Senior citizens can always direct themselves to federal and state agencies that will assist them in matters involving the elderly. The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) works closely with state and local governments, and many HHS-funded services are provided at the local level by state or county agencies, or through private sector grantees.
The New York health care proxy law allows you to appoint someone you trust — for example, a family member or close friend — to make health care decisions for you if you lose the ability to make them yourself. By appointing a health care agent, you can make sure that health care providers follow your wishes.
A discount prescription drug plan called EPIC, available from the state Department of Health, has been saving seniors an average of 80 percent on their medications.
| NYS Elder Abuse Coalition | |
| The New York State Coalition on Elder Abuse is a multidisciplinary, statewide group of individuals, private organizations and public agencies working together to protect elders from abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. | |
| United States Department of Health and Human Services | |
| The United States government’s principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves. | |
| NYS Department of Health | |
| Learn about various initiatives the New York State Department of Health is taking to accommodate senior health issues including the EPIC program, Medicaid, Medicare, Family Health Plus, and senior support services. | |
| Health Care Proxy: Appointing Your Health Care Agent in New York State | |
| The New York Health Care Proxy Law allows you to appoint someone you trust — for example, a family member or close friend — to make health care decisions for you if you lose the ability to make decisions yourself. | |
| National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) | |
| The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) is a national resource dedicated to educating the public about elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. | |
| New York State Office for the Aging | |
| 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. | |
| Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) Program - New York State Department of Health | |
| EPIC is a New York State-sponsored prescription plan for senior citizens who need help paying for their medications. Over 360,000 seniors already belong and are saving, on average, over 80 percent of the cost of their medicines. | |
| Volunteers of America | |
| Get help or get involved with home repairs, meal programs, health care services and more. | |
Benefits Resources
BenefitsCheckUp® is acomprehensive, free online tool that connects older adults with benefits they may qualify for.
myBenefits is an online screening tool and application to benefit programs.