Insurance and Benefits
Today, older adults can expect to live longer than previous generations. Due to the complex decisions and challenges involving health care and financial issues in later life,
older adults may need assistance in understanding their options and benefits.
Health Insurance
Medicare.gov
The official U.S. Government website for people with Medicare.
Medicare Plan Finder
This online tool helps those with Medicare view and compare prescription and health plan coverage options. During open enrollment, persons can select and enroll in a plan.
Medicaid.gov
The official U.S. federal government website for people with Medicaid.
State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs)
SHIPs provide free one-on-one insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries and caregivers. SHIPs are funded by the U.S. Administration for Community Living. To find health insurance assistance services in your community, enter your ZIP code or city and state in the search bar at the top of this page or speak with an information specialist at the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.
Senior Medicare Patrol National Resource Center
The Center provides general information for consumers on health care errors, fraud and abuse. The general public can contact the Center for information about the services of Senior Medicare Patrol programs (SMPs) and how to access their local SMP. The SMP program is funded by the U.S. Administration for Community Living.
Benefits
BenefitsCheckUp
This website helps consumers find benefits programs that help them pay for prescription drugs, health care, rent, utilities, and other needs.
It includes information from more than 1,650 public and private programs from all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Benefits.gov
A result of partnership between several federal agencies, this website is designed to provide improved, personalized access to government assistance programs.
Pension Counseling and Information Program
The Older Americans Act’s Pension Counseling and Information Program provide free legal assistance to individuals experiencing a problem with pension, profit sharing,
or retirement savings plans. The program currently serves 30 states (AR, AZ, CA, CT, HI, IL, IN, IA, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH,
OK, PA, RI, SD, TN, TX, VT, WI). Consumers in other states may be able to find help at PensionHelp America.
SSA.gov
The federal government website that provides information and resources on Social Security programs and benefits.
VA eBenefits
This website is a one-stop shop for benefits-related tools and information service of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. and Department of Defense.
Information is also available from the National Hotline for VA benefits at 1-800-827-1000.
You Gave, Now Save: Guide to Benefits for Seniors
This brochure outlines the many forms of assistance available to older adults who sometimes find it difficult to pay for basic needs such as health care, food, housing, and transportation.
Assistance Programs
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The site provides information about LIHEAP, a federal program that helps low-income households meet immediate home energy needs.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
This site provides information about SNAP, a federal program that helps people with little or no income buy nutritious foods.
Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program
Free tax counseling and basic income tax return preparation are offered through this IRS-sponsored program.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
The site provides information about WAP, a federal program that enables low-income families to permanently reduce energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient.
Eldercare Locator Publications
Protect Your Pocketbook: Tips to Avoid Financial Exploitation
This brochure provides information and resources on avoiding financial exploitation and offers tips on how to stay safe.
Winter Warmth and Safety: Home Energy Tips for Older Adults
This brochure offers some economical ways to stay warm and safe at home.
