Assemblyman Joe Giglio A Guide to
New York State
Senior Citizen
Programs

from
Assemblyman

Joe Giglio

Dear Neighbor,

This pamphlet is designed to acquaint you with some of the special programs and services available to senior citizens in New York state. The material found in this pamphlet has been revised and updated as of March 2007.

Since this is intended as a general introduction to a wide range of programs, you may find you have special questions not answered here. In that case you should contact the federal, state, or local agency administering the program.

Keep in mind these programs have been designed to help meet your needs, so if you’re not sure which agency to turn to, encounter any problems in your search for assistance, or would like additional copies of this pamphlet, please don’t hesitate to call me.

Sincerely,
signature
Joe Giglio

District Info: Assemblyman Joe Giglio
700 West State Street
Olean, NY 14760
(716) 373-7103


Information for Seniors from
Assemblyman Joe Giglio

Social Security Retirement Benefits

Benefits
Monthly cash benefits based on years of employment and amount withheld from earnings

Eligibility
Full Retirement Age (FRA): 65 if born before 1938; if born 1938 and later, gradually rises from 65 to 67. In 2007, FRA for a person born in 1942 is when he/she reaches 65 and 10 months.

Income Limits

  • Earning limit for persons under 65-$12,960

  • Individuals 65+-no limit

  • For persons under 65, for every $2 earned over the limit, $1 withheld from benefits

  • A person who attains age 65 in 2007 can earn up to $34,440 with no loss in benefits

  • For the year person obtains age 65, for every $3 earned over the limit, $1 withheld from benefits, but only counting earnings before the month you reach the full benefit of retirement age

Resource Limits
None.

Government Agency
Social Security Administration:
1(800) 772-1213
www.socialsecurity.gov


Toll Free State Assistance

Insurance Problems and Complaints
(800) 342-3736

Legislative Status of Bills
(800) 342-9860

Medicare and Medicaid Claims
(800) 633-4227

Senior Citizen’s Hotline
(800) 342-9871

State Tax Questions
(800) 462-8100

Federal Tax Assistance
(800) 829-1040

Utility Billing Problems
(800) 342-3377

Veteran’s Problems and Assistance
(888) 838-7697

Advocate for the Disabled
(800) 522-4369


photo Assemblyman Joe Giglio speaks to a local reporter about prescription drug costs for seniors.
Medicare Part D - Prescription Drug Coverage

Benefits
Covers both brand-name and generic prescription drugs at participating pharmacies in your area. Medicare prescription drug coverage provides protection for people who have very high drug costs.

Eligibility
Everyone with Medicare is eligible for this coverage, regardless of income and resources, health status, or current prescription expenses.

Note: The annual open enrollment period starts on November 15th and ends on December 31st. If you don’t sign up for a plan during this period you may have to pay a penalty. If you are new to Medicare, you may join a Medicare prescription drug plan from three months before you turn 65 to three months after you turn 65. Generally, if you are disabled, you may join three months before and three months after your 25th month of disability.

Income Limits
None

Resource Limits
None

Government Agency
Social Security Administration
1(800)772-1213
www.medicare.gov


Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC)

Benefits
Cuts prescription drug costs.

Eligibility
NYS residents 65 or older; must meet income guidelines. Not eligible if receiving full Medicaid benefits.

Income Limits
Fee Plan: Single: $20,000 or less;
Married: joint income: $26,000 or less.
Deductible Plan: Single: $20,001 to $35,000
Married: joint income: $26,001 to $50,000

Resource Limits
None.

Government Agency
EPIC Helpline
1(800) 332-3742


“Extra Help” Subsidy

The (federal) Social Security Administration offers eligible seniors with limited income and resources “Extra Help,” which pays for the annual premium and deductible for the Medicare prescription drug coverage and limits co-payments to $2 and $5. To encourage EPIC enrollees to apply for “Extra Help,” those enrolled in a Medicare prescription drug plan with full “Extra Help” will have their EPIC enrollment fees waived.

If you think you qualify, apply either by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or by completing an online application at www.socialsecurity.gov. If an individual qualifies, he or she would then enroll in Part D to assist with prescription drug costs.


School Tax Relief (STAR) Exemption

Benefits
Exemption from school property taxes for owner-occupied primary residences.

Eligibility
Enhanced: Seniors 65 years of age or older who own and live in a one-, two- or three-family home, condominium or cooperative apartment, whose income is less than $67,850. The benefit reduces property tax approximately $229 a year.

Income Limits
See eligibility.

Resource Limits
None.

Government Agency
New York State Department of Taxation and Finance
www.tax.state.ny.us
1 (888) 697-8275


Medicaid Full Coverage

Benefits
Comprehensive health care benefits, including coverage for hospitals, physician, skilled nursing facility, health related facility, home care.

Eligibility
Persons 65+, blind, disabled children under 21 or the caretaker relative of a dependent child who is experiencing deprivation of parental support.

Accountable Income Limits
Individuals: $700/month.
Couples: $900/month

When one spouse is institutionalized and receiving Medicaid, the other spouse, while not receiving Medicaid, may retain $2,541 in monthly income and $101,640 maximum in assets. The first $20 of income is exempt.

Resource Limits
Individuals: $4,200. Couples: $5,400. Exempt: primary residence, car, certain additions for burial.

Government Agency
Medical Assistance Program
www.health.state.ny.us/
(518) 474-5050



photo Assemblyman Joe Giglio discusses his plan to lower prescription drug prices.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

Benefits
Renters/homeowners $165-$400. If heat included in rent: $40 or $50. Grant or energy credit, depending upon income, household size and type of fuel used.

Eligibility
Low income homeowners and renters.

Income Limits
Monthly income:
Individuals: $1,764;
Couples: $2,307

Resource Limits
None

Government Agency
Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
www.otda.state.ny.us
HEAP Hotline
1 (800) 342-3009

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