phone. Just call us once you hear, or, we can reach out to you once we get the approval from the state.
What are the plans you could switch to?
Life Improvement Plan
If you qualify for Medicaid, you can switch to the Healthfirst Life Improvement Plan.
- Medicaid provided directly by New York State.
- Medicaid provides coverage for the cost of your Medicare copays and may cover items that Medicare does not, such as vitamins or certain types of medical equipment.
Increased Benefits Plan
If you qualify for the Medicare Savings Program, you can switch to the Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan.
- This Medicare Savings Program (MSP) helps pay for your Medicare premiums and lower your drug plan costs.
- Depending on your income, the MSP may also pay for other cost-sharing expenses.
See if you qualify. Call My Advocate today at:
Monday to Saturday, 8am-8pm
TTY English: 1-855-368-9643
Coverage is provided by Healthfirst Health Plan, Inc. or Healthfirst Insurance Company, Inc. (“Healthfirst”). Healthfirst Medicare Plan has HMO and PPO plans with a Medicare contract. Our SNPs also have contracts with the NY State Medicaid program. Enrollment in Healthfirst Medicare Plan depends on contract renew
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ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-866-305-0408 (TTY 1-888-867-4132). 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-866-305-0408 (TTY 1-888-542-3821)。
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