Medicare Help in Troy, New York

This page covers the City of Troy, New York, and the Rensselaer County offices that serve it. It isn't for Troy, Michigan, or Troy, Ohio. For the statewide rules, start with Medicare help in New York.

In Troy, the county's Department of Social Services takes Medicaid and Medicare Savings Program applications at 1600 Seventh Avenue. The same building handles the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), once called food stamps, and the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). The county's Department for the Aging, in East Greenbush, gives free Medicare advice and runs the Troy Senior Center. This page covers Lansingburgh, South Troy, Downtown, Sycaway, the Eastside and the rest of the city. If your parent lives alone and has stopped cooking, the senior center's lunch is a good first call. If you also help family nearby, see Medicare help in Albany or Medicare help in Schenectady.

Local offices in Troy

Not sure you qualify? Apply anyway, because the county makes the call, and some of your income may not count. If you would rather not do it alone, a Pair Team advocate can help you in one call.

Where do I apply for Medicaid in Troy?

In Troy, you apply for Medicaid at 65 or older through the Department of Social Services at 1600 Seventh Avenue. Fill out form DOH-4220 and Supplement A, and call the Medicaid unit at (518) 266-7970 with questions. Without long-term care needs, you can also apply through NY State of Health at 1-855-355-5777, the state says.

In 2026, one person can make up to $1,836 a month, or $1,856 with the $20 the state doesn't count. Savings can be up to $33,038. The same office takes the Medicare Savings Program, which pays the $202.90 a month Medicare costs you. For one person, it takes income up to $2,494 a month, with no savings test. See Medicare and Medicaid together in New York and Medicare Savings Programs in New York.

For Medicaid help at home, call the county's Home Care Unit at (518) 266-7919. Once your doctor signs off, a caseworker and a nurse visit your home together to set up care. New applicants also get a needs check from the New York Independent Assessor at 855-222-8350. With the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), you can hire your own aide. See Home Care and CDPAP in New York.

Where can I get a senior meal in Troy?

At 60 or older, you can get a hot lunch on weekdays at the Troy Senior Center, 1520 Sixth Avenue. Reserve or cancel at (518) 270-2740. The suggested gift is $3, and no one is turned away. Guests under 60 pay $5.

If you can't get out, ask the Department for the Aging about meals at home at (518) 270-2730. Troy also has senior clubs, like Lansingburgh Senior Club and Sycaway Seniors.

Where can I get free Medicare advice in Troy?

You can get free Medicare advice in Troy from HIICAP at the Department for the Aging. Call (518) 270-2730 on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Counselors help with drug plans, Extra Help and the Medicare Savings Program. Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7 each year. HIICAP and Pair Team don't sell plans.

How do I get rides in Troy?

In Troy, you can get rides from CDTA, the county or Medicaid.

• Half-fare cards are made at the CDTA Troy Division, 40 Hoosick Street, on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring a photo ID. A ride then costs $0.75, or $1.00 on the Blue Line along the river.
• STAR is CDTA's shared van for people whose disability makes the bus hard to use. Call (518) 482-2022 and press 4 to apply. A trip costs $2.50.
• Medical rides for older adults are run by the Department for the Aging. Call (518) 270-2730 to ask.
• Medicaid rides to the doctor are booked through MAS at 866-932-7740, at least three days ahead.

How do I get senior housing in Troy?

To get senior housing in Troy, apply to THA. Conway Court and Kane Apartments are for people 62 and older. Kennedy Towers is for people 55 and older and has its own application. Rent is 30% of your income after allowed costs, THA says. Mail the pre-application to 1 Eddy's Lane, Troy, NY 12180, or drop it off at any THA site. Call (518) 273-3600 with questions. See housing help in New York.

How do I get help with heating bills in Troy?

In Troy, regular HEAP takes applications for the 2026-27 winter from November 2, 2026. One person can make up to $3,563 a month. Apply at mybenefits.ny.gov, or call the county's HEAP unit at (518) 266-7960. The Department for the Aging can also take your form at (518) 270-2730. See HEAP in New York.

National Grid customers can call 1-800-642-4272 about the Energy Affordability Program, a monthly bill credit for homes that qualify for HEAP.

Where can I get food help in Troy?

For food help in Troy, apply for SNAP at mybenefits.ny.gov, or walk in to 1600 Seventh Avenue without an appointment. From October 1, 2026, one person 60 or older can get up to $306 a month with income up to $2,660. See SNAP for seniors in New York.

For food today, CEO runs a food pantry at 2328 Fifth Avenue, open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (518) 272-6012, extension 198, after 8:45 a.m. for a same-day time. Bring a photo ID and proof that you live in Rensselaer County.

What a Pair Team advocate does

In Troy, Medicaid is on Seventh Avenue and the aging office is in East Greenbush, so we make those calls with you. Here's what we do:

• Help you fill out the DOH-4220 and Supplement A, then call (518) 266-7970 until you have an answer.
• Fill out THA's pre-application for Conway Court or Kane Apartments with you.
• Help you get a half-fare card on Hoosick Street, or apply for STAR.
• Get your HEAP form in early, and call National Grid with you.

An advocate is covered by Medicare if you qualify. It takes two minutes to find out.

Check if you qualify for a Pair Team advocate

Frequently asked questions

I live in Troy, Michigan. Is this my page?

No, this page is for Troy, New York, in Rensselaer County. To find free Medicare counseling in another state, call 1-877-839-2675 or visit shiphelp.org.

I live in Brunswick or North Greenbush. Is this my page?

Yes, if you live in Brunswick or North Greenbush, this page covers your county offices, because Rensselaer County serves every town. The Troy Senior Center serves Wynantskill and Pleasantdale too.

Where is the Rensselaer County Department for the Aging?

The Department for the Aging is at 99 Troy Road, Suite 306, in East Greenbush, not in Troy. Its main line is (518) 270-2730. For help finding care at home, call NY Connects at (518) 270-2767.

Can I apply for Kennedy Towers at 55?

Yes, you can apply for Kennedy Towers at 55 or older. It uses its own application, separate from Conway Court and Kane Apartments, THA says. Rent is still 30% of your income after allowed costs.

What if Rensselaer County denies my Medicaid?

If Rensselaer County denies your Medicaid, you can ask the state for a fair hearing within 60 days at 1-800-342-3334. If your Medicaid is being cut, ask within 10 days to keep it while you wait.

Sources

• Social Services, Rensselaer County
• Medicaid, Rensselaer County Department of Social Services
• Home Care, Rensselaer County Department of Social Services
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Rensselaer County Department of Social Services
• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Rensselaer County Department of Social Services
• Aging, Rensselaer County Unified Family Services
• HIICAP, Rensselaer County Department for the Aging
• NY Connects, Rensselaer County
• Nutrition, Rensselaer County Department for the Aging
• Troy Senior Center, Rensselaer County
• Senior Clubs, Rensselaer County
• Medical Transportation, Rensselaer County Department for the Aging
• Troy Housing Authority home page
• How to Apply, Troy Housing Authority
• Food Pantry, Commission on Economic Opportunity
• HEAP Contacts, Rensselaer County, New York State OTDA
• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), New York State OTDA
• Request a Fair Hearing, New York State OTDA
• Medicare Savings Program 2026, New York State Department of Health
• Contact Center, Medical Answering Services
• Half Fare, CDTA
• STAR Program, CDTA
• CDTA Fares, CDTA
• Help Making Payments, National Grid Upstate New York
• Upstate NY Phone Numbers, National Grid
• SHIP Locator, SHIP National Technical Assistance Center