Senior citizens can always direct themselves to federal and state agencies that will assist them in matters involving the elderly. The United States Department of Health and Human Services works closely with state and local governments, and many HHS-funded services are provided at the local level by state or county agencies, or through private sector grantees. The New York healthcare proxy law allows you to appoint someone you trust - for example, a family member or close friend - to make health care decisions for you if you lose the ability to make them yourself. By appointing a health care agent, you can make sure that health care providers follow your wishes. A discount prescription drug plan called EPIC, available from the state Department of Health, has been saving seniors an average of 80% on their medications.