Issues for Certain Medicare Savings Program Applications

Some individuals who already have Medicaid are experiencing problems when applying for the Medicaid Savings Program (MSP). These issues arise when a Medicaid recipient applies for MSP through a different agency than the one that maintains their existing Medicaid case. For example, difficulties may occur when an individual whose Medicaid case is held at the Local Department of Social Services (LDSS/HRA), applies for MSP through the Medicaid Eligibility and Client Management System (MECM), or vice versa.

Given these issues, the current guidance is that Medicaid recipients who want to apply for MSP should apply for MSP through the same agency that manages their existing Medicaid case. For example, if one’s Medicaid is at HRA, they should submit the MSP application through HRA; if one’s Medicaid is at NY State of Health, they should apply for MSP through NY State of Health.

What is MECM?

NY State of Health’s Medicaid Eligibility and Client Management System (MECM) is aiming to modernize applications and recertifications for Non-MAGI Medicaid, as well as for the Medicare Savings Program (MSP).  Currently, Non-MAGI Medicaid recipients do not have access to an online portal to manage their Medicaid account (report income, changes etc.).

Since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, the NY State of Health Marketplace has served as the primary application and recertification platform for individuals evaluated under MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income) Medicaid rules. This system offered a faster, more streamlined, and modernized process. Individuals considered Non‑MAGI, however, continued to apply and recertify through their local Department of Social Services (LDSS).

MECM supports electronic record verification, online applications, online recertifications, document uploads, and digital notices, which means faster application determinations and less documentation. While not all applicants and recipients will be able to use the MECM system, those who are can find their applications being processed more quickly than traditional submissions through the LDSS/HRA.

The NY State Department of Health, which oversees the NY State of Health Marketplace, continues to monitor the MECM rollout.