Prescription Drug Prices on the Web for Easy Comparison Shopping

Assemblywoman Weinstein wants you to find the best prices for your prescription drugs. That’s why he sponsored a law (Chap. 293 of 2005) that requires drug retail price lists to be posted on a single Web site, making it more convenient to get the medicines you need at the best price.

To compare prices until the comprehensive statewide site is launched, visit the New York Attorney General’s Web site, www.NYAGRx.org, where you’ll find prices for many pharmacies in the state.

Senior Renters Save More with Increased SCRIE Exemptions

The Assembly passed a law that increases the income eligiblity for the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption program to $29,000 over the next five years (Chap. 205 of 2005).

Under the legislation, eligible seniors 62 years of age or older who pay more than one-third of their monthly income for rent controlled, regulated or stabilized apartments can enjoy a significant tax exemption over the next five years. Income eligibility limits are as follows:

$25,000 on July 1, 2005
$26,000 on July 1, 2006
$27,000 on July 1, 2007
$28,000 on July 1, 2008
$29,000 on July 1, 2009

With this increase, New York City seniors can rest assurred that they can qualify for this critical, cost-saving program even if their incomes increase through cost-of-living adjustments to pensions and social security benefits.

For more information, simply call 311 or visit http://home.nyc.gov/html/dfta/html/16benefits.html#scri.

Protecting Your Home’s Value

Assemblywoman Weinstein supported the Home Equity Theft Prevention Act, which protects homeowners from losing their home’s equity (A.7667-A). The legislation protects homeowners from unscrupulous lenders by ensuring that all contracts are completed in easy-to-understand language clearly stating the seller’s rights for cancellation, and restricting businesses from making any misleading or manipulating statements about pending transactions. Violators face fines up to $25,000 and one year in jail.

To learn more about how to protect yourself from scam artists, contact the New York State Consumer Protection Board at 1-800-697-1220 or visit online at www.consumer.state.ny.us.

Assembly Makes it Easier to Stop Annoying Telemarketers

New York State established the Do Not Call Registry in 2001 so residents can sign up to stop unwanted sales calls. However, due to a loophole in the law, some telemarketers continue to interrupt meals and cause an annoyance. Assemblywoman Weinstein helped close the loophole, ensuring telemarketers cannot rely on loosely-translated “established business relationships” to justify additional calls (A.7710).

To sign up for the Do Not Call Registry, log onto www.donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222.

Non-Driver Photo IDs Available

New York residents 62 years of age or older who do not drive can obtain an official Department of Motor Vehicles identification card at a reduced price of just $6.50.

To make the identification affordable for more seniors, Assemblywoman Weinstein has supported legislation (A.5790) that would allow individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income benefits to obtain the ID free-of-charge.

To apply, visit www.nydmv.state.ny.us or call Weinstein’s Office.

Health Care News

Eliminate the Worry of Long-Term Care
The New York State Partnership for Long-Term Care brings private insurance providers and Medicaid together to assist individuals in preparing for needing a nursing home or other long-term health care. If seniors’ income qualifies them while on Medicaid and the duration of the care exceeds their private insurance coverage, their assets will be protected and they will be able to maintain their financial independence. More information can be found at www.ins.state.ny.us or by calling 1-800-342-3736.

Have Trusted Family or Friends Make Decisions on Your Medical Treatment
The New York Health Care Proxy allows you to select a trusted adult family member or friend to make medical decisions in the event that you are unable to do so, including whether or not to provide life-sustaining treatment. By selecting a Health Care Agent, you determine how much authority they have over your medical decisions. Information about living wills and health care proxy forms are available by calling my office.

Get the Info You Need When Seriously Ill
When you or a family member are diagnosed with a serious illness, learn your health care rights and how to make sure your insurance coverage is adequate by calling the New York State Insurance Department at 1-866-694-6743 or logging on to www.insurancehelpny.com.