If you are 65 years or older OR are on Medicare, then you MUST apply at your local DSS office. The only population that can apply through the NYSOH are those that are under age 65 and NOT on Medicare.
In New York State you can apply via a health care navigator. If you're in Manhattan the folks at Mount Sinai West in the HEAL office are helpful. YOu can also look here https://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/IPANavigatorSiteLocations and find someone in your are (search by zipcode)
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