NEW YORK STATE OFFICE FOR THE AGING (NYSOFA)

Our State Office for the Aging has been at the forefront of special programs for New York’s seniors.

On the Web
NYSOFA hosts a number of Web sites designed to help New York’s elders and their families access information that is important to their independence. Find them on the Internet at www.aging.state.ny.us.
Hot Line
NYSOFA’s toll-free Senior Citizens’ Hot Line: 1-800-342-9871 - has operators working from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
photo

HEALTH CARE
Health Care Consumer Information & License Verification Service
Consumer information on each of the professions and a license verification service is available on the Web at www.op.nysed.gov or by calling the Office of the Professions at 1-518-474-3817 (TDD/TTY: 1-518-473-1426).
Health Care Proxy
The New York health care proxy law allows people of all ages to designate an agent to make health care decisions on their behalf if they can no longer do so. Forms are available at local offices for the aging or call the Senior Citizens’ Hot Line at 1-800-342-9871.
Hospital Patients’ Rights
Upon admission to the hospital, a patient should receive a copy of the Hospital Patients’ Bill of Rights. This booklet is designed to help you understand what rights you have during your hospitalization regarding treatment and care.

PROBLEM?
Just give Dave a Call!
(516) 409-2070

photo Administered by the New York State Department of Health, EPIC helps many elders cope with prescription drug costs. EPIC will work in conjunction with Medicare prescription coverage. For more information, call the EPIC Help Line at 1-800-332-3742.
Health Insurance Information, Counseling & Assistance Program (HIICAP)
Over 400 trained HIICAP counselors answer older New Yorkers’ questions about Medicare, Medicare Advantage programs (managed care), Medicare prescription drug coverage, Medigap and other health and long-term care insurance in local offices for the aging across the State. Counseling is also available through a toll-free HIICAP Hot Line at 1-800-333-4114. Call for an appointment to meet with a counselor. HIICAP information is also available on the Internet at www.hiicap.state.ny.us.

photo Medicare
Medicare provides health insurance for persons 65+, certain disabled persons and those in final stages of renal (kidney) disease. The Social Security Administration takes applications for Medicare and provides information (apply 3 months before 65th birthday to avoid penalty). For information, call the Medicare Hot Line at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or TTY-TTD 1-877-486-2048.
LEGAL ASSISTANCE
Legal Assistance
Elders aged 60+ may access the state’s legal system by contacting their local office for the aging. Local offices provide counseling and as­sistance through legal service providers. Each office identifies services and legal issues that are of concern to elders in their service area, working to increase access to legal assistance.
Age Discrimination
LEGAL ASSISTANCE
Age discrimination can be clear, but more often is subtle. If you have a question of whether you are being discriminated against because of your age and are 60 years or older, call the Hot Line (1-800-342-9871), the New York State Division of Human Rights (1-212-480-2522) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (1-212-336-3620).
Consumer Issues
Consumer fraud schemes are most often targeted at elders. Elders targeted by fraud should contact the New York State Attorney General’s consumer hot line at 1-800-771-7755 and also your county’s district attorney, who will prosecute offenders.
Estate Planning
Information regarding estate plans can be obtained through the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs at 516-227-8900.
Medicaid Eligibility
For answers to questions about Medicaid eligibility requirements, contact the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs at 516-227-8900 and speak with a HIICAP counselor or legal service provider.
Power Of Attorney
What’s involved in making and revoking a durable power of attorney, choosing an agent or determining powers that can be conveyed? (Power of attorney cannot be used for health care decisions.) Contact the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs at 516-227-8900 and ask for the aging legal service provider.
Real Property Tax Credit
The "Circuit Breaker," New York State’s income tax credit program for eligible homeowners and renters, helps elderly and moderate-income homeowners and renters who pay a disproportionate amount of property taxes in relation to their household incomes. To inquire about this program and to find out if you are eligible, contact the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs at 516-227-8900.

Other programs and credits that assist New York’s elders in keeping their tax liabilities within acceptable levels, especially when living on fixed incomes, include:

Local Real Property Tax Exemption
Homeowners age 65 and older may reduce their real property tax. Contact the Nassau County Assessor’s Office at 516-571-2311.

photo

School Tax Relief (STAR)
Eligible homeowners can receive a significant exemption on the taxable value of their homes, resulting in considerable school property tax savings. Ask your local assessor about STAR and Enhanced STAR or visit www.orps.state.ny.us/star/.
ENERGY
Programs to assist elders in meeting their heating and home repair needs are available in many forms. With seniors living in their homes longer, energy efficiency becomes important.
photo
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
This program provides cash to help pay heat­ing bills for low-income individuals and families. It is administered by local offices for the aging for people age 60 and over. You can begin applying for a HEAP grant in November each year. HEAP provides grants on a first come, first served basis until the funds provided for each heating season run out. For more information, contact the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs at 516-227-8900.
TRANSPORTATION
Whether seeking a ride to a doctor’s appointment or simply planning a trip, elders need to know where they can seek assistance in meeting their transportation needs.
Transportation to Appointments
Some local offices for the aging and senior centers offer transportation to doctor appointments, shopping or other vital destinations. Contact the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs at 516-227-8900 or your local senior center to find out what may be available in your locality.
photo
Transportation Discounts
Many public transportation systems offer discounts for elders. To determine if you can get discounts, contact the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs at 516-227-8900 or your local transportation system. Anyone planning extensive travel should check with their travel agent or the carrier to see if they offer discounts for elders.
Personal Identification Card
For elders who no longer drive, or have never driven, a non-driver photo identification card may be purchased from the Department of Motor Vehicles. Some local offices for the aging may also provide identifica­tion cards. Call the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs at 516-227-8900 to ask if they have such a program.
photo
VETERANS
Veterans Information and Benefits
Men and women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces may be eligible for a variety of veterans benefits and services provided by federal, state and local governments. Your local state veteran counselor or veterans service agency can advise you of eligibility and assist you in the preparation and presentation of claims for entitled benefits.
Disability Compensation & Pension
These benefits provide monthly financial assistance to those veterans who incurred a service-connected disability or disease, or wartime vet­erans who are totally disabled and have low incomes. Similar programs provide monthly income to eligible surviving spouses.
Dave Has Moved His District Office
Health Care
Veterans are eligible to receive medical care through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system, which maintains a network of medical facilities and community clinics across New York State. Long-term health care is offered to wartime veterans and certain eligible spouses at New York State Veterans Homes.
Property Tax Exemption
Veterans may be eligible for a reduction in their real property tax. Your local assessor can assist in determining if you are eligible for such an exemption. For more information about these and other veterans benefits contact your local veteran’s representative or call toll-free, 1-888-VETS NYS (1-888-838-7697).
Your Local Veterans Office
516-572-8452/8456.

photo




Click here for printable view.

Nassau County Health Department 571-3410
Nassau County Social Services Department 227-8519
Nassau County Dept. of Senior Citizen Affairs 227-8900
Town of Hempstead Senior Enrichment Program 485-8100

U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

Administration on Aging 1-202-401-4541
Federal Information Center (for all locations) 1-800-688-9889
Health Care Fraud Hot Line (Inspector General) 1-800-447-8477
Internal Revenue Service - Information Line 1-800-829-1040
Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection 1-518-434-1935
New York State Only 1-800-442-3863
Medicare Hot Line 1-800-633-4227
Social Security Administration Hot Line 1-800-772-1213
TTY 1-800-325-0778
Veterans Affairs, Department of 1-800-827-1000

TOLL-FREE HELPLINES & OTHER IMPORTANT NUMBERS

AARP 1-202-434-2277
Alliance for Aging Research 1-202-293-2856
Alzheimer’s Association 1-800-272-3900
Alzheimer’s Association, Long Island Chapter 1-516-935-1033
American Association of Homes & Services
for the Aging for publications
1-800-508-9442
American Cancer Society Response Hot Line 1-800-227-2345
American Council of the Blind 1-800-424-8666
American Diabetes Association 1-800-342-2383
American Diabetes Foundation 1-800-232-3472
American Heart Association 1-800-242-8721
American Lung Association
(Northeast New York)
1-800-586-4872
Arthritis Foundation Information Line 1-800-283-7800
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 1-800-669-4000
Help for Incontinent People 1-800-252-3337
Medicare and Medicaid Services Hotline 1-800-MEDICARE
(1-800-633-4227)
1-877-486-2048 (TTY)
National Cancer Institute 1-800-422-6237
National Caregiving Foundation 1-800-930-1357
National Center on Elder Abuse 1-202-898-2586
National Citizens’ Coalition for
Nursing Home Reform
1-202-332-2275
National Committee to Preserve
Social Security / Medicare
1-800-966-1935
National Eye Care Project Helpline 1-800-222-3937
National Health Information Center 1-800-336-4797
National Hospice Organization 1-800-658-8898
National Institute on Aging 1-800-222-2225
Parkinson’s Disease Foundation 1-800-457-6676

Contact Dave:
404 Bedford Avenue
Bellmore, NY 11710
516-409-2070
Room 533 LOB
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-4633


Back