Medicare help for Staten Island, in plain English.
REMCARE works with many families on Staten Island and across New York. Medicare works differently in New York in some important ways, and we help you understand your options by phone or video, in English or Spanish.
Serving Staten Island
Licensed in New York. NPN 8929595.
New York has some of the strongest Medicare protections in the country
These rules can change your options, so it's worth understanding them before you choose a plan.
Medicare Supplements year-round
In New York, companies that sell Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans must accept you at any time of year, with no health questions. In most other states, that protection mostly applies only during your first 6 months with Part B.
Same price regardless of age or health
New York Supplement premiums are community rated, meaning a company can't charge you more because of your age or health. Premiums still vary between companies and plans, so comparing matters.
EPIC prescription help
EPIC (Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage) is a New York State program that helps eligible residents 65 and older with prescription costs. It works alongside Part D. Call EPIC at 1-800-332-3742 or ask us to help you check.
Retiree and union coverage
Many Staten Islanders retired from city, state or union jobs. Retiree health benefits can change how Medicare fits, and sometimes dropping or changing coverage can't be undone. We review your retiree plan with you first.
Turning 65 while still working
If you or your spouse are still working with group coverage, you may be able to delay Part B. When that coverage ends, you have 8 months to sign up. Getting this timing right avoids lifelong penalties.
Help for families
Helping a parent with Medicare? We're happy to include you in the call, with your parent's permission, so everyone understands the options.
Personal help without leaving home
We work with a large number of clients on Staten Island. Appointments are by phone or video, Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern, so you get one-on-one help without traffic or the bridge. Rafael Mendoza is a licensed agent with 25 years of experience who has helped more than 15,000 clients. Se habla español.
We compare the plans we offer against your doctors, prescriptions and budget, and we explain how New York’s rules apply to you.
New York's free Medicare counseling program
HIICAP (Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program) · 1-800-701-0501. HIICAP is New York's State Health Insurance Assistance Program, with trained counselors in local offices for the aging. We encourage you to use every resource available to you.
Book your free Staten Island Medicare review
Tell us a little about you and we’ll call to set up a phone or video appointment. No cost and no pressure.
Rafael E. MendozaLicensed agent · 25 years
Staten Island and New York Medicare questions
Can I buy a Medicare Supplement in New York at any time?
Yes. New York requires companies that sell Medicare Supplement plans to accept applicants year-round, without health questions, and premiums can’t vary by age or health. This is different from most states.
What is EPIC in New York?
EPIC (Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage) is a New York State program that helps eligible residents age 65 and older pay for prescriptions. It works with Medicare Part D. You can call EPIC at 1-800-332-3742, and we can help you check whether you may qualify.
I’m retired from a city, state or union job. Should I change my coverage?
Be careful. Retiree health benefits often work together with Medicare, and some changes can’t be reversed. We review your retiree plan first and explain the trade-offs before you make any decision.
Do you meet in person on Staten Island?
Our appointments are by phone or video, which lets us help you anywhere on the Island or in New York without the commute. Call 856-217-2235 to set up a time.
Is there free Medicare counseling in New York?
Yes. HIICAP offers free Medicare counseling through local offices for the aging. Call 1-800-701-0501. As a licensed agent, we also help at no cost to you.
Do you help in Spanish?
Yes. Rafael Mendoza speaks English and Spanish. Sí, hablamos español.