Pay less for Medicare in New York, starting with the Part B premium.

No. The New York State Department of Health’s Medicare Savings Program overview says there is no resource test for the MSP programs. Savings, a retirement account, or co-op shares do not count against a QMB or QI application. Full Medicaid is different and does have a resource limit.

The application is state form DOH-4328. Inside the five boroughs it goes to the NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA), by mail, in person, or through ACCESS HRA. In the other 57 counties it goes to your county Department of Social Services. It does not go to Medicare or to a plan.

Starting October 1, 2026, yes. NYS Department of Health, GIS 26 MA/14 limits the Medicare Savings Program, including QMB and QI, to U.S. citizens and nationals; green-card holders (lawful permanent residents) who have finished or are exempt from the 5-year wait; Cuban-Haitian entrants; and Compact of Free Association (COFA) migrants. Other lawfully present immigrants, including refugees, asylees, parolees, and people with temporary protected status, are not eligible for the Medicare Savings Program, and New York does not fund a state-only backup for it. Income and resource dollar limits are unchanged. Medicare itself is a separate federal question. The same notice says affected non-citizens who already have Medicare may keep it until federal changes take effect January 4, 2027, and a CMS rule that is still proposed, not final, would end that Medicare on February 1, 2027, after notices from Social Security. Call HIICAP at 1-800-701-0501 or a legal aid office about a specific case.

Once an MSP is approved, the state notifies Medicare and the Part B premium stops being deducted from your Social Security payment. The change often takes a month or two to show up and can come with a refund for months already covered. Extra Help with drug costs follows automatically.