Susan LoTempio Joins Person First Forum at the Museum of disABILITY History

Event to Focus on the Challenges of Transportation for Disabled Individuals

As part of its ongoing Person First Forum series, the Museum of disABILITY History is excited to welcome its latest host: Susan LoTempio, who will lead an engaging discussion entitled, “Gettin’ Around Western New York – Tales and Trials of Transportation.” The event takes place on Saturday, November 16, 2013 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street in Buffalo.

The presentation will explore the difficulties individuals with all types of disabilities face when they require an accessible means of traveling from one location to the next. Getting ‘from here to there’ is not always an easy task, and in a free-flowing conversation led by Susan LoTempio, individuals, advocates and experts will discuss transportation needs for persons with disabilities.

A resident of Williamsville, LoTempio worked for The Buffalo News for 25 years, serving as readership editor, Features assistant managing editor and Lifestyle assignment editor. Additionally, she created and served as editor for the Buffalo News’ youth segment NeXT. As director of Custom Content, she was responsible for the News’ niche publications. Susan has also written and lectured on the media’s portrayal of disabilities and why it is necessary for stereotypes of disability to be cast aside. Her essays and articles have appeared in The New York Times, New Mobility Magazine, Children’s Beat Magazine, the Dallas Morning News, as well as The Buffalo News. She retired in 2011, and now teaches at Medaille College and volunteers for local organizations devoted to issues of disability.

The Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and display of artifacts relating to the history of people with disabilities. The mission is to tell the story of the lives, triumphs, and struggles of people with disabilities as well as society’s reactions. The Museum of disABILITY History, located at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo, NY, offers educational exhibits, programs and activities that expand community awareness.

To learn more call Nicole Forgione, Public Affairs Manager, at 716-817-7490.

men and women are choosing ultherapy® the newest non-surgical alternative to a more youthful appearance

by Annette Pinder

Ultherapy® is the latest FDA approved treatment to enter the $30 billion aesthetics market. However it is different than other in-office aesthetic procedures. Based on well-known ultrasound principles used by physicians for decades, Ulthera technology allows aesthetics physicians to see and treat deep below the surface of the skin, without surgery.

While drawing on the same reliable ultrasound principles that physicians
and patients have trusted for decades, Ulthera’s ultrasound waves are sent deep into the skin’s dermal and fibro-muscular tissue layers in the face and neck area. According to Hratch Karamanoukian, M.D., of Advanced Aesthetics Medical Spa, “Pain is minimal and results are dramatic. They include tightening and lifting around the brow, upper lids and jowls, due to collagen fibers strengthened from the 45 minute procedure.“ Dr. Karamanoukian says that his patients who undergo Ultherapy are always amazed to see significant improvement without experiencing any downtime.

As with other ultrasound procedures, a smooth applicator is placed on the skin, which projects an image onto a screen that allows the physician to plan where the energy will be sent. This same applicator is used to deliver low levels of ultrasound energy in a focused manner at just the right depth to achieve a positive effect, while leaving the surface of the skin undisturbed. A gradual tightening and firming occurs, resulting in a natural lift of the skin over time.

Ultherapy® is the only nonsurgical skin rejuvenation procedure targeting and strengthening the deep layer of tissue usually only accomplished with surgery. The results of Ultherapy® are dramatic and patients are able to return to normal activities immediately, as well. Occasionally there is a little redness of the skin which dissipates within hours and most patients can go out to dinner the same evening.

In the FDA clinical trial of Ultherapy®, nine out of ten patients had a noticeable, significant lift of the brow line, resulting in a more open, youthful look. Patients also reported firmer, better-fitting skin in other areas of the face and neck. Another result from the procedure is that new collagen helps to slow down the rate of skin aging.

Good candidates for Ultherapy® are women AND men with skin laxity, the hallmark of aging of the face and neck. Although it doesn’t duplicate the results of surgery, according to Dr. Karamanukian it is a great alternative for those not ready for surgery. To learn more about Ultherapy® read the only book written for this technology by Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian (as featured on The Doctors TV Show) and Dr. Hratch Karamanoukian. The book is available on

http://www.peacebridgehealthcare.com/flipbooks/ultherapy/ultherapy.html

WNY Resource
Hratch Karamanoukian, MD FACS
Advanced Aesthetics Medical Spa
9424 Transit Road
East Amherst, NY 14051
www.lookgood90210.com
716-568-2139

Diagnostic Imaging Associates Joins InvisionHealth

Comprehensive Health Care for Patients in Western New York and Southern Ontario

Williamsville, NY – InvisionHealth, Western New York’s leading provider of comprehensive and compassionate health care, announced that Diagnostic Imaging Associates (DIA) has joined the Brain and Spine Center, Madonna OB GYN (in Rochester, NY), Spa400 and the InvisionHealth Foundation. To complement InvisionHealth’s vast array of patient services, DIA offers outpatient radiology for the adult and pediatric community including MRI, CT, Ultrasound, X-ray, Fluoroscopy, Nuclear Medicine, Thyroid Biopsies, DEXA (Bone Densitometry) and comprehensive Women’s Imaging including, but not limited to Mammograms and Breast Biopsies.

InvisionHealth offers an integrated, multidisciplinary approach which results in convenience and patient-centered care. Our specialists in radiology, neurosurgery, neurology, rheumatology, physiatry, interventional pain management, family practice, internal medicine, obstetrical and gynecologic care, functional medicine, physical therapy, chiropractic care, medical massage therapy, diagnostic testing, infusion therapy and med spa services all work together to provide a full range of health, wellness, preventative care and surgical services. Our team utilizes state-of-the-art equipment and technology to provide integrated health management and advanced treatment. The goal is to provide expertise and convenience to our patients and the local medical community.

“With the addition of Diagnostic Imaging Associates to the InvisionHealth family of services, we now offer unparalleled service and convenience to patients. DIA is a full service radiology center. Our experts use safe, state-of-the-art technology to maximize detection of disease. Our comprehensive imaging services are designed for adults and children alike, and include everything from A to Z including women’s health imaging needs.” said Dr. Michael K. Landi, CEO of InvisionHealth.

“Recognizing that physicians require a full range of diagnostic services to aid in the evaluation of patients, DIA provides the radiology expertise and technology needed to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of each individual. The ability to have the clinical and now imaging integration throughout our system will provide for improved care for patients with a more directed approach. DIA is proud to be a part of the InvisionHealth family of services” said Dr. Gregory Tymchak of Diagnostic Imaging Associates.

For more information regarding InvisionHealth, Diagnostic Imaging Associates, the Brain and Spine Center, Madonna OB GYN, Spa400, and the InvisionHealth Foundation, please visit www.invisionhealth.com or call 716-631-3555 ext 346.

Wegmans Food Markets & Roswell Park Cancer Institute Launch QuitClub, a Smoking Cessation Program for Wegmans Employees

BUFFALO, NY — Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. and Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) have joined forces to offer the QuitClub, a stop-smoking program, to all Wegmans employees and eligible spouses who want to quit smoking.

Participants in the QuitClub will have access to the specialized services of RPCI’s tobacco cessation program. These services include telephone counseling provided by trained Quit Coaches, stop smoking medications, a customized website offering interactive and informational quit tools, and in-store support to help smokers quit for good. Wegmans will pay the entire cost of the program; employees can join free.

“We are pleased to join with Roswell Park, a nationally recognized cancer center, to offer this valuable program to our employees in support of healthy lifestyle choices,” said Becky Lyons, Wegmans Director of Benefits and Wellness. “Quitting smoking is difficult, so it’s very important that we provide the best tools to help them succeed.”

“The cessation program provides an effective, cost-efficient, evidence-based approach to improve successful quits and keep people motivated to stay quit,” says Andrew Hyland, PhD, Chairman of the Department of Health Behavior at RPCI. “The personalized stop smoking plan created with a trained Quit Coach combined with online support has been documented to increase the ability of smokers to successfully quit.”

“Wegmans Food Markets is known nationally as a company that values the contributions of its employees. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with them as they seek to improve employee wellness with the addition of the QuitClub,” says Donald Trump, MD, FACP, President & CEO of Roswell Park.

In 2008, Wegmans’ decision to stop selling cigarettes and other tobacco products was motivated by their concern for the destructive role smoking plays in health.  At the same time, Wegmans established an initial tobacco cessation program for its employees, demonstrating the company’s commitment to both employee and community wellness.

“This unique collaboration with Roswell Park will take our efforts to a new level and help our employees access the best resources and services available,” adds Lyons.

Wegmans Contact:
Jo Natale
Director of Media Relations
585-429-3627; jo.natale@wegmans.com

RPCI Contact:
Tara Yates
Director of Public Affairs
716-845-5747; tara.yates@roswellpark.org
 

Invision Health Announcements

Margaret White, Family Nurse Practitioner, will join InvisionHealth on November 1,  2013. Dr. William Stephan and Margaret White, FNP,  have an office located at 4080 Delaware Avenue in Tonawanda, NY.

Margaret completed both her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and her Master of  Science in Nursing from Niagara University.  In addition, she completed an Advanced Concepts in Critical Care program at Walter Reed Army Medical center in Washington, D.C.

Margaret has had vast experience working in both hospitals and private practice as a health care provider. She is a welcome addition to the InvisionHealth Family Practice medical staff .

Dr. William Stephan, a Family Medicine physician, will join InvisionHealth on November 1,  2013. Dr. Stephan’s office is located at 4080 Delaware Avenue in Tonawanda, NY.

As a member of our InvisionHealth Primary Care Team, Dr. Stephan is trained to assist patients of all ages. His patient-centered approach focuses on health and wellness education, disease prevention, and the treatment of acute and chronic illness and injury. True to the InvisionHealth mission, Dr. Stephan provides comprehensive and compassionate care.

Dr. Stephan completed his Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Chemistry at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. He is a graduate of University at Buffalo School of Medicine. Dr Stephan’s Family Medicine residency was completed at Southside Hospital in Bay Shore, New York, where he served as Co-Chief Resident.

Over the past 25 years, Dr. Stephan has practiced Family Medicine, the last eighteen years of which he has practiced in the Buffalo area. Dr. Stephan and our other InvisionHealth primary care physicians, continue to welcome new patients.

Thought-provoking Idea Provides Basis for Unique NCI Grant Awarded to RPCI Researcher

BUFFALO, NY — The National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) new Provocative Questions research funding program has awarded a prestigious grant to a researcher at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) to investigate a promising but neglected or unexplored area of cancer research.

David W. Goodrich, PhD, Professor of Oncology in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, recently received a two-year, $406,247 award from the Provocative Questions Project.

The Provocative Questions Project emerged in 2012 in an effort to tackle long-standing questions about our understanding of cancer biology and cancer control. The grant is part of the NCI'sProvocative Questions Project to challenge cancer researchers to provide answers for 24 perplexing questions in cancer research. NCI solicited the scientific community’s help to formulate the list of key questions that, if answered, could lead to significant research advances.

Dr. Goodrich’s proposed research will aim to answer a question concerning the Mechanisms of Tumor Development or Recurrence: How does the order in which mutations or epigenetic changes occur alter cancer phenotypes or affect the efficacy of targeted therapies?

All cancers occur when something goes wrong in the DNA of a cell—a gene mutates or changes in a way that causes the cell to multiply haphazardly, creating a tumor, explains Dr. Goodrich.

“Scientists are cataloguing all the gene mutations that occur in human cancers, and we now know that each cancer contains many mutations that determine how the cancer behaves and how it responds to therapy,” he said. “What we don’t know, however, is whether the order in which these mutations occur influences these characteristics.”

His project will create a novel model to test whether varying the order and timing of mutations in two genes important for human prostate cancer, the PTEN and RB1 tumor suppressor genes, will ultimately affect the cancer’s aggressiveness and how it responds to therapy.

“Whether the order of mutations influences a cancer’s behavior is an important question for personalized medicine because how we treat a patient may be determined not only by the mutations in their cancer, but also on the order in which those mutations are acquired. Finding an answer to this provocative question will be significant for improving patient therapy and prognosis,” says Dr. Goodrich.

More than $12 million will be distributed to 30 grant recipients nationwide in this first of two funding cycles. Although each investigator takes on a separate distinct question, their combined impact will be substantial, and potentially change the way scientists approach cancer research and therapy.

RPCI Researchers Discover Novel Mechanism of Tumor Cell Invasion in Melanoma

BUFFALO, NY — The most devastating feature of cancer is that it often spreads throughout the human body and forms secondary tumors also known as metastases. One of the most aggressive metastatic cancers with no currently available curative therapy is melanoma, a type of skin cancer that originates from melanocytes, cells that normally make skin tan. Lifetime risk and mortality rates of metastatic melanoma have been steadily increasing for decades.

Formation of metastases largely depends on the ability of tumor cells to grow through surrounding healthy tissues, a process termed invasion. Cell invasion is controlled by a subset of G- proteins, a.k.a. guanosine nucleotide-binding proteins. These proteins could function only when bound to a special molecule, nucleotide guanosine triphosphate (GTP).

In a recent issue of Cell Reports, researchers from Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, discovered a previously unrecognized mechanism by which tumor cells regulate activity of G-proteins and invasion. This mechanism is availability of GTP. Using cells from metastatic melanoma, researchers led by Mikhail A. Nikiforov, PhD, Professor of Oncology and Researcher in the Department of Cell Stress Biology at RPCI, discovered a gene, GMPR (guanosine monophoshate reductase) that mildly inhibits production of GTP in the cell.

Interestingly, this mild inhibition was sufficient to reduce activity of several G-proteins and, subsequently, invasion. Additionally, Dr. Nikiforov’s group demonstrated that invasion of melanoma cells could be regulated by the amounts of guanosine in cell culture media.

“If this is what is occurring in vivo, than we may be able to limit melanoma metastases by regulating guanosine amounts in human body,” says the study’s first author Joseph Wawrzyniak, a Ph.D. student and Research Affiliate in the Department of Cell Stress Biology at RPCI.

Moreover, the researchers discovered that amounts of GMPR were lower in samples of invasive than non-invasive human melanomas. Why is this important? Currently, there are no diagnostic and/or prognostic molecular markers for melanoma used in clinical settings. This could be exemplified by the fact that, according to Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, a false-negative diagnosis of melanoma was the single most common reason for filing a claim against pathologists between 1998 and 2003.

“Since GMPR expression differs between non-invasive and invasive melanomas at very early stages of the disease, this gene has a potential to be developed into diagnostic or prognostic marker,” says Dr. Nikiforov. “Accordingly, because of support from National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society and private donors such as the Tietgen Family Foundation, experiments aiming at identification of novel markers for melanoma are currently underway.”

Lower-cost options to highest-cost drugs within reach

By Richard Vienne, D.O.

Back in 2005, 53 percent of prescriptions in upstate New York were filled with a generic. That prompted Univera Healthcare to launch a campaign to encourage people to ask their doctor or pharmacist about lower-cost options. Generics are approved by the Food and Drug Administration as being as safe and effective as their brand-name counterparts, at a lower cost. Today, 80 percent of prescriptions here are filled with a generic, saving upstate New Yorkers more than $1 billion since Univera’s effort began.       

The next big opportunity to reduce drug spending is with a class of medications known as biologics. These are drugs made with living organisms rather than chemical compounds. Biologics are the highest-cost medications, and are used to treat cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and other conditions. 

Prices for biologics can range from $1,000 to more than $50,000 per treatment. Some can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars per year per patient. By 2014, 40 percent of all prescription drug spending is expected to be on these complex medications that are used by 2 percent of the population. 

Many biologics have lower-cost counterparts known as biosimilars, so named because they are highly similar to an already approved biological product and have the same safety profile and clinical benefit. While biosimilars aren’t yet available in the U.S., patients in Europe and Asia have used them to lower treatment costs by as much as 40 percent. One study projects that the U.S. could save $250 billion over 10 years if just 11 biosimilars were to enter the market. With more than 13,000 upstate New Yorkers suffering from multiple sclerosis alone, according to a Univera Healthcare Fact Sheet, interest here in biosimilars is high.   

The Affordable Care Act directs the FDA to speed approval of biosimilars to promote competition and reduce costs. While the federal government will determine whether particular biosimilars are interchangeable with the originals, each state will determine its own policy on substitutions. This has made the states the battleground for brand-name drug makers to defend their turf. This year alone, large pharmaceutical companies have lobbied 18 states for legislation that would limit biosimilars, with no success. California Governor Jerry Brown recently vetoed a bill that critics said would limit the use of lower-cost biosimilars at the expense of chronically ill patients.  

Brand-name drug makers have bypassed New York with their lobbying roadshow, but their arrival here is likely to be just a matter of time. That’s why it’s important for health care consumers and elected officials to be aware of biosimilars and their potential to dramatically reduce spending on this costly class of drugs. 

For more on generics, visit univerahealthcare.com.  

Richard Vienne, D.O., is Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Univera Healthcare

Erie County 2013-14 Home Energy Assistance Program

HEAP is federally funded assistance with home heating costs and energy conservation for eligible households. Program components include benefit assistance for heat and electricity, weatherization referral, and cooling assistance (in summer months- based on medical necessity).

HEAP HOTLINE: 858-7644 APPLICATION REQUEST LINE: 858-1969

The HEAP office opens for the season to all applicants on November 18, 2013. Tentative program closing date is March 17, 2014.

The Heating Equipment (furnace) Repair and Replacement component is unavailable until further notice. Other options for assistance are in section 10.

Clients may apply for Regular HEAP benefits electronically by visiting: MyBenefits.NY.gov

Mailing of “Early Access” applications and SNAP or TA households HEAP Auto Pay is complete.

1.     Early Access and SNAP or TA Auto Pay for Regular HEAP

2.    Regular HEAP

3.    Emergency HEAP

4.    How to apply for HEAP

5.    Documentation Requirements: Regular HEAP

6.    Documentation Requirements: Emergency HEAP

7.    Subsidized Rent & HEAP Eligibility

8.    Wage Calculation

9.    Countable & Excluded Resources

10. Furnace Assistance, Weatherization Assistance Program, EmPower NY, Lifeline

11.  Other assistance if HEAP benefits are exhausted or program is closed

HEAP Income Guidelines 2013 – 2014

Monthly Household Gross Income Cannot Exceed:

Household Size	Gross Monthly Income
1	$2,175
2	$2,844
3	$3,513
4	$4,182
5	$4,852
6	$5,521
7	$5,646
8	$5,772
9	$5,897
10	$6,023
11	$6,461

1.     Early Access and SNAP or TA Auto Pay for Regular HEAP:

Early Access:

Households that received HEAP last season and have a senior citizen, disabled individual, or child age 5 or younger may have received an Early Access application in September 2013.

The only documentation required for an early access application is copies of earned income, if any (last 4 weeks proof of wages -pay stubs). Applicants who received HEAP last season are not required to submit proof of Social Security, SSD, workers comp, unemployment, utility bills, or proof of residency.

Households who believe they should have received an Early Access application but did not, or who need to replace a lost or damaged application, may call the HEAP Hotline at 858-7644 for assistance.

SNAP or TA Auto Pay:

Households currently receiving SNAP or TA assistance may qualify for an Auto Pay HEAP benefit that will be processed and credited automatically to heating bills in December or January. Households wishing to check the status of an Auto Pay may call the HEAP hotline at 858-7644. If household missed the Auto Pay, they may submit a HEAP application for processing prior to season opening.

Early Access and Auto Pay eligibility notices will be mailed in December, and benefits should appear as a credit on December or January heating bills. HEAP can notify heating suppliers of these benefits beginning 11/18/13. If necessary, the approval may restore service, or create a 30 day hold from termination of service, or result in a delivery of fuel.

2.    Regular HEAP benefit:

Regular HEAP for household’s main source of heat is available beginning November 18, 2013. 

Gas and Electric benefits appear as a credit on bill about 60 days after approval. Oil, propane, wood, pellets, and coal benefits produce a delivery of fuel totaling benefit amount.

• Household does not need a shut off notice or low fuel to receive Regular HEAP.
• 30 day “hold” is placed on heat account if benefit is approved.
• If there is a shutoff notice, service will not be shut off during that 30 days and utility company will not seek collection for the portion of the total bill equaling the benefit amount.
• If service is Off, benefit approval may restore service depending on total amount owed

There is no resource test for Regular HEAP; HEAP will not examine household’s savings or checking accounts etc.

Regular HEAP Benefit Amounts:

$400 base benefit	Natural Gas or Electric Heat
$600 base benefit	Deliverable fuel (i.e. oil, propane, kerosene)
$500 base benefit	Deliverable fuel (wood, coal, etc.)
Add on $25	Add an additional $25 to base benefit if: Household has Tier 1 income
Add on $25	Add an additional $25 to base benefit if: There is a vulnerable in the household – child age 5 or under OR an adult over the age of 60 OR disabled individual

“Renter’s Benefit” for Heat Included in Rent:

If Heat costs are included in Rent (NON SUBSIDIZED RENT ONLY), benefit amount is based on HH income:   $25 if income is Tier I, and $20 if income is Tier II.

If Heat is included in Rent, and Rent is subsidized, household is not eligible for Regular HEAP.

3.    Emergency HEAP: (Shut off Notice or Low Fuel Supply is Required)

Emergency HEAP benefits are available beginning January 2, 2014.

One Emergency “Heat Related” electricity benefit is available- IF there is a Shut off notice and electric is needed to run furnace or thermostat, and is not main source of heat.

One Emergency “Heating” benefit, for main source of heat is available- IF there is a shut off notice or low fuel supply & Regular benefit was already received.

There is a Resource Test for Emergency HEAP:

• HH may have no more than $2000 (or $3000 for a household with a member age 60 or older) in available liquid resources ($$ in savings, checking, stocks, bonds, CDs, IRAs, 401k). Monthly living expenses in savings are not counted and are determined on a case by case basis. Countable (liquid) and Excluded Resources are listed below.

Emergency HEAP Benefit Amounts:

$400	Natural Gas Heat Only
$560	Electric Heat – PSC and municipal electric companies
$600	Deliverable Fuel (i.e. oil, propane, kerosene)
$500	Other Fuel (coal, wood, wood products)
$160	Heat Related Electric – PSC and municipal electric companies

4.    How to Apply for HEAP: EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 18, 2013

• If Service is OFF, or household is OUT of heating fuel:

• Household member or authorized representative** must report to HEAP for assistance

• 478 Main Street, Buffalo (8:00am-4:00pm)- All Households receiving TA or SNAP, and Heads of Household under 60 years of age, non disabled

• 291 Pearl Street, Buffalo (8:00am-4:00pm)- Heads of Household 60 or older, or under 60 and disabled (not receiving TA or SNAP)

• If Service is ON, but household has a current shut off notice or low supply (less than ¼ tank) of heating fuel:

• Household member or authorized representative may call the HEAP Hotline at 858-7644

• A HEAP Hotline representative will examine the situation and direct the application process accordingly. Client may or may not need to report.

• If Service is ON, with NO shut off notice and NO low fuel supply:

• HH may call the HEAP Application Request Line at 858-1969. An application packet will be mailed and there is no need to report

**An authorized representative may apply on behalf of individuals unable to appear at HEAP or unable to call the HEAP hotline. A signed and dated note from the applicant authorizing the individual to apply on their behalf is required.

5.    Documentation Requirements for Regular HEAP:

If Household is receiving TA or SNAP:

Regular HEAP: Many Active TA or SNAP households have Regular HEAP calculated and sent to heating supplier automatically (Auto Pay). No application for Regular HEAP is required for these HHs. If Auto Pay is not received, a HEAP application must be submitted with a current utility bill. HEAP Application Request Line: 858-1969.

If Household is not receiving TA or SNAP & received HEAP assistance last season:

A completed and signed HEAP application & the following Documentation are required:

o   Proof of GROSS EARNED Income (Wages) received with the last 30 days for all Household Members

                                              i.     If paid weekly, last 4 paystubs

                                            ii.     If paid bi-weekly, last 2 paystubs

o   Proof of UNEARNED Income is NOT Required (Social Security, Pension, Unemployment, Workers Comp, Disability, etc.)If you moved or there are new members in your Household, you must document those changes.

If Household is not receiving TA or SNAP & did not receive HEAP assistance last season:

A completed HEAP application and the following Documentation are required: 

• Proof of GROSS income received within the last 30 days for all household members
• Wages: If paid weekly, last 4 paystubs
• Wages: If paid bi-weekly, last 2 paystubs
• Award letters- if Applicable (Social Security, Pension, Unemployment, Workers Comp, Disability, etc.)
• Yearly statement of interest received (savings, checking, CDs, money market account, etc.)
• Dividend proof (stocks, bonds securities, etc.)
• Social Security Numbers for all HH Members
• One (1) form of ID for all HH members (Birth Cert. OR SS Card OR Drivers License OR School ID, etc.)
• Proof of Residency (Mortgage proof or Rent/Lease information
• Current Utility Bills

6.    Documentation Requirements for Emergency HEAP:

If Household received a Regular HEAP benefit this season:

• Shut off notice or statement of low fuel supply from company
• Proof of all HH liquid resources
• 1 form of ID for any new HH members (that were not listed on Regular HEAP application)

If Household did not receive a Regular benefit this season:

For main source of heat, no Emergency benefit is available until Regular benefit is exhausted.

Applicant may apply for Emergency for “heat related” electric, and Regular benefit for main source of heat simultaneously, and must provide all documentation for Regular & Emergency HEAP.

7.    Subsidized Rent & HEAP Eligibility:

If household receives Government Rental Assistance (Section 8, Belmont, etc.)
If Heat is included in rent	NOT eligible for HEAP assistance with heating costs
If Electric is included in rent	NOT eligible for HEAP assistance with electric costs
If Household pays directly for Heat	Eligible for Regular and Emergency HEAP towards heating bill (see above for benefit amounts) – “Heater’s Benefit”
If Household pays directly for “Heat Related Electric:**	Eligible for Emergency HEAP "heat related" electric benefits (see above)

8.    Wage Calculation for HEAP Applications:

HEAP calculates all wages using these formulas:

Paid Weekly – ((4 x Weekly gross)/4) x 4.3333 

Paid Bi-Weekly – ((2 x bi-weekly gross)/2) x 2.1666

Paid Bi-Monthly – (add 2 gross pay amounts- no other calculation)

9.    Liquid (countable) & Excluded (not countable) Resources for Emergency HEAP

Countable (these are counted for Emergency HEAP resource test):

·      Cash

·      Checking and/or savings account balances

·      Stocks/bonds

·      Time deposit certificates

·      IRA accounts, including remaining amounts from a closed out IRA

·      Lump sums from sale of property or insurance settlements and balances from any other lump sum not specifically excluded

·      401(K) and other retirement accounts

·      Income tax refunds (except EITC payments)

·      Any other available funds not specifically excluded

Excluded (these are not counted for Emergency HEAP resource test):

·      Amounts designated for an allowable current monthly living expense such as food, shelter, employment-related expenses, etc.

·      Money earmarked for payment of the current year‘s property and/or school taxes for the primary residence

·      One burial plot per household member

·      One written pre-arranged burial agreement with a cash value not exceeding $1,500 per household member and interest on the burial account

·      Accounts, such as PASS accounts, designated by the Social Security Administration as exempt from SSI resource limits

·      Real and personal property

·      Equipment

·      Automobiles and other vehicles

·      Payments from reverse annuity mortgages

·      Loans (including college loans, personal loans, home equity loans )

·      Credit cards or advances from credit cards

·      Individual Development Accounts (IDA)

·      Although a household is not required to obtain a non-utility fuel delivery on a credit basis, those households who have sufficient resources to pay for the delivery may be required to obtain the delivery and make payment when the resources can be accessed.

10. Furnace Assistance, Weatherization Assistance Program, EmPower NY, Lifeline

• National Fuel Emergency Heating Repair or Replacement Program

• The customer’s main source of heat (furnace) must be totally inoperable
• The applicant must own the home
• The entire household; ALL members of the household, are age 62 and older, or age 18 and younger, or blind, or permanently disabled, or on life support.
• Must be low income. Regular HEAP income guidelines are followed but higher income cases may be reviewed on an exception basis.
• Clients may call 686-6123 or 1-800-365-3234 for assistance.

• Erie County Emergency Aid for Families/Adults:

• Erie County Funded 0% Loan, or Grant if HH is receiving SSI.
• Erie County Department of Social Services Emergency Services Unit: 478 Main Street, 6th floor

• Home Performance w/ Energy Star- PUSH Buffalo

• Low interest loan/grant through NYS, may be up to 50% subsidized with a grant for eligible HHs. Loan can be paid “on bill” (equaling cost saved each month on energy bills based on installed measures).
• Contact 858-6955 for details

• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP):

• HEAP Eligible Households qualify for WAP

• NO COST home weatherization services and energy conservation improvements: Attic and wall insulation, weather stripping, caulking, testing of furnace, other minor energy conserving home repairs.

• If Head of Household is 60 or older:

• Contact Erie County Senior Services Information and Assistance: 858-8526

• If Head of Household is under 60:
• Contact the HEAP office under 60 WAP Referral Program: 858-2634

• Renters may apply for Weatherization assistance, though Landlord may be asked to contribute 25% towards costs, unless Landlord is also HEAP eligible.

• May assist with furnace repair or replacement in limited circumstances

• EmPower NY:

• NO COST assistance for HEAP eligible households, funded through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Eligibility is based, in part, on gas and/or electric usage. Not all applicants will qualify for assistance. Services may include:
• Replacement of Refrigerators that are 10 or more years old
• Installation of high-efficiency lighting and insulation
• Tips on how to save energy
• May assist with furnace replacement even if cl received other Empower services previously. Client may need a "denial" from HEAP furnace program, stating that HERR is closed until further notice.

• Empower NY: 1-800-263-0960

• Call Senior Services I&A at 858-8526 for an application or for more information

• LifeLine Program: Low cost telephone service:

• HEAP eligible households can receive basic service for as low as $1.00 per month, plus per call charges and taxes.
• Clients should complete a Lifeline application and mail it to phone company with a copy of your HEAP award letter.
• Applicants can apply, or recertify Lifeline discount using last year’s HEAP eligibility notice, if current season notice is not yet received.
• Contact telephone service provider or Senior Services Information and Assistance at 858-8526 for information.

11. Other assistance if HEAP benefits are exhausted or program is closed

• Program Availability is subject to funding and these programs are generally not open year round

• National Fuel “Neighbor for Neighbor” heating bill assistance (All heat source types):

• Salvation Army: 883-9800 Ext. 230 (Open 9:00am to 4:30pm call for appointment) OR
• Catholic Charities: (Open 8:45am to 4:45pm)­­­­­ 856-4494

• Must be 60 years of age or older, or disabled, or have a serious medical condition
• Must have made at least 6 payments to heating company in the last 12 months
• Must have current account balance
• Do not need a shut off notice
• Need HEAP exhausted or HEAP denial proof

• “Care and Share” Electric Bill  assistance:
• American Red Cross at 886-7500
• Must have a Shut-off notice on electric bill
• Must have low income
• Need HEAP exhausted or HEAP denial proof

• Emergency Aid for Families through Erie County (EAF) – 478 Main Street 6^th floor, Buffalo

• Assistance for all ages, 0% Loan based program may assist with most recent 4 months bills

• Emergency Aid for Adults (EAA)- 478 Main Street 6^th floor, Buffalo

• Assistance for recipients of SSI or SSD. Grant program may pay recent and/or current bills.
• Must have a current shut off notice or be low on fuel, and exhausted all HEAP benefits for season (or HEAP is closed for season)
• Applicants whose service has been off for an extended period are not eligible

• Must bring the following to the interview:
• Everyone in the Household ages 18 and older must be present at interview
• Must have picture ID for anyone in household age 18 and older, and ID for anyone in household under 18
• Proof of Rent expense or if homeowner you must bring deed to home
• Current Gas, Electric, Phone bills
• Proof of all income of the entire household for last 8 weeks (including wages, child support, SS, SSI, pension, rental income, etc.)
• Letter from HEAP stating that benefits are exhausted/denied
• For National Fuel assistance applicants must attain a financial statement from National Fuel before applying for EAF or EAA (go to National Fuel Office at 409 Main Street, Buffalo)
• For National Grid or NYSEG assistance, contact electric company and tell them you are applying for EAF and request financial statement, they may send it directly to you or to EAF worker, depending on situation

• Erie County Emergency Assistance to request placement in a temporary shelter:

• Report to Erie County Emergency Housing Unit, 158 Pearl Street, Buffalo, Monday- Friday, between 8am-4pm. OR

• Call Erie County Crisis Services at 834-3131, after 4 pm, or during the weekend