The WHCOFA provides assistance to seniors, 60 years of age or older with completing and understanding applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-Food Stamps), Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Medicaid/Temporary Assistance(TA), Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC), Farmer's Market Checks, etc.
Home Energy Assitance Program [HEAP]
Warren/Hamilton Counties Office for the Aging is an alternate certifier for HEAP. HEAP is an income based benefit available during the heating season (November-March). Qualified individuals receive a one-time financial assistance benefit to their participating vendor. For those who are under 60 years of age, please contact your local Department of Social Services for an application and assistance, PH#(518)761-6338.https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/
Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage [EPIC]
EPIC is New York State's pharmaceutical prescription plan for older adults. Eligible individuals can save on the cost of their brand name or generic prescription drugs, including insulin and insulin syringes. There are two plans under EPIC: the Fee Plan and the Deductible Plan. https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/epic/
Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program [SFMNP]
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Market's collaborates with the New York State Department of Health, the New York State Office for the Aging and Cornell Cooperative Extension in administering the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program [FMNP]. The purpose of the program is to promote improved nutrition through increased consumption of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables. Each booklet contains five (5) $4.00 checks, maximum $20 value per eligible person, per year.
WHCOFA typically has these booklets available for distribution from July through September. Booklets may be picked up either at the main building, one of the many outreaches scheduled throughout Warren and Hamilton Counties, as well as at one of the farmer's markets depending on schedules. Checks are issued on a first come, first serve basis, and cannot be reserved.
Each older adult in a househole is eligible to receive one booklet each year if they meet the following requirements:
a) Must 60(+) years of age;
b) Gross monthley income at or below 185% of Federal Poverty Guidelines; and
c) Cannot have received a booklet form any other entity.
https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfmnp/senior-farmers-market-nutrition-program-sfmnp
Medicaid
Medicaid is a program for income eligible New Yorkers to assist with the cost of medical care. For those who are under 60 years of age, please contact your local Department of Social Services for an application and assistance, PH#(518)761-6321 (Warren County), PH#(518)648-6131 (Hamilton County).
https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/
Medicare Savings Program [MSP]
Medicare Savings Programs, also known as Medicare Buy-In Programs, are programs that help pay your Medicare premiums and sometimes also co-pays, co-insurances and deductibles. There are three main Medicare Savings Programs. Each program has different income eligibility limits. For those who are on Medicare, please contact the Warren/Hamilton Counties Office for the Aging at PH#(518)761-6347.
https://medicarerights.org/fliers/Medicare-Savings-Programs/MSP-Info-Sheet-(NY).pdf