FIND THE BEST PRICE FOR YOUR PRESCRIPTION DRUGS If you are one of more than 5.6 million New Yorkers who lack coverage for prescription drugs and may have to pay the full price for needed medications out of your own pocket, check out www.nyagrx.org. This website allows you to compare the prices for 150 commonly prescribed drugs that state law requires pharmacies to disclose to you upon request.

With New York State’s Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) Program, seniors can save as much as 80% on their prescription medicines. As of July 1, 2007, EPIC will help pay for Medicare Part D coverage, which many seniors are using together to increase their savings.

The following changes will take effect:

• EPIC enrollees will be required to join a Medicare Part D drug plan.

• EPIC will help pay for Part D premiums.

• EPIC will enroll seniors into a basic Medicare drug plan based on the drugs and pharmacy they use, or seniors can choose a plan on their own.

• EPIC will continue to provide wrap-around coverage for drug costs not paid by Medicare drug plans such as deductibles, co-payments, co-insurance, drugs not covered and gap coverage.

Please call EPIC for additional information at 1-800-332-EPIC.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires each of the nationwide reporting companies – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion – to provide consumers with a free credit report once every 12 months. The credit report includes personal information such as where you live, how you pay your bills and whether you have filed for bankruptcy. This information is sold to creditors and used to establish credit.

All three credit reports can be ordered at the same time or the requests can be spread out. Only one website is authorized to fill orders for the free annual credit report, so be aware of imposters attempting to steal your personal information. To obtain a free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call toll-free (877) 322-8228.

“From worrying about the costs of high prescription drugs to paying skyrocketing property tax bills, seniors have many important issues facing them. That’s why I am working hard to ensure that seniors have the resources they need to have the best possible quality of life.” -Assemblyman Marc Butler

1. What is the Middle Class STAR Rebate Program?
   It’s a new program that provides direct property tax relief to homeowners by sending them a State rebate check for a portion of their school taxes.

2. Who is eligible for the rebate?
   The rebate is provided to all homeowners currently enrolled in the STAR program with household incomes less than $250,000.

3. How do I obtain my rebate?
   If you are already in the Enhanced STAR program, your rebate check will be automatically mailed to you. If you are in the Basic STAR program, the state Department of Taxation and Finance will notify you of the application process.

4. What do I do once I’m notified?
   Taxation and Finance will inform you how to obtain an application. Qualifying homeowners have until December 31, 2007 to apply for their rebate.

5. What will be required on the application?
   Homeowners will need to submit to Taxation and Finance the affiliated income for each parcel. Affiliated income includes a combined income of all owners of the property and their spouses. They will tell you what documentation is needed to verify your income.

6. When will I receive my rebate and how much will I get?
   Taxation and Finance intends to send out rebate checks on a rolling basis based on the dates applications are received. Rebates will vary depending upon your exemption, income and the school district in which you reside.

7. What if I have more questions?
   Call the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance at 1-877-678-2769 or visit their website at www.nystax.gov