What is the Medicare Savings Program?

The Medicare Savings Program (MSP) is a New York State Medicaid program that pays the cost of Medicare Part B. The Medicare Part B premium is about $174 per month. Many people with Medicare health insurance don’t realize they are paying for Medicare Part B because it is automatically deducted from their Social Security benefits. The Medicare Savings Program counts income only; there is no resource test. The income limits change every year. 

To apply for the Medicare Savings Program, you’ll need to:

• Submit a one page application to your local department of social services (in NYC, the Human Resources Administration, HRA); 
• Provide copies of documents to prove your income, residency, Medicare status (a Medicare card), and age and identity (a picture identification that has your date of birth) for yourself and your spouse, if you live together. 

An application for the Medicare Savings Program will be reviewed and decided in 45 days. You will receive a notice in the mail with the program’s decision. If approved, you will no longer have the Medicare Part B premium deducted from your Social Security check. If your application is denied or you don’t get a decision after 45 days, you can request an appeal (called a fair hearing) with the Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance (OTDA). 

Do I need to renew my Medicare Savings Program benefit? 

Yes, you have to renew your Medicare Savings Program coverage yearly. If you do not complete and submit the MSP renewal form, which is sent to you by your local department of social services/HRA, your MSP coverage will end and you will start paying the Medicare Part B premium again. You should receive a notice in the mail before your MSP coverage ends for not renewing.  You can file a fair hearing with the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). You should file a fair hearing and seek legal assistance if your MSP case closes. 

For free legal help, call Legal Services NYC at 917-661-4500 Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more about our intake process here.

* The information does not constitute legal advice. You should always consult an attorney regarding your matter. Legal help subject to capacity and location.