Need Health Insurance? Are you 65 or older? Do you have a disability? Are you certified blind?
You may be eligible for Medicaid! North Country Center for Independence is proud to offer our assistance. Funded by the New York State Department of Health, the Facilitated Enroller program was created to ensure the Aged, Blind, and Disabled have access to comprehensive, affordable health insurance. NCCI assists the ABD population of Clinton and Essex counties. Our facilitated Enrollers are here to assist you with applying for Medicaid benefits.
As we adjust to life during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are a few very helpful changes to the Medicaid application process that you should know!
1. AUTOMATIC RENEWALS/ NO DISCONTINUANCES After March 18, 2020 If Medicaid was authorized for a period ending March 31, 2020 or later, the local district must recertify Medicaid for 12 months, regardless of whether the recipient fails to return renewals or respond to requests for information - Medicaid will NOT BE DISCONTINUED. DOH explains this will allow districts to devote the reduced staff to new applications rather than routine renewals.
*This does not mean you should just ignore your renewal responsibilities though. If you receive a renewal request, please take the time to read and respond to it as it will eventually be due for review.
2. New York state is now allowing self-attestation of income, assets and most other factors of eligibility on applications, renewals and requests for increased coverage, except for documenting citizenship and immigrant status on applications. This is a change from usual rules - some attestation is generally allowed, but to be eligible for home care and other community-based long-term care, one normally must DOCUMENT assets, not self-attest.
*What does this mean for you? Quicker processing and ease of access. With the assistance of your facilitated enroller the application can be sent to dss for processing much quicker. However, the documents will still be required at a later date. When completing the application without documentation it is very important to be as accurate and truthful as possible. Ask your facilitated enroller how they can help with this.
If you would like to hear more about the Medicaid Application Assistance Program and how we can assist you; please call the number below.
Amy Rowe-Arseneault
Facilitated Enroller with North Country Center for Independence
518-563-9058 ext. 109
amya@ncci-online.com