Open Enrollment Medicare Resources
Due to the notification that some Medicare Advantage plans will be discontinued for 2026, we would like to share the following information so that you can make the best decision when selecting a new plan during the open enrollment period. We encourage you to reach out to your insurance broker with questions or concerns about your plan. The following links will provide information on Medicare in PDF format.
- Medicare Open Enrollment Flashcard: Important Medicare Considerations
- Medicare-In-Focus-Patient-Brochure: Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
- Medicare In Focus FAQ’s: Beyond the Basics
- Medicare Open Enrollment – Patient Information
- Medicare Open Enrollment – Patient Worksheet
- Understanding Health Insurance Options and Terms
- Compare Medigap Plan Benefits
Educational Podcast
Listen to a WXXI Podcast featuring Andy Napierala, vice president of Medicare and individual market sales for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and Rene Pettenski, manager of the Health Insurance Information Counseling Assistance Program at Lifespan: https://www.wxxinews.org/show/connections/2025-10-09/understanding-the-changes-to-medicare-advantage-plans
NYS Medicare Counseling
HIICAP is the state health insurance assistance program (SHIP), which receives federal assistance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the State of New York to educate the public about Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, and other health insurance issues. HIICAP provides free, accurate, and objective information, counseling, assistance, and advocacy on Medicare, private health insurance, and related health coverage plans. https://aging.ny.gov/health-insurance-information-counseling-and-assistance-programs
Medicare Insurance Assistance Help Lines
LifeSpan
- Monroe County: 585-287-6413
- Livingston County: 585-498-4034
- Other Counties: 800-701-0501
Office of the Aging
- Monroe County: 585-753-6280
- Livingston County: 585-243-7000
- Ontario County: 585-396-4451
- Steuben County: 607-936-7425
- Chemung County: 607-737-5302
Macular Degeneration
Learn about the difference between dry and wet AMD, as well as symptoms and treatment options.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Read about how this complication of diabetes can cause vision loss, and how we can help.
Retinal Tear & Detachment
Understand the difference between a retinal tear and a detachment, and how urgent treatment is often necessary for these conditions.
Uveitis
RAWNY is pleased to have an inflammatory disease specialists on staff to help diagnose and treat this complex condition.
Retinal Vascular Occlusion
Learn about the difference between retinal vein occlusions and retinal artery occlusions, including symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options.
Epiretinal Membrane/Macular Pucker
Understand how an epiretinal membrane, also known as a macular pucker, affects the retina and can cause visual disturbances.
To learn more about other retinal conditions, visit American Academy of Ophthalmology Eye Health A-Z
RAWNY encourages you to read more about specific diagnosis at https://www.aao.org/eye-health an educational resource provided by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). The AAO’s EyeSmart website provides ophthalmologist-reviewed information about eye diseases and treatments, eye health news and tips for a lifetime of good eye health.
Macular Degeneration Association
RAWNY is a proud member of The Macular Degeneration Association. Visit their website for https://macularhope.org/ for a variety of free resources educational programs for patients living with Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
Low Vision Services
As retina specialists, we do not prescribe glasses, or provide low vision aide or services. However, we can help you understand how low vision aides may be helpful for your condition, and refer you to a local low-vision specialist or center. With many retinal diseases such as age-related macular denegation, peripheral vision is usually not affected. Therefore, people can often utilize their remaining vision to maintain a satisfying lifestyle. Low-vision optical devices, closed-circuit television, specialized lighting, magnifying devices, large-print reading materials, and talking/computerized devices are just some of the low vision aides that can help patients maintain independence and continue to enjoy their favorite activities. If you would like a referral to a low vision center, please ask your doctor or call our office today.
Patient Assistance and Support Programs
Below you will find resources that may help provide financial assistance for qualifying individuals. Please keep in mind that the decision to use a certain drug is a clinical one made by the treating physician and each individual patient. Some programs may be closed due to funding available. If so signup for the waitlist so that you can be notified when funding is available for your treatment/condition.
Patients with Commercial Insurance, uninsured, or under insured:
- Eylea – E4U Ophthalmology CoPay https://eylea.us/s/patient-support
- Vabysmo/Lucentis – Genentech Ophthalmology CoPay https://www.eyeoncopay.com/
- Ozurdex – Abbvie Savings Program: https://www.ozurdexsavingsprog…
- Iluvien –Iluvien Patient Assistance Program: https://iluvien.com/support/fi…
- Syfovre – Apellis Co-pay Assistance https://syfovreecp.com/
Patients with Medicare/Medicare Advantage Insurance only:
- Good Days https://www.mygooddays.org/ or call 877-968-7233
- PAN Foundation https://www.panfoundation.org/ or call 866-316-7263
- The Assistance Fund (TAF) https://tafcares.org/ or call 855-845-3663
- Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) https://www.patientadvocate.org/ or call 800-532-5274
- HealthWell Foundation https://www.healthwellfoundation.org/ or call 800-675-8416
- Accessia Health https://accessiahealth.org/patient-programs/ or call 800-366-7741
