Web Site Allows Elderly to Check Program Eligibility
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Although there are nearly 1,000 federal and state programs available to help older persons, it is estimated that more than five million seniors are currently missing out on at least some of them for which they qualify. The National Council on Aging (NCoA) has developed a Web site that makes it a snap to research a person's potential eligibility for these programs. The site, BenefitsCheckUp, features a database of hundreds of programs ranging from financial help, home energy assistance, and health care to employment and volunteer opportunities. Users are asked to complete a brief, confidential questionnaire about their (or a loved one's) living situation, expenses, income and savings. Based on the answers given, the site generates a list of programs that the older person appears to be qualify for, as well as a description of the programs and contact information, when available. “Chances are,” the NCoA says, “you will be surprised to learn what benefits are available to you, regardless of your income.” A companion service, BenefitsCheckUpRx, provides a confidential, personalized report of public and private programs that can help you save money on some or all of your prescription drugs. BenefitsCheckUp and BenefitsCheckUpRx can be found at http://benefitscheckup.org
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