Medical Assistance Programs

Healthy NY is the product of the Health Reform Act of 2000, which promotes access to quality healthcare to small business owners, sole proprietors, and uninsured working individuals. Eligibility and participation vary by group. Contact 866-432-5849 or www.ins.state.ny.us for more information and an application.

Family Health Plus is a public health insurance program for adults who are aged 19-64 who have income or resources too high to qualify for Medicaid. Contact Monroe County Department of Social Services 585-753-6960, Excellus BC/BS (585) 563-1516, or www.health.state.ny.us.

Medicare is federal health insurance for those 65 or older or those who have been receiving Social Security Disability benefits for a full two years, regardless of age. Medicare provides coverage for hospitalization, skilled nursing facilities following hospitalization, home care, hospice, physician charges, and other medical services and supplies. Deductibles and premiums do apply. Application is through the SSA. Medicare does not cover prescription costs, custodial care and many preventive services. Medigap policies, which supplement Medicare, are available for purchase. Contact the American Association for Retired Persons or your state’s insurance commission for information on Medigap policies. 

For more information on Medicare, contact the Medicare Rights Center at 1460 Broadway, New York, NY 10036, or call 212-869-3850.

Medicaid is a joint federal and state run program providing health insurance to people meeting income and asset restriction guidelines. It covers prescription drugs, daycare, respite care, hospital care, nursing home care, physician fees and a variety of preventive services. Apply through your local Social Service/Public Welfare Department or the Monroe County Department of Social Services at 585-753-6440.

COBRA is a federal act allowing individuals who lose employer health insurance coverage to buy group insurance for themselves and their families for limited periods of time. This may be helpful to consider if you have a waiting period to get through before Medicare or Medicaid kicks in. To apply, contact your employer or group health insurance plan administrator.

Health Partnership of Monroe County is a program that provides Medicaid benefits to uninsured participants who have been screened and diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer through the Health Partnership of Monroe County. For more information call 585-753-5978.