Department of Social Services
6 Judson Street
Canton, New York 13617

Phone: (315) 379-2111
Fax: (315) 379-2278

Chris Rediehs, Commissioner

Medical Assistance
Medical Services

Contact Person:
Heather Wenzel, Medical Services Supervisor
St.Lawrence County Department of Social Services
(315) 379-2105

Brief Description of Medical Assistance:

Medical Assistance is a program for residents of St. Lawrence County who cannot afford to pay for medical care and meet certain financial requirements. 

The program provides for financial reimbursement of physicians, dentist, inpatient, outpatient, and clinic services, long term care services of nursing facilities, community-based home care services, prescription drugs, and rehabilitative services.

If you would like in-person assistance with your application, you may walk-in between 8:30am - 1:00pm Monday - Friday at our 6 Judson Street Canton ofiice.  Face to face interviews are no longer required to apply for medical assistance.  

To apply for Medical Assistance, contact us at:

• Main Reception Office (315) 379-2111
• Medicaid Office (315) 379-2119

You can also contact Facilitated Enrollers to apply.  A facilitated enroller is a community agency trained to assist with medical assistance applications.  A facilitated enroller may have hours or a location that is more convenient than the St. Lawrence County Department of Social Services office.  They are:

• Fidelis 1-888-343-3547
• North Country Prenatal/Perinatal Council (NCPPC) 1-800-279-8679

You can also fill and print the Access NY Health Care Application (https://apps.nyhealth.gov/doh2/applinks/accessny/).  You can fill out the application on your screen and print the completed form.  Once printed, you will need to mail it or bring it to our 6 Judson Street Canton Office. 

You should have the following information ready:

• Proof of Income
• Proof of Residency
• Proof of Personal Identification

NYS DOH (Department of Health) Websites:
http://www.health.ny.gov (Home Page)
http://www.health.state.ny.us/health_care/medicaid (Medicaid)
http://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/child_health_plus/ (Child Health Plus) 
http://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/family_health_plus/ (Family Health Plus)

Community Medicaid eligibility questions can be directed to:
Mary Bleau, Principal Social Welfare Examiner
St. Lawrence County Department of Social Services
(315) 379-2701

Brief Description of Medical Services:

Medical Services provides services such as housekeeping, meal preparation, bathing, toileting, and grooming. 

This program is available through Medicaid, private payment, and some health insurers.

For a person to receive services, his or her doctor must send a completed Physician's Order to the local social services district, which then arranges a social and nursing assessment of the individual.  A nurse assessor uses the results of the assessments, together with the physician's order, to recommend an appropriate amount, frequency and duration of services. 

Available services are:

• Personal Care Aides
• Home Health Aides
• Household Chore Services

Personal Care and medical eligibility questions can be directed to:
Penny Blandin, Community Health Services Coordinator
St. Lawrence County Department of Social Services
(315) 379-2185

Nursing Home and financial eligibility questions can be directed to:
Cheryl Curry, Principal Social Welfare Examiner
St. Lawrence County Department of Social Services
(315) 379-2189