Living with a Disability / Visually Impaired

If you are living with a disability and/or blindness, you may have special options for health insurance and services. Many people who are living with a disability or blindness can get Medicare. If you have low-income, you may also qualify for Medicaid. If you are working, you may be able to get extra financial help to pay for health care. If you don't have Medicare, you can search for private health insurance options on the NY State of Health Marketplace. Financial help is available.

Your Health Insurance Options

• Medicare: People with certain disabilities and/or blindness can qualify for Medicare after a two year waiting period.
• If you are disabled and working, you may qualify for help to pay for your Medicare costs. Learn more about the Medicare Savings Program and get help to apply
• Medicaid: You could get free or low cost health insurance under Medicaid if you have low income. You can have Medicare and Medicaid at the same time.
• If you are working, you may qualify for Medicaid for Working People with Disabilities.
• Learn more about the Medicaid Buy-In Program for Working People with Disabilities
• Managed Long Term Care Plans (MLTC): MLTC plans cover long term services for people who are chronically ill or disabled and wish to stay in their homes or communities.
• Fully Integrated Duals Advantage Program (FIDA): If you have Medicare and Medicaid, you can enroll in FIDA to get all of your benefits from one plan.
• Private/Qualified Health Plans: If you are disabled and don't yet have Medicare, you can apply for private insurance. Visit the NY State of Health Marketplace. Financial help is available.

Get Help to Apply

You can find in-person help if you qualify to apply on the NY State of Health Marketplace.

NYC's Facilitated Enrollment for the Aged, Blind and Disabled Program: For free help applying for Medicaid or for help to cover Medicare costs. You must be 65 and over and/or living with a disability or blindness.

Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP): For free, impartial information about Medicare and other health insurance options. Call 311 and ask for the Department for the Aging HIICAP Program.

Special Health Care Options

• Lighthouse Guild: Health care services for people who are blind or visually impaired

Helpful Links

• Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities
• Human Resources Administration Disability Access Page
• NYS Resource Directory for Children and Adults with Special Health Care Needs
• Medicare.Gov
• Medicare Interactive: Free website with Medicare questions and answers.
• Center for the Independence of the Disabled, New York: Advocacy organization for people living with disabilities
• ACCESS NYC: Website that helps you find out which City, State and Federal health and human service benefit programs might be right for you.