Longer reads
Paying less for Medicare, one program at a time.
October 14, 2026 · 6 min read
2027 Social Security COLA and your Medicare Savings Program (New York)
In short: Social Security announced a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2027. Most Social Security checks rise with the January 2027 payment. That raise does not automatically change New York's Medicare Savings Program…
Read the postOctober 8, 2026 · 4 min read
Why didn't I get the $90 Medicare Part B rebate? (QMB, QI and Medicaid)
In short: if Medicaid or a Medicare Savings Program (QMB or QI) already pays your Part B premium, you do not get the one-time $90 rebate, because you are not paying that premium yourself…
October 5, 2026 · 5 min read
Lost your Medicare Savings Program because of immigration status? What happens now in New York
In short: starting October 1, 2026, New York can give the Medicare Savings Program (QMB or QI) only to U.S. citizens and nationals, green-card holders (lawful permanent residents) who have…
October 5, 2026 · 6 min read
Medicare Open Enrollment in New York (October 15 to December 7): Advantage, Medigap, or MSP with Original Medicare?
In short: from October 15 to December 7, anyone with Medicare can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or drug plan, with changes starting January 1. Check the Medicare Savings…
September 28, 2026 · 6 min read
Do you have to reapply for the Medicare Savings Program every year in New York?
In short: yes. New York's own MSP form instructions say: "You will need to renew (recertify) your MSP every year." You do not file a brand-new application. You answer a renewal notice. Some…
September 28, 2026 · 4 min read
ACCESS HRA for Medicaid and MSP: renew, upload documents, find your form
In short: ACCESS HRA is New York City's benefits website and app. With it you can apply for and recertify Medicaid, apply for the Medicare Savings Program (MSP), see when your…
September 28, 2026 · 4 min read
You have QMB and a doctor sent you a bill: what to do in New York
In short: if you are in the QMB program (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary), Medicare providers are not allowed to bill you for Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments. That is…
September 27, 2026 · 5 min read
NYC Medicaid office locations (HRA) by borough: addresses and phones
In short: New York City has 11 HRA Medicaid office listings: two in the Bronx, four in Brooklyn (one is closed for now), two in Manhattan, two in Queens, and one on Staten Island. The full…
September 27, 2026 · 7 min read
Where to mail the Medicare Savings Program application in New York
In short: mail the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) form, DOH-4328, to the Medicaid office for the county where you live. In New York City that is HRA. For MSP-only, HRA's brochure lists…
September 27, 2026 · 3 min read
Medicare Savings Program phone numbers in New York: who to call
In short: there is no single "Medicare Savings Program hotline" in New York. In NYC, call the HRA Medicaid Helpline at 1-888-692-6116. Outside NYC, call your county Department of Social…
September 27, 2026 · 4 min read
Medicare Savings Program denied, or no answer after 45 days? What to do in New York
In short: read the reason on the denial notice first. Many MSP denials are about missing papers or income that was counted too high, and those can be fixed by sending proofs or reapplying.…
September 11, 2026 · 14 min read
QMB, SLMB, QI, QDWI: a New York glossary for Medicare Savings Program letters
In short: QMB, SLMB, QI, and QDWI are the four federal Medicare Savings Programs, the Medicaid-run programs that pay Medicare premiums and sometimes more. New York runs three of them.
September 11, 2026 · 10 min read
MSP application documents checklist for New York (DOH-4328)
In short: New York's Medicare Savings Program application is a two-page state form, DOH-4328, and it needs five kinds of proof: your Medicare card, your date of birth, your address, your income,…
September 11, 2026 · 17 min read
Medicaid renewal letters in New York if you have Medicare
In short: if you have Medicare and Medicaid, or Medicare and a Medicare Savings Program (MSP), the fall brings two kinds of mail. Status letters ask whether you still have a program,…
September 11, 2026 · 12 min read
How to prepare for a HIICAP appointment in New York: what to bring and what to ask
In short: a HIICAP appointment goes fastest when you bring three things. The letter or problem that made you call. Your Medicare card and any Medicaid or plan cards.
September 11, 2026 · 9 min read
EPIC vs Extra Help in New York: which drug-cost program to check first
In short: if you are 65 or older with Medicare and limited income, check the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) first, because in New York an approved MSP brings Extra Help with it and has no savings test.
September 10, 2026 · 7 min read
Dual eligible in New York: full vs partial coverage
"Dual eligible" is a label that shows up on letters, at pharmacy counters, and in conversations with counselors, and it is rarely explained. In plain terms it me…
September 10, 2026 · 7 min read
QMB vs QI in New York: what each pays (2026 limits)
A Medicare Savings Program, usually shortened to MSP, is a state program that pays some of Medicare's costs for people with limited income. In New York it is run by Medicaid, but it is not the same thing as Medicaid.
September 10, 2026 · 7 min read
HIICAP New York: free Medicare counseling, 1-800-701-0501
Every state has a program that offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling. In New York it is called HIICAP, the Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance Program.
September 10, 2026 · 7 min read
Extra Help and MSP in New York: how they work together
Two programs lower Medicare costs for New Yorkers with limited income, and they are run by two different governments. Extra Help is federal and comes through Social Security.
Next step
Need help with this? Get free one-on-one guidance.
The MSP screener takes a few questions (county, household size, approximate monthly income) and shows an educational estimate. It does not decide eligibility and does not enroll you in anything.
You can also call HIICAP free at 1-800-701-0501. Free, unbiased, and they do not sell plans.
Guided help, free
Want help sorting out your next steps?
County, household size, and approximate monthly income. You get an educational estimate of which program band to ask HIICAP or HRA about. It never decides eligibility and never applies for anything.
You can also call HIICAP, New York’s free Medicare counseling program: 1-800-701-0501. Free, unbiased, and they do not sell plans. Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.