Seniors Can Access a Wide Range of Services from Onondaga County and New York State
June 24, 2008
Our parents and grandparents have dedicated their lives to enriching us and providing the best possible care and support they could offer. As they move on to the next stages of their lives it is our responsibility to repay them by providing all the services and support we can offer. I know first hand how overwhelming caring for an aging parent can often times feel. Having cared for my own parents has had a tremendous impact on my life and has motivated me to ensure that our seniors have all the services and support possible. One of my top priorities in the Assembly has been the creation and support of senior programs such as the Senior Citizens Bill of Rights (Ch. 640 of 2004) and the Creation of the Elder Laws (Ch. 647 of 2004) and that commitment continues today.
The internet has proven to be a valuable asset, making the services and programs available to seniors only a mouse click away. However, far too often, these programs go unutilized, whether they are hard to find, difficult to understand, or complicated to enroll in. These services can help seniors remain independent, ensure good health and proper nutrition, and provide safety and security. Thanks in part to the efforts of the Assembly, retirees and seniors have more outlets for assistance and service then ever before. Seniors who have questions about health services and consumer issues can count on a broad range of services provided by Onondaga County, New York State and the Federal Government to help them.
The Onondaga County Health Department can direct people to the help they may need about blood pressure, cancer services and dental care. The Department of Aging and Youth can refer adults to social and financial programs, as well as answer questions about housing and tenant services, senior centers, social day programs, nutrition and fitness and transportation. Seniors can turn to the county’s Department of Social Services for help with several issues, including food stamps, Medicaid and adult protective services.
Keeping the following Onondaga County numbers and Web site handy can help provide information on health and safety:
Health Department Immunization Clinics 435-2000
Department of Aging & Youth 435-2362
Social Services/24-Hour Helpline 435-8300
Adult Protective Services 435-2815
Veteran’s Service Agency 435-3217
Onondaga County Web site www.ongov.net
New York State also provides a number of resources that seniors can take advantage of – including the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program to help lower prescription drug costs. Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers use EPIC to help pay for prescriptions. That’s why, earlier this year I fought to reject the executive proposal to make EPIC drugs subject to prior authorization when Medicare Part D denies coverage. Now, EPIC, not the beneficiary, appeals Medicare D denials. New York State residents age 65 or older with an income of $35,000 or less if single, or $50,000 or less if married, can apply for the program. The following toll-free numbers and Web sites, including the EPIC Hotline, may be of help:
Consumer Protection Board 1-800-697-1220
http://www.consumer.state.ny.us/
Disabled Advocate 1-800-522-4369
http://www.cqc.state.ny.us/
EPIC Information 1-800-332-3742
http://www.health.state.ny.us/health_care/epic/
Medicaid Complaints 1-800-541-2831
http://hiicap.state.ny.us/medicare/
Medicare Complaints 1-800-333-4114
http://hiicap.state.ny.us/medicare/
The New York State Office for the Aging offers a wide array of programs and services designed to give seniors the resources they need to stay healthy, safe, and independent as long as possible. From advisement on issues relating to healthcare to selecting the best insurance coverage, articles and guidelines on nutrition, legal assistance, housing information and ways to volunteer in the community, the Office for the Aging is a one stop resource for information relating to the golden years of life.
N.Y.S. Office for the Aging Senior Citizen Help Line 1-800-342-9871
http://www.aging.ny.gov/ResourceGuide/index.cfm
The Office of the Attorney General provides valuable information to protect yourself and your loved ones from scams and schemes targeting vulnerable populations. The Attorney General’s Consumer Bureau can help prevent seniors from aggressive and unsolicited telemarketers, home improvement and sweepstakes scams and utility company rights and regulations. In addition to the Attorney Generals office, programs like the “Do Not Call Registry” and the Federal Trade Commission can help protect you and your assets from fraud.
Attorney General Consumer Helpline 1-800-771-7755
http://www.oag.state.ny.us/seniors/helping.html
National Do Not Call Registry 1-888-382-1222
https://www.donotcall.gov/
Direct Marketing Association (Anti Junk Mail Program) 212.768.7277
https://www.dmachoice.org/MPS/proto1.php
Federal Trade Commission Anti Fraud Department 1-877-382-4357
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menus/consumer/tech/privacy.shtm
The services available through Onondaga County, New York State and the Federal Government can help make life a little bit better for residents and I hope this information will be helpful to those needing these services.
