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Association of Senior Citizens 125 Catherine Street Malone, NY 12953 518-481-1524 Scott Brady - Director | Kimberly Tavernia - Bookkeeper | Donna Hall - Secretary |
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LEGAL SERVICES PROGRAM The first and primary purpose of the Legal Services Program is to provide legal advice and when necessary, representation to Elderly individuals, including representation in court where necessary. Legal Services may not be provided to defend criminal cases or handle fee generating cases. Fee generating cases include any case which if undertaken on behalf of an eligible client by an attorney in private practice may be expected to result in a fee for legal services from an award to the client from public funds or from the opposing party. Because funds under the Older American Act are limited, the Legal Services Program must focus their efforts on those elderly in the target population which consists of those elderly individuals who have least access to resources to meet their needs based on economic or non-economic factors which restrict or threaten their ability to perform normal daily tasks or their capacity to live independently, including but not limited to frail, isolated, disabled, institutionalized, minority, or non-English speaking Elderly. The Legal Services Program is intended to fill the gap between services available from organizations which use means tests for eligibility and services available from the private bar. For more information contact the Aging Services Specialist at the Office for the Aging at 518-481-1533. HIICAP What is HIICAP? New York’s Health Insurance Information Counseling & Assistance Program is a Statewide Network, many of which are headquartered at area Agencies on Aging. HIICAP’s mission is to educate the public about Medicare and other health insurance issues and to provide accurate and objective information, counseling, assistance and advocacy relating to Medicare, private health insurance and related health coverage plans for Medicare beneficiaries, their representatives, or persons soon to be eligible for Medicare. New Yorkers can schedule free and confidential appointments with highly-trained Volunteer Counselors to discuss health insurance questions about benefits, options, paperwork and resources. Trained HIICAP Counselors can provide answers – clear, accurate, unbiased information. They can transform the maze of health insurance options into a logical step-by-step process. They can educate Elders to the benefits and the gaps of Medicare and other types of health insurance available to seniors. They can help Elders to determine whether they qualify for the State and Federal Programs that help pay for some of the costs Medicare does not pay. Counselors can help you find the most cost-effective health care coverage for your particular financial situation. Counselors help make health insurance paperwork a manageable chore. They can teach Elders how to use a record keeping system that guides them through the confusion of collecting benefits from Medicare and other health insurance. Counselors can also provide the latest information on emerging problems, new laws, changing State and Federal Regulations, and new developments in the health insurance industry. Counselors may refer Elders to the appropriate agencies when the client’s concerns go beyond the scope of the HIICAP Program. Eligibility Requirements: Must be 60 years of age or older. For more information contact the Aging Services Specialist at the Office for the Aging at 518-481-1533 or call your local Adult Center Director. HEAP The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides financial assistance to help pay for heating bills for low-income individuals and families. New York’s benefit program is structured in such a way that higher benefits are provided to those households that have larger percentages of their income spent on energy costs, contain a vulnerable individual, and have the lowest income. Vulnerable members are defined as adults aged 60 or older, disabled individuals and children under the age of 6. Eligibility for the program is based on income and your housing situation. Your total gross monthly income for your household size must meet certain guidelines. If you are 60 or older, social security disabled or SSI you can apply by calling your local Adult Center Director or the HEAP Specialist at 518-481-1527.
WRAP The Weatherization Referral and Packaging Program (WRAP) helps Senior Citizens with energy related problems or needs. If you experience a cold drafty house in winter or if your heating bills are sky-rocketing out of sight, call your local Office for the Aging to see if you can get help with your energy troubles. A referral will be made to have a representative talk to you about the Energy Service Programs available in your area, such as the Home Energy Assistance Program, Weatherization Programs and HUD Programs. For more information contact the Aging Services Specialist at the Office for the Aging at 518-481-1533.
When you or a family member find it hard to perform basic activities of daily living, EISEP may be able to help by providing non-medical in-home support services designed to help the person remain in their home longer. WHAT IS EISEP? EISEP was designed to assist older adults who need minimal assistance with Housekeeping (light cleaning, laundry, shopping) and/or Personal Care (bathing, dressing, grooming). EISEP Services are intended for long term, non- medical situations. EISEP also matches each client with a Case Manager who helps determine what help is needed and provides on-going guidance to the client and family. EISEP can also pay the installation fee for Lifeline Services and the monthly service charge. WHO IS ELIGIBLE? You must be a resident of Franklin County, at least 60 years of age, and need assistance with activities of daily living. If you are eligible to receive similar services under Medicare, Medicaid, or any other government program, you are not eligible for EISEP. IS THERE A FEE? There May be a modest fee for the services, depending on your monthly income. The case management portion of the program is provided free of charge, but donations are accepted. HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE? If you would like further information, please contact the In-Home Program Manager, Kim Phillips, at the Franklin County Office for the aging at (518) 481-1523. Medicare Savings Program 2008 The following programs administered by local Departments of Social Services can assist individuals/couples in paying for their Medicare Premiums. The income below, except for full Medicaid, includes a $20.00 exemption. Full Medicaid for dual eligible's (Individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid) This program pays for a wide range of medical care, services and supplies as well as premiums, coinsurance and deductible payments for Medicare beneficiaries. The 2008 income and resource requirements for those applicants who are aged, or certified blind or disabled are:
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program (QMB) This program can pay for the Medicare Part A and / or Part B premiums, coinsurance and deductibles. An individual can be eligible for QMB only or for QMB and Medicaid. there is no resource test if applying for QMB only. The 2008 requirements for this program are:
Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiary program (SLIMB) This program pays for the Medicare Part B premium only. Individuals can be eligible for SLIMB only or for SLIMB and Medicaid (with a send down). The applicant must have Medicare Part A in order to be eligible for the program. There is no resource test if applying for SLIMB only. The 2008 income requirements for this program are:
Qualified Individual - 1 (QI-1) This program pays for Medicare Part B premiums only. Individuals cannot be eligible for QI-1 and Medicaid. The applicant must have Medicare Part A. States are allotted money for this program on a yearly basis. There is no resource test for this program:
Qualified Disabled and Working Individual (QDW1) This program pays for the Medicare Part A premium only, not Part B. The applicant must be a disabled worker under age 65 who lost Part A benefits because of return to work. The 2008 income and resource requirements for this program are:
Applications for all of these programs may be obtained from your local Adult Centers.
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