~Tips for the Young at Heart~

When you sign up for Medicare Part B, be sure to take advantage of the 'Welcome to Medicare' physical.  This will provide enrollees with a thorough and complete physical examination within the first six months of signing up.

Click Here for a Guide to Clinical Preventive Services

Click Here for an Adult Preventive Care Timeline

Click Here for more information on Medicare's Preventive Services that are Free or Low Cost or you can call 1-800-633-4227 for a free copy of the 'Guide to Medicare's Preventive Services' (publication 10110)

Extra help paying for Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
If you are currently on Medicare, you may qualify for "extra help" (the low income subsidy) from Medicare to pay for prescription drug costs. This can help you pay your drug plan's monthly premium, deductible, co-payments and the drug coverage gap. Please contact Social Security Administration at 518-812-0182 or 518-382-1001.
 

EPIC - The NYS Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage Program
This program helps people 65 years of age and older to pay for their prescription drugs. EPIC supplements other drug coverage including Medicare Part D. Contact EPIC at 800-332-3742.
 

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI pays monthly checks to people age 65 or older or who have a disability and limited resources. Contact Socal Security Administration at 518-812-0182 or 518-382-1001.
 

Medicare Savings Program
This program helps people with limited income to pay their Medicare Part B premium (in 2008 this is $96.40/month). If you are enrolled in a medicare Savings Program, a Medicare beneficiary is also deemed eligible for "extra help" in paying Medicare Part D prescription Drug costs. Contact Medicaid at 518-884-4148.
 

Food Stamps
The Food Stamp Program issues monthly benefits that can be used to purchase food at authorized retail food stores. Food Stamp benefits help low income working people, senior citizens, the disabled and others feed their families. Contact Food Stamps at 518-884-4155.
 

Telephone Lifeline Service
This program is offered to all eligible households receive a reduced rate for telephone service and installation charges. Contact your locat telephone service provider.
 

Real Property Tax Credit
This is available to all NYS residents who have a gross income of $18,000 or less and who pay either real property taxes or rent for their residences. If all members of the household are under age 65, the credit can be as much as $75.00. If at least one member of the household is age 65 or older, the credit can be as much as $375.00. Contact the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance at 800-225-5829.
 

Veteran's Property Tax Exemption
Qualified Veterans can receive a property tax exemption. The program provides a partial property tax exemption to those homeowners meeting qualifying veteran's criteria. This exemption also provides the qualifying senior citizen to have their property taxes reduced by up to 50%. Contacts the Assessor Department at 518-587-1939 ext. 502.
 

IT-214
This is the NYS Income Tax Program that will refund part of the local tax paid by moderate and low income homeowners and (indirectly) renters. A homeowner may qualify even if they pay no income tax. Contact the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance at 800-225-5829.
 

EmPower
This program focuses on cost-effective electric reduction measures. Particulary lighting and refrigerator replacements, as well as other cost-effective home performance strategies such as insulation and health and safety measures. There is no cost to the homeowner. Call 800-263-0960.

 

Assisted Home Performance with Energy Star
This reduces energy costs of low and moderate income households (up to 80% of the NYS Medium Income) by providing affordable energy efficient improvemts to households that are not eligible for the federally funded Weatherization Program. Contact NY Energy Smart at 877-697-6278.

 

Access to Home
This home program will provide financial assistance to property owners making dwelling units accessible for low and moderate income persons with disabilities. Providing assistance with the cost of adapting homes to meet the needs of those with disabilities will enable individuals to safely and comfortably continue to live in their residences and avoid institutional care. Contact the NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal at 518-486-5012.