For the most part, New York Medicare plans work the same way as they do across all other states. One important difference between Medicare in New York and other states is that New York has a year-round Open Enrollment for Medigap. Also, due to the higher cost of living in New York, premiums can be higher than in other states. Below, we’ll go over what you need to know about Medicare in New York.

Year-Round Open Enrollment for Medigap in New York

Typically, the best time to enroll in a Medigap plan is during your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period. During this timeframe, you are eligible to enroll in any plan of your choosing, without having to answer any health questions.

However, New York has year-round Open Enrollment. This means that any beneficiary in New York can apply for a Medigap plan at any time of the year without having to answer any health questions. This is a great benefit for New York residents. However, the downfall to this is premiums will be higher because of this year-round Open Enrollment.

No Part B Excess Charges in New York

As stated above, New York is one of the few states that does not allow excess charges. For New Yorkers, you may want to go with Plan F or Plan N, rather than Plan G.

Regardless of which carrier you decide to go with, the letter plan benefits will all be the same. The only difference is the cost chosen by the carrier.

This is another example of the cost of being dependent on where you live. The same letter plan in Saratoga Springs can cost more or less when compared to the same letter plan in New York City.

Medicare Advantage Plans in New York

Private insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage plans. They’ve been approved by Medicare and are usually an HMO or PPO plan. Whichever carrier you chose will then take over as your primary coverage.

In 2019, 39% of New York enrollees chose a Medicare Advantage plan.

You’ll be required to forfeit both Plan A and B. This means you’ll still get your hospital and medical coverage. However, it will be in the form of your Medicare Advantage Plan. You won’t be eligible to enroll in a Medigap plan while you’re enrolled in Medicare Advantage.

Top-Rated Medicare Advantage Plans in New York:

1. HumanaChoice (PPO)
2. Aetna Medicare Elite Plan (PPO)
3. Aetna Medicare Premier Plan (PPO)

Part D in New York

Prescription drug plans, or Part D, is just that. It covers your medications.

Part A and Part B do not cover any prescription costs. Medigap plans don’t either.

There’s also a late enrollment penalty for going without Part D if you don’t enroll when you’re first eligible.

However, if you have a form of creditable coverage you won’t be penalized.

Top-Rated Part D Plans in New York:

1. SilverScript Choice
2. Humana Walmart Value Rx Plan
3. Cigna-HealthSpring Rx Secure-Essential