White Paper - New York State Office for the Aging

OFFICE OF ADVOCATE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Priority Issue #2: Affordable Prescription Coverage
Actions:
• OAPwD staff will research current federal, state, and private prescription drug plans
including, but not limited to, Medicare and the Elderly Prescription Insurance
Coverage (EPIC).
• Staff will convene an interagency workgroup with key stakeholders to compare
eligibility requirements and coverage of various prescription programs and identify
programs that currently include coverage for persons with disabilities under 65
years old, as well as those with the potential to be adapted to include this
population.
• OAPwD staff will work with the Governor’s office in Washington, D.C. and
partners in other states to explore the feasibility of changing eligibility to include
persons with disabilities under 65 years old, and expanding federal programs such
as Medicare to include prescription drug coverage.
Results: Affordable prescription coverage will be available to persons with disabilities
with limited income under the age of 65 years old.
Priority Issue #3: Employment and Workforce Issues
Actions:
• OAPwD staff will continue to collaborate with the Department of Labor and other
stakeholders on Workforce Investment Act initiatives and work to expand
opportunities for older workers who want to remain employed or re-enter the
workforce.
• OAPwD staff will continue to work through an interagency partnership to assist One
Stop Centers to identify accessibility solutions in the workplace, and provide
ongoing technical assistance to employment staff, potential employers, and persons
with disabilities seeking to maintain employment, initially enter, or re-enter the
workforce.
• OAPwD legal staff will expand current statewide training on the rights of persons
with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other civil
rights legislation to include information on age discrimination and other protections
under the Older Americans Act.
Results: The action steps taken will result in an increase in employment opportunities
for older persons seeking to maintain employment, enter, or re-enter the workforce.
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