NYSOFA is releasing an RFP to select a contractor to provide technical assistance to help address Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance questions raised by consumers as part of the NYS Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) network. The HIICAP Technical Assistance Contractor (HIICAP-TAC) will provide unbiased, up-to-date hotline and e-mail assistance on Medicare and other insurance issues to 59 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)/HIICAP coordinators (and possibly some AAA/HIICAP counselors who report to the coordinators), HIICAP Consortium members and New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) staff as they, in turn, work with beneficiaries from all over New York State on their health insurance issues. Proposers (i.e., public and private entities that submit proposals) must have a thorough knowledge of the federal Medicare program, as well as New York Medicaid and other types of health insurance.
The Proposal Checklist should accompany the proposal when submitted to NYSOFA.
If you have trouble viewing the RFP please email Linda Petrosino
November is National Family Caregivers Month, and on this 10th anniversary of the National Family Caregivers Act, the New York State Office for the Aging and I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank the 2.2 million caregivers of New York State who give of themselves tirelessly each and every day to care for those who in need.
These caregivers are the adult children, spouses and family members, as well as friends and neighbors who provide the support for their loved ones so they can safely and successfully remain in the community, the true desire of so many older people and adults with disabilities. These caregivers are also the grandparents and other relatives who are parenting for the second time, raising their grandchildren and other young relatives, some with special needs.
These unpaid caregivers are the very foundation of the long term system. They provide the lion’s share of the daily assistance needed by frail older people, between 75%-80% of the needed care valued at more than $25 billion by AARP. Without their involvement, the long term care system would fail, forcing many older people to leave their homes and be placed in institutional settings. While they give this care selflessly, it is not without challenges and often personal sacrifices.
While caregivers deserve our thanks, gratitude and support every day, it is during November when we acknowledge and convey our deep and sincere appreciation for all they do.
Please see Governor Paterson’s Proclamation November 2010 is National Family Caregiver’s Month. In PDF format
Please see Governor Paterson’s Proclamation November 2010 is National Family Caregiver’s Month. In HTML format
The New York State Office for the Aging published a proposed rulemaking in the October 27th, 2010 State Register. This rule making would amend the Expanded In-home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP) to accommodate a consumer directed in-home services delivery model. The full text of the amended regulations can be seen by clicking on the links below. If you wish to comment on these proposed regulations you may do so by sending your written comments to Stephen Syzdek, Assistant Counsel, NYS Office for the Aging, Two Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 or you may Email your comments to Stephen Syzdek. The deadline for submitting your comments is December 13, 2010.
New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) Director Michael J. Burgess announced today that his agency has received a $430,000 grant from the U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA) to advance New York State's established and growing Medicare and Medicaid fraud and abuse abatement program, the Senior Medicare Patrol Program (SMP)
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Michael J. Burgess, Director of the New York State Office for the Aging announced today that his Office has been awarded funding from the New York State Governor's Traffic Safety Committee to continue the Capital Region Older Driver Assistance Network.
In recognition of National Falls Prevention Awareness Day, which is the first day of Fall, NYSOFA Director Michael J. Burgess and DOH Commissioner, Richard F. Daines held a press conference on September 23rd, at the Beltrone Living Center in Albany, and urged all New Yorkers to be aware of how to prevent falls, especially among older adults.
New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) is one of twelve states recently awarded a Lifespan Respite Program grant from the U.S. Administration on Aging. The federal grant will be used to develop and enhance coordinated, accessible, community-based respite care programs for caregivers (family, friends and neighbors) regardless of age.
Michael J. Burgess, Director of the New York State Office for the Aging wants all New York State seniors to be aware of a new benefit in the Medicare Program that can improve health and save lives. The new benefit relates to helping older smokers and tobacco users obtain counseling to help them stop their tobacco use.
September 12 is Grandparents' Day. In a video message, Director Burgess talks about the important contributions made by grandparents to their families and society every day. Watch the video or read the Grandparents Day press release.
The New York State Public Service Commission, along with the New York State Consumer Protection Board and the New York State Office for the Aging, joined forces to promote programs that provide eligible New Yorkers with discounts for their primary residential or wireless telephone service.
New York City (8/19/10)- This year, our nation and its people celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Social Security Program. To mark this occasion and to remind all New Yorkers of the special significance of the anniversary to New York because of President Franklin Roosevelt’s relentless work to see the enabling legislation come to fruition, Governor David A. Paterson proclaimed August 2010 to be Social Security Diamond Anniversary Month in New York State. The Social Security Program, enacted on August 14, 1935 continues to be an important family income protection program for disabled workers, surviving family members, children and retired older Americans. To read the 75th Anniversary Statement....
New York State Office for the Aging Albany event brings together federal and state officials, community organizations, labor and consumer groups to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Social Security program. The event was the first of many to be held statewide during August.
July, 14, 2010 marks the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Older Americans Act which remains one of the most significant pieces of legislation in place for older Americans in all states. For Director Burgess' Statement
New York launched a new website on Federal health care reform. The website includes descriptions of health care reform, how it will benefit New Yorkers, and the progress of implementation in the State. The website also includes information on how residents can obtain health insurance coverage and the public programs already in place in the State.
The website also includes a timeline of when specific provisions of health care reform go into effect. Several reforms take effect this summer, including a temporary high risk pool for people with medical conditions that are expensive to treat, an early retiree reinsurance program that will help offset the cost of providing health insurance to retirees age 55 and over who are not eligible for Medicare, and the mailing of rebate checks to Medicare Part D enrollees who reach the "donut hole" coverage gap.
New York State and the nation have lost a giant in the field of gerontology with the passing of Dr. Robert Butler on Sunday. Not only was he the leading voice on issues related to longevity and the study of aging, but he was a moral voice who insisted that society value our elders in its public policies and programs. For more on Director Burgess' statement...
New York State’s population is growing, and growing older even faster. Now, more than ever, it is important for communities to plan for the future so that residents of all ages can enjoy a better quality of life. If you are already involved in planning your community’s future, or want to be, you will want to attend one of two regional conferences that will be held this summer.
The Family Health Care Decisions Act is a statute adopted in New York signed into law by Governor David Paterson on March 16, 2010. The effective date of the legislation is June 1, 2010. The Family Health Care Decisions Act establishes the right of family members and others close to an incapacitated patient to make health care decisions on that patient’s behalf when he or she is no longer able to do so.
Michael J. Burgess, Director of the New York State Office for the Aging presided over the public celebration of Senior Citizens' Day on May 5th at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, New York. The event, attended by participants from across the state included several awards, entertainment provided by talented older New Yorkers, an art gallery that included artwork from senior centers from across the state and the premiere showing of the video production "From Generation to Generation." Check back here to see additional information and photos from the event.
On April 9, 2010 NYSOFA participated in a hearing convened by the New York State Senate Standing Committee on Aging. The hearing was convened to obtain perspectives on the preauthorization of the Older Americans Act. To view the complete testimony...
The federal Department of Health and Human Services and the federal Administration on Aging announced that $27 million will soon be awarded to develop programs to help older adults with chronic diseases to improve how they can self-manage their chronic diseases and improve their quality of life. New York State Office for the Aging will receive $ 1,190,610 of this funding to operate the program in the state. The program, to be known as the “Communities Putting Prevention to Work Chronic Disease Self-Management Program,” is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
The National Conference on Volunteering and Service, the world's largest gathering of volunteer and service leaders from the nonprofit, government and corporate sectors will be held in New York City beginning June 28, 2010. This annual event provides attendees with an opportunity to learn, connect and be inspired through exciting and informative plenary sessions, workshops, special events, service projects, exhibits, specialized corporate tracks and more.
signing ceremony.Michael Burgess, Director of the State Office for the Aging testified on February 10th before the Senate Finance Committee and Assembly Ways and Means Committee of the New York State Legislature regarding the 2010 proposed Executive Budget. To see the complete testimony.
Michael J. Burgess announced the release of three reports that provide key findings regarding unpaid caregiving in New York State. A major finding in the reports indicates that services which provide support to New York caregivers enable those needing care to live independently in their homes and communities, avoiding placement in institutions and saving state resources.
There remains a high state of attention being paid for matters related to the flu this season and it is important for all citizens to remain vigilant and aware of what they can do to avoid a bout with either the seasonal flu or the H1N1 flu, commonly known as the Swine Flu. I will provide updates on this web site to help older New Yorkers keep up to date on the flu. Read the lastest flu information
The joint meeting of the Aging Services Advisory Committee and Governor's Advisory Committee on Aging was held in room 250 of the Capitol building in Albany on Wednesday, October 28 from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM.
The open meeting was webcast live. Links to the webcast are posted on this page so interested parties can view the meeting.
To view the meeting using windows media player use this link: http://pointers.audiovideoweb.com/stcasx/va91win1520/SOFA_10_28_2009editA.wmv/play.asx
To view the meeting using Real Player use this link: http://pointers.audiovideoweb.com/stcram/nj20real2704/SOFA_10_28_2009edit.rm/play
NYSOFA Deputy Director Greg Olsen provided testimony to the Assembly Standing Committee on Aging on October 5, 2009, regarding the state of programs and services for the elderly in the current economy.
Tarrytown, NY. Governor David A. Paterson unveiled support for an initiative today to help older New Yorkers remain in their homes and communities of choice, rather than relocating. To read the entire press release.
New York State Office for the Aging Director Michael Burgess announced that $490,000 in State grants has been awarded to fifteen not-for-profit organizations and local governments to support the creation of communities in which older adults can successfully age in place.
Governor David A. Paterson recently announced $31.4 million in funding for the modification, repair, and rehabilitation of 1,991 units of affordable housing for low-income families, senior citizens, and people with disabilities.
OR REAL MEDIAGovernor David A. Paterson issued an Executive Order establishing the New York State Task Force on Public Retiree Health Benefits. The Task Force will study health care benefits provided to employees of the State and local governments in New York by specifically addressing the preservation of quality retiree health care, and ways to make health care more affordable for local governments.
