James N. Tedisco
A MESSAGE TO SENIORS
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Assemblyman James N. Tedisco A MESSAGE TO SENIORS |
Dear Friend, This mailer is designed to acquaint you with some of the special programs and services available to senior citizens in New York State. Since this is intended as a general introduction to a wide range of programs, you may find you have specific 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 of which agency to turn to, or if you encounter any problems in your search for assistance, please don’t hesitate to call me.
12 Jay Street, Suite #1, Schenectady, NY 12305
LOB Room 521 • (518) 455-5811 |
| Important Local Numbers |
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Saratoga County Office for the Aging
Saratoga County Department of Social Services
Saratoga County Tax Assessor
Schenectady County Office for the Aging
Schenectady County Department of Social Services
Schenectady County Tax Assessor
New York State Office for the Aging
EPIC HOTLINE
New York State Office of Real Property Services
National Do Not Call Registry
New York State Department of Tax and Finance |
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Long-Term Health Insurance |
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The New York State Long-Term Care Insurance Program is an innovative partnership between the public and private sectors designed to help people afford costly nursing home bills. Residents of New York State are allowed to make tax modifications for premiums paid for certain long-term care insurance policies. Effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2002, the credit will be allowed for 10% of the premium paid for the purchase of qualifying long-term care insurance. 
To qualify for the credit, the taxpayer’s premium payment must be for the purchase of a long-term care insurance policy approved by the New York State Superintendent of Insurance. The credit is also available to employers who pay premium payments for the purchase of approved long-term care insurance policies on behalf of their employees. A taxpayer can carry over to future tax years any amount of the credit that is in excess of the taxpayer’s tax liability for that year. For more information, please contact the State Department of Taxation and Finance Taxpayer Assistance Unit at 1-800-225-5829. |
| Office For The Aging |
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The New York State Office for the Aging is part of the Executive Department and is the designated State Unit on Aging under the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended. Mission Statement It is the mission of the New York State Office for the Aging to help older New Yorkers to be as independent as possible for as long as possible through advocacy, development and delivery of cost-effective policies, programs and services which support and empower the elderly and their families, in partnership with the network of public and private organizations which serve them. |
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Tax Relief Star and Enhanced Star |
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What Is STAR? STAR is the New York State School Tax Relief program, and it provides an exemption from school property taxes for owner-occupied primary residences. This State-financed exemption is authorized by section 425 of the Real Property Tax Law. What Types Of Star Programs Are Available? There are Basic (for all property owners) and Enhanced (for certain eligible senior citizens) STAR Exemptions. BASIC STAR is available to all residential property owners, regardless of age or income. ENHANCED STAR is available to property owners who will be 65 years of age on or before December 31, 2004, and whose combined household income for 2002 does not exceed $63,750.
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EPIC Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage Program |
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What is EPIC? EPIC is New York State’s prescription plan for seniors.
New York State residents 65 and older with an income of $35,000 or less if you are single, or $50,000 or less if you are married. Persons receiving Medicaid benefits are not eligible. How does EPIC work?
When you go to the pharmacy show your EPIC card and for each prescription costing:
For more information, please contact the EPIC HOTLINE at 1-800-332-EPIC (3742) or the SENIOR HOTLINE at 1-800-342-9871. |
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National "Do-Not-Call" Registry |
The federal government has created a National "Do Not Call" Registry to make it easier and more efficient for you to stop getting telemarketing sales calls you don’t want. The Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, and the states will begin enforcing the National "Do Not Call" Registry on Oct. 1, 2003. That’s when consumers who put their numbers on the registry by August 31, 2003 will notice a downturn in the number of telemarketing calls they get. If you miss the Aug. 31 date, you can still register, but it will take approximately three months to be placed on the list. Placing your number on the National "Do Not Call" Registry will stop most, but not all, telemarketing calls. The website has information for you—whether you’re a consumer interested in signing up for the National "Do Not Call" Registry, or a telemarketer or seller interested in learning more about your responsibilities related to the Telemarketing Sales Rule. You also can learn how your own states do not call list relates to the National "Do Not Call" Registry. You can register online at donotcall.gov if you have an active email address. You can also call toll-free, 1-888-382-1222 (TTY for the hearing impaired 1-866-290-4236), from the number you wish to register and registration is free. For more information about programs, services or to obtain a Senior Citizen Resource Guide call the New York Office for the Aging Senior Citizens’ Hot Line toll-free 1-800-342-9871 or visit their website at http://aging.state.ny.us. |
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Back |
For more information on STAR and ENHANCED STAR programs you can call the New York State Office of Real
Property Services at 1-888-NYSTAR5 (697-8275) or visit their website at www.orps.state.ny.us.
Who is eligible?
The expanded EPIC plan, which took effect on January 1, 2001, lowers enrollment fees and co-pays and increases
the income eligibility limits.