Resources
Medicare Part B Enrollment Through Social Security
What It Covers: Doctor visits, outpatient care, lab tests, preventive services, medical equipment, and more.
📝 When and How to Enroll in Part B
✅ 1. Automatic Enrollment
You may be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part B if:
- You’re turning 65 and already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits
- You’re under 65 and receiving disability benefits from Social Security for at least 24 months
If you’re auto-enrolled, you’ll receive your Medicare card in the mail about 3 months before your 65th birthday (or 25th month of disability).
🕒 2. Manual Enrollment
You need to actively sign up for Part B if:
- You’re not yet receiving Social Security benefits
- You chose to delay Part B because you had employer coverage
- You declined Part B earlier and now wish to enroll
You can enroll:
- Online:
Sign up at SSA.gov – Part B Enrollment - By Phone:
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) - In Person:
Visit your local Social Security office (appointment recommended)
📅 Enrollment Periods
Understanding when to enroll helps avoid late penalties.
🔹 Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
- Starts 3 months before your 65th birthday
- Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65
- Best time to enroll to avoid delays and penalties
🔹 General Enrollment Period (GEP)
- January 1 – March 31 each year
- Coverage begins July 1
- May result in late enrollment penalty
🔹 Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
- For those who delayed Part B because they had employer or union health coverage
- You can enroll any time while still covered, or within 8 months after the coverage ends
- No penalty if eligible for SEP
Apply for Medicare Part D Extra Help Program
Get help paying for your prescription drug coverage.
The Extra Help program is designed to assist people with limited income and resources by lowering or eliminating the costs of Medicare Part D, including monthly premiums, deductibles, and copayments.
🕒 When Can You Apply?
You can apply for Extra Help any time—before or after enrolling in a Medicare Part D plan.
📝 How to Apply
- Applying is quick and easy. You can apply through the Social Security Administration:
- ✅ Online: Click here to apply for Extra Help
- 📞 By Phone: Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778)
- 📬 By Mail: Download the application form from the SSA website and send it in
📂 What You’ll Need
- Be prepared by gathering the following documents for you and your spouse (if applicable):
- Recent bank statements
- Most recent federal tax return
- Current balances of IRA or 401(k) accounts
- Statements for:
- Pensions
- Veterans’ benefits
- Annuities
- Railroad Retirement Board benefits
💡 Why Apply?
- Many people who qualify don’t realize they’re eligible. If approved, Extra Help could save you thousands of dollars each year on your prescriptions. Don’t miss out on this important support!
EPIC – Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage Program
A New York State Program Helping Seniors Save on Prescription Drugs
The Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program is a New York State initiative administered by the Department of Health. It supports over 325,000 income-eligible seniors (age 65 and older) by helping to reduce out-of-pocket costs related to Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.
¿Who Can Apply?
To qualify, you must:
Be 65 years or older
Be a New York State resident
Be enrolled or eligible to enroll in a Medicare Part D drug plan
You can apply any time of the year—there’s no need to wait for a specific enrollment period.
📋 What EPIC Covers
Secondary coverage for Part D drugs after your Medicare Part D deductible is met
Coverage for certain drugs excluded from Medicare Part D, once you’re enrolled in a Part D plan
Premium assistance:
If your income is up to $23,000 (single) or $29,000 (married), EPIC helps pay your Part D premiums
If your income is higher, EPIC helps by lowering your EPIC deductible
- 📊 EPIC Plan Options Based on Income
EPIC offers two benefit plans:
- Fee Plan
For those with annual incomes:
Up to $20,000 (single)
Up to $26,000 (married)
- Deductible Plan
For those with annual incomes:
Between $20,001 and $75,000 (single)
Between $26,001 and $100,000 (married)
📝 How to Apply
Applying is easy and no documentation is required. EPIC verifies your information directly with Social Security and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.
You can apply in one of three ways:
🖥️ Online: Apply through the NYS DOH EPIC website
📬 By Mail or Fax: Download and send in the application
✔ Medicaid & Public Assistance
- Renewals and Redetermination Assistance
- Home Care Program Applications
