Health & Wellness

• Osteo-prevention Exercise Program
• Swim at the YMCA (Oneonta)
• Line-dancing at Elm Park (Oneonta)

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

• Provides a one-time ($) benefit during the heating season to persons 60 & older based on income eligibility.

Health Insurance & Pharmaceutical Counseling

• Health Insurance Information Counseling Program (HIICAP)
  • Helps educate the public about Medicare and other health insurance issues.
  • Provides counseling & advocacy relating to Medicare, private health insurance and related health coverage plans.

• Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC)
  • A NYS sponsored program which assists persons over 65 with drug costs if they are not covered by any other insurance plan.
  • Applications are available at O.F.A.

Dining and Nutrition

• Home Delivered Meals
• Senior Meal locations
• Farmers Market Nutrition Program

Lifeline

• Provides reduced cost of basic telephone service and connection costs.  You are eligible if you are now receiving:
  • Food Stamps
  • Public Assistance
  • VA disability Pension
  • VA spouse Pension
  • Safety Net
  • HEAP
  • SSI
  • TANF (temporary assistance for needy families)

Medicare & Medicaid

Legal & Tax Assistance

• Legal Assistance availible to persons 60 yrs. and older provided by the Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York
  • Civil cases only, such as Consumer, Entitlement etc.
  • Referrals to attorneys are made when appropriate.

• Tax Assistcance Program is sponsored by AARP.    IRS trained volunteers prepare income tax returns for elderly & low income people.  February - April 15

Call Office for the Aging for an appointment

• Cooperstown: 607-547-4232
• Oneonta: 607-432-9041

• Tax Exemption
  • STAR savings up to 50% to qualified home owners (primary residence) - Applicants must file each year before March 1.
  • Veterans exemption
  • Other exemptions
  • OFA Staff provides assistance with forms

Transportation

• Otsego Express  "Gus the Bus"
  • Service throughout the County
  • Seniors 1/2 fare - with Senior ID at O.F.A. offices
  • For INFO 1-800-388-9853

• Oneonta Public Transit   "OPT"
  • Between Oneonta & Cooperstown & City of Oneonta
  • INFO: 432-7100

• O.F.A. Medical Transport & Shopping
  • For those unable to access public transportation on an availibility basis

Weatherization, Referral And Packaging (WRAP)

• Provides weatherization, energy, and home saftey related services

• WRAP identifies unmet housing needs of the individual and makes referrals to appropriate agencies to improve inadequate conditions.

Caregiver Services

• Expanded In-home Service for the Elderly Program (EISEP)

• Homemaker/Caregiver/Respite
  • Case Management, personal care and/or housekeeping service in your home
  • Cost sharing depending on client's financial status and program designation

Safe Driving

• Sponsored by AARP
• A hour safe driving course for people 50 years or older
• Insurance companies offer a three (3) year insurance premium discount on completion of the course.

OMBUDSMAN

• An Ombudsman is a trained volunteer who visits long-term care facilities on a regular basis.
• To help residents understand and exercise their rights
• To help resolve a wide range of concerns or complaints made by or on behalf or residents.
• To assure care with dignity and respect.
• Volunteers needed
• Training is available