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Recent Posts
The New York State Judicial Committee on Elder Justice Newsletter, October 2025
The goal of this newsletter is to raise awareness of elder justice issues in our courts and the community at large. It also serves to keep our committee members connected and provides the opportunity for us to shine a light on members of the committee and the important work they do.
General Information for Scam Victims
Scammers are getting smarter — and unfortunately, older adults are often their top targets. From phone calls to fake websites, these schemes can be convincing and costly. Here you can learn how to take action if you have been a victim of a scam.
Why Substance Use Awareness Month Matters for Older Adults
October is Substance Use Awareness Month—a time to reflect on the impact of substance use in our communities and to raise awareness about prevention, treatment, and support. While substance use is often associated with younger populations, it’s critical to recognize that older adults are increasingly affected and often go unnoticed.
World Mental Health Day 2025
Every year on October 10th, we observe World Mental Health Day to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and advocate for mental health as a human right. Each year a different theme is assigned. For 2025, the theme is “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.”
Social Security Administration: No Longer Issuing Paper Checks
The Social Security Administration is no longer going to be issuing paper checks to beneficiaries beginning September 30, 2025.
From Petition to Policy: How the New York State Budget Gets Made
Asking for change is a powerful first step. Whether you’ve signed a petition, met with lawmakers, or shared your story, your voice matters. But real change often depends on what happens next, especially when money is involved. To turn ideas into action, those proposals need to be included in the New York State budget. That’s where the real work begins.
Understanding the New York State Legislative Process
Understanding how laws are made in New York State is crucial for every engaged New Yorker, particularly those advocating for vulnerable populations, such as older adults. While the legislative process may seem complex at first glance, gaining a basic understanding of how it works and how to participate can empower individuals and communities to shape public policy directly.
International Overdose Awareness Day: What it is and Why it Matters
Overdose doesn’t only affect young people-it also impacts older adults who may be prescribed medications, are using substances recreationally for non-medical purposes, and/or in isolation. In Erie County, adults aged 50 and older accounted for half of overdose deaths in 2024.
PERSONAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE
A personal needs allowance (PNA) is the monthly stipend that Medicaid recipients who live in nursing homes are allowed to keep from their income to spend on personal items and services
Updates on the 2020 Medicaid Changes Enacted in the 2020 NYS Budget by the Medicaid Redesign Team II (MRT-2)
After being on pause due to COVID relief law, changes made by the MRT-2 for the 2020 NYS Budget will take effect starting September 1, 2025. These changes impose three new “ADL Thresholds” that New York Independent Assessor Program (“NYIAP”) will consider in assessing enrollees in NYS Medicaid Personal Care, CDPAP, and MLTC plans.
Proposed Federal Cuts to Medicaid Harm Everyone
On May 22, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA). Currently with the U.S. Senate, the OBBBA, according to the Congressional Budget Office, would cause 16 million people to lose their insurance coverage: 10.9 million people would lose coverage directly because of OBBBA, and 5.1 million people would lose coverage due to inability to afford marketplace plans.
When the State Pays Late, Our Communities Pay the Price
Persistent delays in payment are undermining New York’s nonprofit sector and its ability to serve. That’s why we’re urging lawmakers to pass S.7001/A.7616, a bill that would reform New York’s Prompt Contracting Law.
What to Expect If You Fall Behind on Rent: Nonpayment Eviction
If you have fallen behind on rent, your landlord may move forward with a nonpayment eviction to recover their lost income, their property, or both. The eviction process can be stressful and intimidating for tenants. But it is important to understand that it is just that—a process—and in Erie County, you don’t have to go it alone.
Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) UPDATES
On April 14, 2025, The Department of Health launched a hotline to assist CDPAP participants with contacting PPL and/or their MCO/LDSS.
Changes to Social Security Administration Overpayments
As of March 27, the Social Security Administration will begin mailing notices about the new 100 percent withholding rate, rather than the recent adjustment of just 10 percent. The withholding rate change applies to new overpayments related to Social Security benefits.