One of 2,200: A Personal Story of the Medicare Savings Program

Shortly after suffering a stroke, Mr. Thompson discovered his Medicare coverage had been cut off. A bureaucratic error across federal agencies had left Mr. Thompson—despite his dual eligibility for both Medicare and Medicaid—without sorely needed medical coverage. He was charged Medicare premiums he should not have owed and could not pay, denied the care he needed, and stuck in an endless loop of calls and confusion. It left him frustrated and fearful of having another stroke without access to care. Then he found the Medicare Rights Center.

Getting the Right Help at the Right Time

Ricardo, a Medicare Rights counselor, was the voice that met him on the other end of the phone. As Mr. Thompson explained the “nightmare” he had been facing for weeks, Ricardo listened and empathized, understanding how difficult it must have been for him to try to navigate Medicare on his own. Putting together the puzzle pieces of this complicated situation, Ricardo stepped in and restored Mr. Thompson’s medical coverage through the Medicare Savings Program (MSP), which helps low-income adults pay their Medicare costs. Enrolling in the MSP restored Mr. Thompson’s full access to Medicare—and his peace of mind.

“You listened sympathetically—you did what needed to be done,” Mr. Thompson told us. “There was no stress.” He could now focus on recovering his health without worrying about the outsized consequences of another injury or illness.

“He was dealing with a lot,” Ricardo remembered about helping Mr. Thompson. “Not only with Medicare, but also with Social Security. There are so many things that are challenging when you’re dealing with government agencies, because you don’t know what to expect.” So it was particularly rewarding for Ricardo to hear that Mr. Thompson’s coverage had been restored, and to feel the relief and gratitude in his messages. “It just feels good to help wherever you can,” Ricardo said.

Millions Rely on the Medicare Rights Center for Help

Every day, our counselors navigate and demystify the complexities of Medicare for older adults and people with disabilities. Last year alone, we secured $11 million in benefits that paid for Medicare premiums and prescription drugs for people just like Mr. Thompson. And that’s only one part of our mission. In addition to providing direct assistance over our national helpline, Medicare Rights also maintains free educational resources, provides training for health care professionals, and advocates for access and affordability in Medicare policy.

Proposed Cuts Could Leave Millions Without Help

The budget bill recently passed in the House of Representatives proposes billions in cuts to Medicaid, which would cause both immediate and downstream harm to dually eligible Medicare beneficiaries and those enrolled in cost-saving programs. The bill also blocks long-overdue enrollment improvements to the MSP—and resulting Part D Low-Income Subsidy (Extra Help) enrollment—resulting in nearly 1.4 million low-income Medicare beneficiaries losing this crucial assistance they already qualify for. These programs help enrollees afford premiums and other Medicare costs like prescriptions, and they free up money for basic needs like food and housing. Without access to them, millions will find themselves in unnecessary financial strain and mired in punitive red tape.

At Medicare Rights, we’re fighting to protect these essential lifelines. Our staff and volunteers are ready to meet this challenge and continue helping people with Medicare get the care they need. Our counseling, education, and advocacy efforts help ensure that people like Mr. Thompson won’t have to face these challenges alone.

You Are Not Alone in Navigating Medicare

Our expert counselors provide free, personalized assistance to people with Medicare, their families, and caregivers across the country. We help people understand their coverage, access critical programs like the Medicare Savings Program and Extra Help, and resolve issues that affect their ability to get care. Through our national helpline, online resources, and education initiatives, we make Medicare more accessible for the people who rely on it every day. Last year, we screened for and submitted over 2,200 MSP applications for people with Medicare.

If you are a New Yorker living on a fixed income or struggling to keep up with medical bills, we can help you navigate the MSP enrollment process and receive the full benefits you have earned. Our team will help assess your eligibility, guide you through enrollment, and continue to assist you with any challenges or changes to your Medicare benefits.

Call 800-333-4114 or visit medicareinteractive.org/mspny to learn more and connect with one of our counselors today.