Skip to content
Pair Team

Medicare Help in New York

New York's Medicare Savings Program takes incomes up to $2,494 a month in 2026. Here's who to call for Medicaid, drugs, home care, rides, food and heat.

See if you qualify for a Pair Team advocate

  • An advocate is covered by Medicare if you qualify.
  • Works with Medicare and Medicaid health plans
  • A real person, by phone, text or video
  • Takes just a few minutes to check
Check if you qualify

Key points

  • New York's Medicare Savings Program can pay the $202.90 a month Medicare costs you. In 2026, one person can make up to $2,494 a month and qualify.
  • Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) helps New Yorkers 65 and older pay for drugs. In 2026, it takes incomes up to $75,000 for one person or $100,000 for a couple.
  • The Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) gives free Medicare advice in every New York county. You can reach it at 1-800-701-0501.
  • The heating benefit from the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) for winter 2026-27 takes applications from November 2, 2026.

New York has help for most of the costs that come with Medicare. Those costs can add up on a fixed income, from the monthly charge to copays at the pharmacy. The state sets the rules for Medicaid, the Medicare Savings Program and EPIC. You apply for most of them at your county Department of Social Services. In New York City (NYC), that's the city's Human Resources Administration (HRA). If you're not sure where to start, call HIICAP.

Where to get help in New York

Need Program Who to contact Phone or website
Help paying for Medicare Medicare Savings Program: Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) and Qualifying Individual (QI) County Department of Social Services (HRA in New York City), or NY State of Health online Medicaid Helpline: 1-800-541-2831. NYC: 888-692-6116
Medicaid when you have Medicare Medicaid County Department of Social Services (HRA in New York City) Medicaid Helpline: 1-800-541-2831. NYC: 888-692-6116
Prescription costs Extra Help Social Security 1-800-772-1213, ssa.gov
Prescription costs, age 65 and older EPIC EPIC Helpline, New York State Department of Health 1-800-332-3742
Free Medicare counseling HIICAP A HIICAP counselor at your county Office for the Aging 1-800-701-0501
Paid help at home Medicaid home care and the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) New York Independent Assessor, for your needs check. Public Partnerships LLC (PPL), the company that runs CDPAP payroll Assessor: 855-222-8350. PPL: 1-833-247-5346
Rides to appointments Medicaid transportation Medical Answering Services (MAS) NYC and downstate: 844-666-6270. Upstate: 866-932-7740
Food The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), once called food stamps County Department of Social Services 1-800-342-3009, mybenefits.ny.gov
Heating bills HEAP County Department of Social Services 1-800-342-3009, mybenefits.ny.gov
Care at home and local services NY Connects and your county Office for the Aging NY Connects 1-800-342-9871
A Medicaid decision you disagree with Fair hearing Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) 1-800-342-3334, otda.ny.gov/hearings
Medicare said no Medicare appeal Medicare 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
Questions or problems with Medicare Medicare Rights Center helpline Medicare Rights Center, a nonprofit 800-333-4114

Not sure you qualify? Apply anyway, because the office makes the call, and it costs nothing to ask. If you would rather not do it alone, a Pair Team advocate can sort it out with you in one call.

How do I get help paying for Medicare in New York?

You can get help paying for Medicare in New York through the Medicare Savings Program. It pays the $202.90 a month Medicare costs you, usually taken out of your Social Security check. At the lowest income level, called QMB, it also pays your copays at the doctor and the hospital. New York doesn't count your savings for this program. Apply at your county office, or online through NY State of Health. See New York Medicare Savings Programs for the 2026 limits.

Can I get Medicaid if I have Medicare?

Yes, you can get Medicaid with Medicare if your income and savings are under the limits. Medicaid can pay for things Medicare does not, like an aide at home. In 2026, the limit for one person is $1,856 a month in income and $33,038 in savings. Call the Medicaid Helpline at 1-800-541-2831 or your county office. See Medicare and Medicaid together in New York.

Where can I get help with drug costs?

You can get help with drug costs from two programs, and you can have both. Extra Help comes from Social Security. If you get the Medicare Savings Program, you get Extra Help too, with no extra form. EPIC is New York's own program for people 65 and older. It works with your Medicare drug plan, and copays are $3 to $20 a drug. People with full Medicaid cannot get EPIC, but they can still get Extra Help. Read about Extra Help.

Who pays for help at home in New York?

Medicaid can pay for an aide to help you at home. First, the New York Independent Assessor checks what you need, and you can reach it at 855-222-8350. Since September 1, 2025, new applicants must need hands-on help with at least three daily tasks, like bathing or dressing. With dementia, needing someone to watch over you for two tasks can be enough. With CDPAP, you pick your own aide, and it can be a family member but not your spouse. See paid home care in New York.

Can Medicaid give me a ride to the doctor?

Yes, if you have Medicaid, MAS books rides to medical visits at no cost to you. Call at least three days before a routine visit. In New York City and nearby counties, call 844-666-6270, and upstate, call 866-932-7740. See Medicaid rides in New York.

How do I get help buying food?

You can get help buying food from SNAP, which puts money for groceries on a card each month. If you're 60 or older and live alone, you may get SNAP with income up to $2,660 a month. That limit started October 1, 2026, and you can apply at mybenefits.ny.gov or at your county office. See SNAP for seniors in New York.

Is there help with heating bills?

Yes, HEAP gives help with heating bills once each winter. The regular benefit for 2026-27 takes applications from November 2, 2026. If you pay for heat yourself and someone in your home is 60 or older, you get $35 more. Apply at mybenefits.ny.gov or your county office. See HEAP in New York.

What if Medicaid or Medicare says no?

If Medicaid says no, you can ask OTDA for a fair hearing. You have 60 days from the date on the notice. If Medicaid is being cut or stopped, ask within 10 days to keep it while you wait. If a Medicaid health plan said no, you first appeal to the plan. A Medicare denial has its own steps. See how to appeal a Medicare denial, or call the Medicare Rights Center at 800-333-4114.

Local help

Each page below lists local offices and phone lines:

Anywhere else, call NY Connects at 1-800-342-9871, which connects you to your county office.

What a Pair Team advocate does

Most people who call us about one program need help with two or three. Often it's a Medicaid form and a heating bill in the same month. Here's what we do:

  • Help you apply for Medicaid, the Medicare Savings Program and SNAP, then call HRA or your county until you have an answer.
  • Help you apply for EPIC and Extra Help, so your drugs cost less.
  • Set up your home care needs check with the New York Independent Assessor, and book Medicaid rides through MAS.
  • Get your HEAP form in early, and help you ask for a fair hearing or Medicare appeal if the answer is no.

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

Is HIICAP free?

Yes, HIICAP is free, and it gives help with Medicare and the programs that lower its cost. Counselors work out of local offices for the aging. When you call 1-800-701-0501, follow the prompts to reach your local office.

Can I have EPIC and Extra Help at the same time?

Yes, you can have EPIC and Extra Help at the same time, and EPIC works with your Medicare drug plan too. In 2026, EPIC pays up to $58.82 a month toward your drug plan. That's for people who make up to $23,000 a year on their own.

What does NY Connects do?

NY Connects is free, and it helps people of any age find care and support at home. A local worker can tell you what you may get and help you apply for things like Medicaid or SNAP.

What is the difference between a fair hearing and a Medicare appeal?

A fair hearing is for a decision made by New York, like Medicaid, SNAP or HEAP. A Medicare appeal is for a decision by Medicare or your Medicare plan. Each has its own form and deadline.

Who decides if I qualify?

Your county office decides if you qualify for Medicaid, the Medicare Savings Program, SNAP and HEAP. In New York City, that's HRA. Social Security decides Extra Help, and the EPIC program decides EPIC.

Sources

Cities in New York

Guides for New York

  • A couple in their late 60s relax on a porch swing with coffee
    Saving money5 min read

    Medicare Savings Programs in New York

    New York can pay the $202.90 a month Medicare costs you if one person makes up to $1,856 a month in 2026. Your savings don't count.

    October 10, 2026Read more
  • A woman in her 70s sips tea in a warm, lamp-lit living room on a cold morning
    Everyday needs5 min read

    Utility Bill Help in New York

    New York helps pay for heat if one person makes up to $3,563 a month. It takes applications for regular heating help from November 2, 2026.

    October 10, 2026Read more
  • A grandmother in her 70s laughs with her granddaughter on the sofa
    Medicare & Medicaid5 min read

    Medicare and Medicaid in New York

    New York Medicaid covers people 65 and older with income up to $1,856 a month and savings up to $33,038 in 2026. Here's how to apply.

    October 10, 2026Read more
  • A woman in her 70s unpacks fresh vegetables in her kitchen
    Everyday needs6 min read

    SNAP for Seniors in New York

    The food benefit once called food stamps pays up to $306 a month for one person. New York lets homes with someone 60 or older make more and still qualify.

    October 10, 2026Read more
  • A driver helps a woman in her late 70s with a cane into a car
    Everyday needs5 min read

    Medicaid Rides in New York

    New York Medicaid pays for rides to medical care, and one office books them in each county. Call 3 days ahead when you can.

    October 10, 2026Read more
  • A woman in her 70s laughs with a wide smile at her kitchen table
    Doctors & care5 min read

    Medicaid Dental in New York

    New York Medicaid pays for cleanings, fillings, dentures, crowns, root canals and implants when needed. Here's how to find a dentist who takes it.

    October 10, 2026Read more
  • A woman in her 70s smiles in the doorway of her home, holding her keys
    Everyday needs6 min read

    Housing Help in New York

    New York City gives tenants a free lawyer in housing court. Tenants 62 and older making $50,000 or less a year can freeze their rent.

    October 10, 2026Read more
  • A man in his 70s smiles on the phone while his wife rests a hand on his arm
    Saving money5 min read

    Hospital Bill Help in New York

    New York hospitals must give free care if one person makes under $31,920 a year in 2026, and discounts up to $63,840. People with Medicare can qualify.

    October 10, 2026Read more
  • Two women in their 80s laugh together in a bright, homey common room
    Caregiving & long-term care5 min read

    Assisted Living Program in New York

    New York Medicaid's Assisted Living Program pays for care in certain adult homes, but not rent and meals. Here's who qualifies in 2026.

    October 10, 2026Read more
  • A grandfather in his 70s pushes his grandson on a tire swing
    Saving money6 min read

    SSI in New York

    New York adds $87 a month to Supplemental Security Income for one person living alone in 2026, for $1,081 in all. Medicaid comes with it.

    October 10, 2026Read more
  • A man in his 80s laughs at his kitchen table as his home care aide sets down his lunch
    Caregiving & long-term care6 min read

    Home Care and CDPAP in New York

    New York's Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program lets Medicaid pay a family caregiver. At 65 and older, the 2026 income limit is $1,836 a month.

    October 11, 2026Read more
  • Two women in their late 70s laugh while painting with watercolors at an adult day center
    Caregiving & long-term care6 min read

    Adult Day Care in New York

    New York Medicaid pays for adult day health care if you qualify for a nursing home. It cost a typical $144 a day in 2025 if you pay yourself.

    October 12, 2026Read more

Need a hand with the forms, the calls, or the follow-up?

A Pair Team advocate can check what you qualify for and stay with it until it's done. Most members pay $0.

Check Eligibility