New York State Working with Pharmacies and Manufacturers to Lower Drug Costs

Looking for relief from paying the full cost of your prescription drugs? New York State announces the New York Prescription Saver (NYPS), a free prescription discount card that will help save on the cost of prescription drugs.

The card is for New York State residents who are 50 to 64 years of age or persons of any age determined to have a disability by the Social Security Administration. Income eligibility limits are up to $35,000 single or $50,000 married. Those with Medicaid coverage are not eligible.

The NYPS can lower the cost of prescriptions by as much as 60 percent on generics and 30 percent on brand name drugs. When the card is presented, the price will be reduced by a cash discount right at the pharmacy counter. Most outpatient prescription drugs are eligible for a discount. New York State is sponsoring the program with the support of a statewide network of over 3,900 pharmacies that are generously providing these discounts. Many pharmaceutical manufacturers are also participating and providing additional discounts.
Individuals must meet the income requirements and use the card at participating pharmacies.

Applicants can apply online at: http://nyprescriptionsaver.fhsc.com

Download a New York Prescription Saver application from the website and mail it in, or call the toll-free Helpline at 1-800-788-6917. Supplies of applications are being distributed to community organizations and pharmacies. The discount card will be mailed to members within two weeks after the application is approved. Participating pharmacies and the discounted prices for drugs can be found on the website.

Family Support at Home Program

Jewish Family Services provides clinical services to frail and disabled seniors and their caregivers in their homes by licensed clinical social workers. These services are paid for by Medicare with Supplemental Insurance and/or private pay. The program is especially geared to Caregiver support, education, problem solving, easing pressures and improving the quality of life for both the senior and the caregiver. The services are evidence based practice and include assessment and advocacy where needed.
While not available throughout the county, please call us at: 845-338-2980 with referrals and questions.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

For 2008, we still have some slots for grandparents raising grandchildren to obtain short term (6 session), Grandparent Empowerment Counseling. This program is funded through OFA and is free to participants. The counseling is problem/solution focused, identifies strengths to build on and works to stabilize family dynamics. The counseling is provided by licensed mental health professionals. We are planning for group programs delivered by telephone in 2009.

The Arthritis Foundation Self Help Program

The Kingston Area

Kingston Mid-Town Center
467 Broadway
Fridays March 7 & 14
Thursday March 20
Fridays March 28 and April 4 and 11, 2008
from 2:30-4:30 PM

To register call Marge Gagnon—691-7984

Leave a message with your name and telephone number

Ellenville Area
The Trudy Farber Building
50 Center St.
Thursdays March 6 thru April 10, 2008
From 2:30-4:30 pm
To register call Vivienne Wagner—647-1605
Leave a message with your name and telephone number