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5 Government Programs You Can Access for Help With Your Elderly Parents
Caring for an aging parent can be both emotionally and financially challenging . But , did you know that there are scores of federal , state and even local government programs that can help you make ends meet ? Access to assistance is as close as your computer , and the best way to start is by visiting the web sites below : www . Benefits . gov Gather all the information you can relating to your elderly parent ’ s health , disability , income , assets , military service , education level and more . Visit this site and answer every question as accurately as you can . After submitting your answers , the site will respond with a list of government programs , supplements and services , including details and eligibility information .
www . Benefitscheckup . org A nonprofit site run by the National Council on Aging , it will ask many of the same questions as the site above , but may report additional programs , details and contacts that may fit your situation better .
Here is a guide to the top five programs everyone who is caring for an aging parent should know about :
1 . MEDICARE
There is more to Medicare than just the Part A hospital and Part B medical insurance coverage . If your aging parent is 65 or older and collecting Social Security , his / her insurance premiums are deducted
from monthly benefits . Part D prescription drug coverage is subsidized by Medicare through payments to private company insurers who then fund an average of 90 percent of the cost of prescription drugs . If your parent is considered low-income and receiving only Social Security , Medicare may subsidize all but about $ 10 of the monthly premiums . This option may provide substantial cost savings for your parent .
2 . SOCIAL SECURITY If your parent ’ s Social Security benefits were earned based on lower paying jobs , and if the benefits are the only source of income , there may be a larger monthly benefit available by applying for the Supplemental Security Income ( SSI ) program . The program may be operated federally or in conjunction with your state government . The welfare-based Medicaid program is also administered through the Social Security Administration , though the operation may be directed by your state government .
3 . AREA AGENCY ON AGING
There is a federally mandated Area Agency on Aging in every county or city in the United States . This agency is staffed by professionals who are knowledgeable about elder programs and services , including available financial sources in your area , Meals-on-Wheels food programs , respite services and other local senior services . To find out which programs your parent or loved one may qualify for , make an appointment to meet with a counselor . The staff person can provide advice regarding programs and qualifications , and even help prepare the necessary applications and documentation . You can access your Area Agency on Aging through your local telephone book or website .
4 . DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ( VA )
If your aging parent is a military veteran and has a service-related disability , you may be able to apply for an increase in benefits , particularly if the disability has worsened over time . If he or she needs continuing medical care because of the disability , an application for medical benefits , hospitalization and prescription drugs may be submitted . There are several types and levels of VA compensation and pension programs . The VA has been slow in processing claims the past few years , but there is continuing pressure by Congress and the Administration to speed up its service .
5 . YOUR U . S . SENATOR OR CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE Every senator and most representatives have a staff specialist on elder affairs , programs and services . This staff person can both advise and advocate for benefits or services for your parent . Visit www . senate . gov or www . house . gov for more specific information about programs and services .
Through these resources , caregivers can gain access to a world of vital information as well as programs and services to help make life better for their aging parents or loved ones .
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