Shortly after the stroke, Mr. Thompson discovered that his health insurance was cut off. The bureaucratic mistakes of the entire federal agency have made Mr. Thompson (though he has both dual qualities for Medicare and Medicaid), but urgently need medical insurance. He was accused of not owing what he shouldn't be, unable to pay, denying the care he needed, and getting caught in an endless cycle of phone calls and chaos. This made him feel frustrated and frightened because he never took care of him again. Then he found the Medicare Rights Center.
Get the right help at the right time
Medicare rights consultant Ricardo met his voice at the other end of the phone. As Mr. Thompson explained that he had been facing a “nightmare” for weeks, Ricardo listened and sympathized to understand how difficult it would have to be to try to drive Medicare by himself. Ricardo put together the puzzle of this complexity and stepped in and restored Mr. Thompson’s Medicare Savings Program (MSP), which helped low-income adults pay for their Medicare expenses. Participating in the MSP restored all Mr. Thompson’s contact with Medicare and had peace of mind.
“You listened sympathetically – you did what you need to do,” Mr. Thompson told us. “No stress.” Now he can focus on recovering his health without worrying about the huge consequences of other injuries or illnesses.
“You listened sympathetically – you did what you needed to do.”
Ricardo, Medicare Rights Consultant
“He was dealing with a lot of things,” Ricardo recalls. “Not only using Medicare, but also through social security. There are a lot of things that are challenging when dealing with government agencies because you don't know what to expect.” So it was especially helpful for Ricardo to hear Thompson's coverage being restored and feeling relieved and grateful in his message. “It feels great wherever you can help you,” Ricardo said.
Millions rely on Medicare Rights Center for help
Every day, our counselors navigate and mystery the complexity of health insurance for seniors and disabled people. Last year alone, we received $11 million in benefits that paid for health insurance and prescription medication for people like Mr. Thompson. This is just part of our mission. In addition to providing direct assistance with national hotline services, Medicare rights maintain free educational resources, provide training for healthcare professionals and promote access and affordability in Medicare policies.
Proposed cuts could leave millions without help
A recent budget bill passed in the House proposes billions of cuts to Medicare, which will cause direct and downstream harm to multiple qualified Medicare beneficiaries and to participate in cost-saving programs. The bill also prevents MSPs from improving long-term enrollment rates and leads to Part D low-income subsidy (additional help) enrollment rates – fostering nearly 1.4 million low-income Medicare beneficiaries who have lost this critical help they are already eligible. These plans help recruit staff to provide premiums and other health insurance expenses, such as prescriptions, and free up funds for basic needs such as food and housing. Without access to them, millions of people will find themselves under unnecessary financial pressure and fall into punitive traditional Chinese tape.
In Medicare rights, we are working to protect these basic lifespans. Our staff and volunteers are ready to meet this challenge and continue to help people with Medicare get the care they need. Our consulting, education and advocacy work helps ensure that people like Mr. Thompson don’t have to face these challenges just.
You are not alone in browsing Medicare
Our expert consultants provide free personalized assistance to Medicare, its families and caregivers across the country. We help people understand their coverage, access key programs like Medicare savings plans and additional help, and address issues that affect their ability to access care. Through our National Helpline, Online Resources and Education Programs, we make Medicare available every day. Last year, we screened over 2,200 MSP applications from Medicare patients.
If you are a New Yorker living in a fixed income or struggling to keep up with medical expenses, we can help you navigate the MSP admission process and get the full benefits you have earned. Our team will help evaluate your eligibility, guide you through admissions, and continue to assist with challenges or changes facing your Medicare benefits.
call 800-333-4114 Or visit MedicareInteractive.org/mspny Learn more and contact one of your counselors today.
