Town of Colonie Senior Resources

The Senior Resources Department is a Town of Colonie Department, established in 1979, whose mission is to provide helpful, caring support and services for our older residents as we aim to enrich and maintain the quality of their life. Our purpose is to assist people who want to live independently; link families with needed services; advocate for individuals with multiple needs; encourage continued contributions to community life and to research and plan for future services and programs.

Benefits Assistance: Friday, August 8 th from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Beltrone Living Center

Colonie Town Park Passes/School District Courtesy Cards (walk-in basis): Available in the Senior Resources Department – weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

55 Alive Defensive Driving Course: For more information, contact Lee Teras at 459-4019.

Legal Assistance (by appointment only): Monday, August 4th from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Beltrone Living Center

Lunch and Learn Program: Friday, September 12th from 12:45 to 1:30 p.m. at the Beltrone Living Center (topic: EPIC)

TLC for Caregivers Support Group – (third Tuesday of the month): Tuesday, August 19 th from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Beltrone Living Centeer (topic: open discussion group)

Transitions Support Group – (fourth Wednesday of the month): Wednesday, August 27 th from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the William K. Sanford Town Library

For appointments, applications, questions or for more information, please give us a call at 459-5051.

These services are available to senior residents of the Town of Colonie. Since programs are subject to change, please call 459-5051 for the latest information.

*[Assistance is available to low income seniors in applying for the Medicare Savings Programs (Part B premiums), Medicaid, food stamps and the “Extra Help” portion of the new Medicare drug plan, though Benefit Assistance Day or by appointment.]

Benefits Assistance Program-
Our "one-stop-shopping" approach to applying for benefits provided by various agencies allows Town residents to apply for a host of programs in one painless afternoon without the stress of going to different agencies and locations. The second Friday of each month representatives from Albany County Department of Social Services, Medicaid and Food Stamps, the Home Energy Assistance Program, Social Security Administration and, new in 2007, financial literacy programs are now available to help residents of all ages.

Telephone Discount-
A reduced rate for your telephone bills if you are receiving or would be eligible for Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Food Stamps, Home Relief (HR), veteran's Disability or Veteran's Surviving Spouse Pension.
www.universalservice.org

Farmers' Market Nutrition Program-
The locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables provided by this program offer important health benefits to seniors, as well as provide economic stimulus to New York State farms and local farmers' markets in this state and federal funded program. Farmers' market coupons are available for income eligible seniors over the age of 60.

Food Stamps-
For low income households. A monthly allotment is given for the purchase of food items. Eligibility is based on income, monthly shelter and medical expenses. A representative from Legal Aid Nutrition Outreach and Education is available at the Beltrone Living Center on the second Friday of each month from 1:30 to 3:30 pm to assist with determining eligibility and applying for benefits. Beginning in 2008 there will be no resource or savings limit.
www.albanycounty.com/departments/dss

HEAP-
One yearly payment to energy suppliers for home owners or renters with a gross monthly income under $1,876 for individuals and $2,454 for couples.
www.albanycounty.com/departments/dss

Income Tax Assistance-
Volunteers trained by the IRS and AARP prepare income tax returns for seniors during February through mid-April at two Town sites.

Legal Assistance-
For residents of Albany County who are 60 years of age or older. This project is funded by the Albany County Department for the Aging and the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York. The attorney comes to Colonie once a month and can give legal advice on variety of issues. An appointment is needed- please call 459-5051.

Medicaid Spend Down-
For those 65+, blind, or disabled, who have incurred medical expenses equal to or greater than their surplus income amount or have pre-paid their surplus income.
www.albanycounty.com/departments/dss

Medicare-
Persons 65+ that are eligible for Social Security or Railroad Retirement Benefits, or those who purchase coverage or have been disabled for 24 months will receive coverage for hospitalization, some skilled nursing home or home care or hospice (with deduction). Part B covers 80% for physicians, outpatient test and durable medical equipment, and is paid for by a monthly premium, plus a deductible.
Medicare

Medicare Prescription Drug Program (Medicare Part D)-
Medicare prescription drug coverage provides enrollees of Medicare A or B with a new prescription drug benefit implemented January 1, 2006. In the second year of implementation seniors continued to be perplexed by the various prescription drug plans offered, comparing their options and ultimately choosing a plan that best met their indivudal needs. Our case workers are extremely skilled in the many facets of the Medicare D, Medicare health plans, and how they interface.
Medicare

Medicare Savings Program-
This program helps low-income Medicare beneficiaries with the costs of their Medicare premiums, and sometimes their co-insurance and deductibles that Medicare beneficiaries pay out of pocket. New York State and the federal government help fund this program, but it is administered through your local Department of Social Services Medicaid Office.
Medicare

New York State Elderly Prescription Drug Assistance Program (EPIC)-
EPIC is a New York State sponsored prescription plan for senior citizens who need help paying for their prescriptions. EPIC is a cost-sharing program which allows seniors with moderate incomes to pay a low quarterly fee and participate in the fee plan or those with higher incomes to meet an annual deductible and participate in the deductible plan. Those who pay a fee or meet their deductable can make a co-payment at the pharmacy when purchasing prescriptions. Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage(EPIC)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)-
This is a monthly cash benefit for persons 65+, blind or disabled, who live alone and have income below $724/month (individual) or $1,160/month (couple), with resources of $2,000 and need assistance to help meet expenses. Amount depends on income and living arrangements.
Social Security Online

STAR-
New York State School Tax Relief Program that provides an exemption from school property taxes for owner-occupied, primary residences for senior citizens 65 or over. For more information about STAR please see the Town Assessor's Web page. Applications must be received by March 1.

Veteran's Real Estate Exemption-
The Assessor's Office has all the information and forms needed to apply for this veteran's benefit.

WRAP-
The weatherization program provides a comprehensive energy audit to determine if any cost effective measures can be made to improve heating efficiency and energy consumption. The program is available to those 60 and over and who meet the same eligibility requirements as HEAP. You may own a home, trailer or an apartment building of four units of less.

Counseling & Assistance Available
1) Benefits & Entitlements
2) Home Assessment
3) Legal Assistance through Albany County Department for Aging
4) Medicare and Health Insurance Counseling
5) Notary Public

NYS Attorney General’s Prescription Drug Comparison – www.NYAGRx.org – Search and compare the prices for 150 commonly prescribed drugs so you can get the best price for your prescription. Website also provides links to public and private programs that offer discounted or free medications.

Nursing Home Compare – www.medicare.gov – Provides detailed information about past performance of every Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing facility.

Home Health Care Agency Compare – www.medicare.gov – Provides information on Medicare certified home health care agencies including phone numbers, covered services and quality measures about how well they provide care for some of their patients.

The Senior Services Newsletter is published by Colonie Senior Service Centers, Inc.

*The newsletter is in Adobe Acrobat format. You can click the logo to the right to download the program -- there is no charge for it.

Mailing Address
Town of Colonie Senior Resources Department
Beltrone Living Center
6 Winners Circle
Colonie , New York 12205

Aging Well Village http://agingwell.state.ny.us/ Health and wellness for mature adults seeking to start or maintain a healthy lifestyle. Nutrition, fitness, healing, medications, safety and more.

Benefits Check-Up http://www.benefitscheckup.org/ - Benefits Check Up helps thousands every day to find programs for people ages 55 and over that may pay for some of their costs of prescription drugs, health care, utilities, and other essential items or services. Those needing assistance in applying for benefits may make an appointment with the Senior Resources Department.

Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance
http://hiicap.state.ny.us/ Free, accurate and unbiased consumer help with Medicare, managed care, Medigap insurance, long term care insurance and more for Medicare beneficiaries, their families and others.

Your Guide to Senior Housing in New York State
http://seniorhousing.state.ny.us/ Find senior housing developments in New York State, including their descriptions and features. An invaluable resource for families and community organizations.

	Introduction to the Department		Vial of Life Container
	Upcoming Events Schedule		Contact Information
	Programs and Services		Hours of Operation
	Colonie Senior Network		Related Links
	Senior Connections Newsletter		Back to Colonie Home
	Senior Outreach Guide