Many Medicare beneficiaries who have limited income and resources are also eligible for Medicaid.  This is especially pertinent given the current economy; however, some beneficiaries are unaware of the additional benefits.  To assist eligible Medicare beneficiaries, New York recently introduced legislation that establishes outreach initiatives for Medicaid enrollment.

Introduced by Democratic State Senator Rueben Diaz in early August of 2009, this bill addresses the fact that over thirty percent of Medicare enrollees have no coverage for pharmaceuticals, and twenty-five percent of them are living below the poverty line. Most of these individuals are unaware that existing legislation has already provided them with access to funds for such medical needs. Additionally, individuals 100 percent below federal poverty lines do not have to pay Medicare premiums, are eligible for funding for nurses beyond the Medicare 100 day limit, and depending on the specific situation, can access numerous other benefits beyond what Medicare can offer.

The outreach program as described in this bill will try to notify and encourage individuals in the Medicare program to find out whether or not they qualify for Medicaid as well. The awareness plan is for the Department of Health to use various forms of communication, such as mailings, advertisements, public service announcements, literature dissemination, and community outreach to get the word out.      

 Click here to read an overview on Medicare/Medicaid Dual Eligibility.

Click here to read New York SB 6116 for Medicare/Medicaid outreach initiatives.