Staten Island Aging Residents & Their Caregivers: Attend Panel Discussion At JCC Tomorrow Morning

Staten Island Aging Residents & Their Caregivers: Attend Panel Discussion At JCC Tomorrow Morning

Editor’s note: Considering the reality for a majority of older New Yorkers, which unfortunately includes food and housing insecurity, the below event is even more critical.  It comes at a time of even greater uncertainty, where the state of people’s health insurance along with their ability to meet their daily needs are both in jeopardy.  Residents of New York and New Jersey can learn more about available options for help at this article featuring Mayor Adams and Governor Murphy.  Our article about the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program also shares details of their food pantry and soup kitchen hours (during which parents or guardians can sign up their kids to receive gifts for the holiday this year). 

The following answers were provided by the Dept of the Aging.  Our questions are in bold, answers in regular type:

When does open enrollment end? Are there exceptions or coverage gaps if someone waits past that date?

Annual Election Period (AEP) ends December 7. If someone is on a Medicare plan which is terminating at the end of the year, they are entitled to a Special Enrollment Period, which is from December 8 to end of February to enroll in a new plan.

Who do the budget changes affect and what are the changes?

There are no changes to the structure of the Medicare program, but for individuals with Medicare, their costs and choice of plans can change from one year to the next, so it is always good to compare plans.

Are any of the new work requirements set to be implemented in Medicare? 

Work requirements are not applicable to eligibility for Medicare.

Will there be any lapse or reduction in the current Medicare plans? 

There are some Medicare Advantage plans that will be terminating at the end of 2025. If people with Medicare do not choose a new plan by the end of the year, they will be in Original Medicare by default starting January 1.

What is the expected increase for those on Medicare who have to pay for the gap coverage themselves?  (Part B)

For 2025, the standard Medicare Part B premium is $185. The premium for 2026 has not been announced yet but the estimate for 2026 is $206.50.

What are some of the effects you expect to see (such as people foregoing Part B coverage entirely, choosing an Advantage plan to save money, or choosing between groceries and health insurance)?

Most Medigap plans are increasing premiums for January 2026. As a result, we expect to see more people with Medicare reassessing their choice for Medigap.

Are there nonprofits who are trying to fill this gap for those who don’t qualify for Medicaid but can’t afford their health insurance? Are there city agencies that are able to help? 

For people with Medicare who have income/resources above the Medicaid limit, they may still qualify for the Medicare Savings Programs (MSP). MSP helps to pay the Part B premium and also helps with the Part D drug costs. NYC Aging’s HIICAP helps people apply for MSP and recertify to maintain the benefit.

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Is there any way assisted by the Essential Plan in NYC where people making under 250% of the FPL are able to get free health coverage? Do Medicare recipients qualify for this program as well? 

The Essential Plan is for people who do not have Medicare [under 65 and not disabled].

About the panels being held across the city in each borough:

In July of 2025, Congress Passed a Budget Reconciliation Act that made significant cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act. To ensure New Yorkers were informed about these changes and how best to navigate them, NYC Department for the Aging’s (NYC Aging) Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance Program (HIICAP) have organized a series of panels across the city. The panels are taking place during this year’s Open Enrollment Period, where residents will be choosing their health insurance plans for 2026.

Last year three panel discussions took place, but with the urgency this year to help inform New Yorkers about their healthcare options, that number was increased to five, with one taking place in every borough. The one on Staten Island will be at the Jewish Community Center on Wednesday, November 5 at 10:00am.

The panels are for individuals with incomes above the federal poverty level, so they can make informed decisions about choosing a plan that meets their health needs. Representatives from NYC Aging’s HIICAP and health insurance providers are on the panels to answer attendees’ questions.

Discussion topics during the panel include:
· How much insurance premiums are increasing next year;
· The new limits for out-of-pocket prescription drugs;
· How the changes affect older adults with higher incomes and are tied to the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount;
· Part D deductible increase;

If residents are unable to attend a panel discussion but have questions about signing up for a new plan, they can reach HIICAP by calling NYC Aging’s Connect at 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469).

With many changes to federal social support programs occurring, the Department for the Aging has been organizing panel discussions in every borough on Medicare, to make sure the public is clear on what the changes are and how they can sign up for the health coverage that meets their needs.

These panels are occurring during the current open enrollment period, when residents need to sign up for plans for 2026. The one taking place on Staten Island is on Wednesday, November 5 at the Jewish Community Center Bernikow/Mid-Island [on Manor Rd].

Banner Image: Event banner. Image Credit – NYC Dept for the Aging