A s s e m b l y m a n
Brian Kolb
Providing Seniors With Up-to-Date Information Assemblyman Brian Kolb



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Dear Neighbor,

I am sending you this pamphlet to inform you of state programs and services that can help subsidize some of your day-to-day costs.

I hope that this information is helpful. If you have any questions or would like additional copies of this pamphlet, please contact my district office at 315-781-2030.

Sincerely,
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Brian Kolb
Assemblyman




A s s e m b l y m a n
Brian Kolb
Providing Seniors With Up-to-Date Information
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EPIC UPDATES

With New York State’s Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) Program, seniors can save as much as 80% on their prescription medicines.

Requirements:

  • 65 years of age

  • Annual income threshold: Couples’ income less than $50,000 and individual income $35,000

  • Enrolled in Medicare Part D drug plan

Benefits:

  • EPIC will pay for Part D premiums

  • EPIC will enroll seniors in a basic Medicare drug plan or seniors can choose a plan on their own

  • EPIC will provide coverage for such expenses as deductibles, co-payments, coinsurance, drugs not covered by Medicare

For additional information, call EPIC at 1-800-332-3742 or call your local Office for the Aging.

PRESCRIPTION DRUG “EXTRA HELP”
Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for “extra help” if they have limited income and resources. This can increase your cost savings by paying for part of the monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments under the new prescription drug program. The “extra help” could be worth up to $3,600 per year.

Requirements:

  • Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and/or Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

  • Resident of the United States

  • Combined savings, investments and real estate (excluding your home) are not worth more than $23,970 if you are married and living with your spouse, or $11,990 if you are not currently married or not living with your spouse

Applications can be found online at www.ssa.gov/prescriptionhelp/ or by calling the federal Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.

ENHANCED STAR EXEMPTIONS
While I continue to fight to solve the property tax crisis here in New York, as a senior you qualify for a tax exemption on your owner-occupied primary residence.

Requirements:

  • 65 years of age or older

  • Live in a family home, condominium or cooperative apartment

  • Household income of $70,650 or less based on the previous year’s income tax records (i.e. for 2009 you would use your 2007 tax return)

While the 2008 deadline has passed, it is important to note that seniors can continue to receive Enhanced STAR exemptions without having to reapply every year by completing the STAR Income Verification form.

For these forms visit the New York State Office of Real Property Services online at www.orps.state.ny.us or call their regional office at 471-2347.


IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR SENIORS

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AARP
1-866-227-7442

New York State Office for the Aging
1-800-342-9871

New York State Veterans Assistance
1-888-838-7697

New York State Consumer Protection Board
1-800-697-1220

New York State Board of Elections
1-800-367-8683

New York State Tourism Information
1-800-225-5697


Questions? Assemblyman Brian Kolb:
607 West Washington St., Suite 2, Geneva NY 14456
781-2030 •

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