NY Connects: how to get long-term care help in New York

NY Connects is New York's statewide Aging and Disability Resource Center. The State Office for the Aging says it provides one-stop access to free, objective, comprehensive information and assistance on long-term services and supports for people of all ages or with any type of disability. Long-term services and supports include help that supports independence, such as personal care, household help, housing options, transportation, food access, and caregiver supports.

NY Connects also helps people figure out eligibility and apply for public benefits such as Medicaid or SNAP. It is not a plan, not an insurance broker, and not a government eligibility decision by itself. Local Area Agencies on Aging, Independent Living Centers, and Departments of Social Services run the local doors.

Statewide: 1-800-342-9871. Say the county where help is needed. The call is routed to the local NY Connects office. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use NY Relay at 7-1-1.

Online directory: nyconnects.ny.gov lets you search providers and resources by keyword and location, and contact a local office.

In New York City: NYC Aging administers NY Connects and also lists 1-800-342-9871. Borough partner offices and hours are published on the NYC Aging NY Connects page; use that page for the current borough lines rather than an old flyer.

Families usually call when they need a next step, not a brochure. Common asks NY Connects can sort:

• Which public path fits. Medicaid home care (often through an NYIA assessment and then a plan such as Managed Long Term Care) versus non-Medicaid programs such as EISEP for adults 60 and older.
• Where to apply. HRA in New York City or the county Department of Social Services elsewhere for Medicaid; the local Office for the Aging for many aging services.
• Referrals. Home care agencies, caregiver supports, meals, transportation, and other long-term services listed in the official directory.
• Benefits help. Guidance on applying for Medicaid, SNAP, and related programs, without selling a plan.

NY Connects does not replace New York Medicaid Choice for plan enrollment questions, and it does not replace HIICAP for Medicare plan counseling. It is the first free call when you do not know which door is the right door.

1. Call 1-800-342-9871 and name the county (or borough) where the person lives.
2. Say what you need in one sentence, for example: help at home after a hospital stay, Medicaid home care questions, or EISEP for someone 60+ without Medicaid.
3. Have these ready: the person's age, ZIP code, whether they have Medicaid or Medicare, and any recent hospital or agency letter.
4. Write down the office name, any case or referral number, and the next form or appointment they give you.
5. If the first office is wrong, ask them to transfer or name the correct local partner. That is what No Wrong Door is for.

• Waiting for a hospital to "set up Medicaid home care" without calling NY Connects or the Medicaid office yourself.
• Calling a plan sales number before you know whether Medicaid or EISEP is the path.
• Using an old borough phone number from a flyer instead of 1-800-342-9871 or the current NYC Aging page.
• Expecting NY Connects to enroll someone in a Medicare Advantage or D-SNP plan. For Medicare counseling, use HIICAP at 1-800-701-0501.