Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program

This program provides no cost, unbiased, confidential assistance with Medicare questions and concerns. Information and counseling are provided by professionally trained, state certified volunteers and staff members who educate and empower individuals to make informed decisions. This program is contracted through Action for Older Persons, Inc.

You can make an in-person or phone appointment with a HIICAP counselor to get help with:

• Medicare eligibility, benefits, and appeals
• Medigap supplemental insurance policy coverage and comparison information
• Prescription drug coverage, including Medicare Part D plans and EPIC
• Medicare Advantage including PPO and HMO Plans
• Employer and retiree health insurance plans
• Medicare Savings Programs & SSA Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy*) eligibility and enrollment
• Medicare preventive and health screening benefits
• Community and facility Medicaid eligibility, benefits, and spousal protection
• Long-Term Care planning and insurance, including the NYS Partnership for Long-Term Care.

*If you are eligible for the Extra Help program, also called the Low Income Subsidy, you can get a free drug plan (the program pays your Medicare Prescription Drug premium). You also get low copays on your drugs. If you qualify for The Medicare Savings Program (MSP), you will automatically be enrolled in the Extra Help program as well. In NYS, the income limits for the MSP are more generous than the income limits for the Extra Help program. Contact AOP for the current income limits for the MSP to see if you qualify and they would be happy to assist you with the MSP application. 
 

For more information about this valuable program or help understanding your health insurance options, call Action for Older Persons, Inc. at 607.722.1251 or visit the website at http://actionforolderpersons.org/programs/health-insurance-information-counseling-and-assistance-program-hiicap/. If you are not directed to the health insurance page, go to "Services" on the menu bar and then select Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) from the drop down.