By Shannin Prather
July 2018 | 2018 Summer Newsletter
According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), one in three Americans aged 65 or older lacks resources needed to meet basic food, housing, and medical needs. Millions of low-income seniors and adults with disabilities qualify for—but are not yet enrolled in— programs that could help pay for prescription drugs, medical care, food, or utilities for their homes.
Nationally, an estimated 2 million individuals who are eligible for the Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) are not enrolled in the program. In 2016, only 60% of those eligible to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) actually participated in the program, leaving eligible participants without access to benefits for food.
Organizations can help you connect with programs or benefits for which you may be eligible.
Sourcewise, Santa Clara County’s Area Agency on Aging, can provide you with eligibility information to connect you with programs and services enhancing a safe, healthy life. Sourcewise Community Resource Specialists work with you to provide information and referrals for support services that may benefit you. An online Resource Connection is also available at mysourcewise.com. Call to speak with a Community Resource Specialist: (408) 350-3200, option 1.
Another free online service, NCOA’s BenefitsCheckUp® helps seniors with limited incomes learn which benefits they may be eligible to receive to assist with costs for: medicine, rent, and utilities. Visit the website for BenefitsCheckUp®: benefitscheckup.org.
2-1-1 is a free, confidential service helping people nationwide to find local resources, information, and support; whether assistance is financial, domestic, health, or disaster related. Contact a specialist to determine which health and human services are available in your area. Call 2-1-1 or visit 211.org.