The German Flatts Town Office located at 66 East Main Street, Mohawk NY 13407 has information on:

• Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds

• Code officers

• Tax collection

• Dog Control, etc.

• Land assessments

• Town supervisors/clerks

The Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage Program (EPIC), is operated by the New York State Department of Health (NYDOH). It is a cost-sharing program with seniors; paying premiums and meeting deductibles. Depending on cost of medication, participants pay set amount (from $3-$20) at pharmacy for each prescription. Almost all brand names and generic drugs covered, as well as insulin, insulin syringes, and needles. Eligibility: 65+ yrs with up to $75,000 income if single; up to $100,000 if married. Local contacts: Action for Older Persons 722-1251 and Broome County Office for Aging 778-2411.

Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help. Contact Social Security for details on income and resource limits. Helps pay for the costs of monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments related to your Medicare prescription drug plan. If you already receive Extra Help, you will not need to reapply in 2010. SS will see if you are entitled to any additional Extra Help because they no longer count your life insurance or help with household expenses. SS will send information to your state notifying them you may eligible for a Medicare Savings Program which may help with Parts A and B.

Medicaid, through the Department of Social Services (DSS) provides payment directly to medial care vendors/providers, health care professionals, hospitals/institutions for needed medical care and services to low-income eligible persons and SSI persons. Medicaid ID cards issued for all eligible persons in household. Eligibility: Based on income and resource criteria. Pharmacy may not refuse client prescribed medication if patient does not have co-payment, other payment arrangements may be made.

The Newport Town Office located at 2788 Newport Road, Newport NY 13416 has information on:

• Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds

• Code officers

• Tax collection

• Dog Control, etc.

• Land assessments

• Town supervisors/clerks

Medicare is health insurance for individuals age 65 or over, people under 65 with disabilities, or people with end-stage renal disease. Medicare Part A helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing care, HOSPICE and home health care. Part B helps cover doctor's services, hospital outpatient care, home health care and some preventive services. Part D helps cover prescription drugs.

The Fairfield Town Office located at 439 Kelly Road, Little Falls NY 13365 has information on:

• Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds

• Code officers

• Tax collection

• Dog Control, etc.

• Land assessments

• Town supervisors/clerks

Medicare is our country's health insurance program for people age 65 or older. You may qualify if you have permanent kidney failure or receive Disability Benefits.

There are different parts of Medicare to match your medical coverage needs and budgets.

Parts A and B - You'll sign up for Medicare through Social Security. You can sign up for Parts A and B, or Part A only.

Part A (hospital insurance) - Part A helps pay for inpatient care at:

- Hospitals

- Skilled Nursing Facility

- Hospice

It also covers some outpatient home health care. Part A is free if your worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. You may be eligible because of your current or former spouse's work.

Part B (medical insurance) covers:

- Services from doctors and other health care providers

- Outpatient care

- Home health care

- Durable Medical Equipment

- Some preventative services

Most people pay a monthly premium for Part B. The exact premium depends on your income level.

Parts C and D - Private companies run Parts C and D. The federal government approves each plan. Costs and coverage type vary by provider.

Part C (Medicare Advantage) - Part C is known as Medicare Advantage. It's an alternative to Parts A and B that bundles several coverage types, including Parts A, B, and usually D. It may also include:

- Vision

- Hearing

- Dental Insurance

You must sign up for Part A and B before enrolling in Part D.

Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help. Contact Social Security for details on income and resource limits. Helps pay for the costs of monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments related to your Medicare prescription drug plan. If you already receive Extra Help, you will not need to reapply in 2010. SS will see if you are entitled to any additional Extra Help because they no longer count your life insurance or help with household expenses. SS will send information to your state notifying them you may eligible for a Medicare Savings Program which may help with Parts A and B.