Health Insurance

If you are over age 65 and have a low-income, your health insurance coverage would combine Medicaid and Medicare. You must apply for Medicaid through the Westchester County Department of Social Services. You will need to contact Social Security Administration for enrollment into Medicare. You can get a head start on applying and understanding your options, and the coordination between your Medicare and Medicaid coverage, by contacting the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services.

For those over age 65, regardless of your income, you likely qualify for a “Special Enrollment Period (SEP).”  Typically you would be required to enroll in Medicare right as you turn 65.  If that did not happen, contact Social Security Administration for enrollment into Medicare and make clear your need for the special enrollment period.  Medicare Rights Center (medicareinteractive.org)  is a resource for understanding Medicare and finding advocacy when you need it.  Their “Dear Marci” feature provides answers to questions about Medicare.  A recent (March 2023) questions was: How do I enroll in Medicare after being incarcerated?  The answer explains a bit more about how you qualify for an SEP.