Top Ten Tips For Seniors

Our country has so much to offer to seniors and the benefits keep growing every year.  Out of the total federal budget, about $890 billion of this money goes to seniors.  The problem is that most seniors are unaware about all the benefits that are due to them.  Sure, most seniors may know about the major programs, like Medicare and Social Security, but there are thousands of program worth billions of dollars and the offices giving out the money rarely spend a penny to advertise their availability.  In addition, remember that knowledge is power.  There are places you can call to learn what your rights are and have people fight for you for free!  Take advantage of what information and services are available to you.  You have earned it and deserve it.

Credit and Seniors…
…Credit is an important money management tool for both young and older consumers. Yet the elderly, particularly older women, may find it difficult to get credit.  If you’re an older consumer who has paid with cash all your life, you may find it difficult to open a credit account. That’s because you have “no credit history” of how you paid on credit. If your income has decreased, you may find it harder to get a loan because you have “insufficient income.” Or, if your spouse dies, you may find creditors trying to close joint accounts. A “joint account” is one for which both spouses applied and signed the credit agreement.  Under the federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), it’s against the law for a creditor to deny you credit or terminate existing credit simply because of your age. You can learn your rights and discover tips for applying for and maintaining credit.  You can check out a free publication titled “Getting Credit When You Are Over 62 at www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/over62.htm or you can contact Federal Trade Commission, CRC-240, Washington, DC  20580; 877-FTC-HELP; www.ftc.gov.

$10,848 For Seniors In Need…
…Everyone knows about Social Security, but not everyone is aware of a program called Supplemental Security Income (SSI).  SSI makes monthly payments to seniors who have low income.  Whether you can get SSI depends on your income and resources (things you own).  The income you can have varies on where you live.  Generally couples can have no more than $3,000 in resources, but things like your house and car do not count.  Almost all states also offer a supplement to SSI, which again varies state to state.  Currently the Federal SSI benefit for a couple is $904 per month.  To learn if you qualify for this program contact the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 or online at www.ssa.gov.
  

Medicare Help…
…I am not sure if anyone fully understands the new drug benefit program offered through Medicare.  Only the government could make something so simple into something so complicated.  In addition, many seniors pay $88.50 a month for Medicare Part B, although it may be a struggle for them financially.  Medicare actually offers programs to cover the Medicare Part B payments for those that cannot afford it.  The programs are called Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries Plan and Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries Plan.  If you make less than $1505 as a couple per month and have limited assets, Medicare will cover the premiums for you.  That is a $2100 savings per year for you and your spouse!  For more information call Medicare at 800-MEDICARE or visit them online at www.medicare.gov to see if you qualify. 

The Medicare Hotline can also refer you to your State Health Insurance Assistance Program, which provides free counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries on a wide range of Medicare and Medicaid, and Medigap matters, including, Medicare+Choice health plan options, long-term care insurance, claims and billing problem resolution, information and referral on public benefit programs for those with limited income and assets, and other health insurance benefit information. You can also locate your office on the web at www.medicare.gov/contacts/static/allStateContacts.asp.

$$ For Your Utility Bill…
…The high cost of heating and cooling a home or apartment can create a financial hardship for some seniors.  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services operates the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which offers heating and cooling subsidies, energy crisis intervention to assist in weather-related and fuel supply shortages and household energy-related emergencies, such as utility shutoffs.  The amount of money and eligibility requirements for this program vary from state to state, so you need to contact your local office to learn more (on average, a family of 4 can make no more than $30,000).  You can call the National Energy Assistance Referral project to find out where you need to apply toll-free at 1 -866-674-6327.  In addition, you can learn your state’s rules regarding when your utilities are allowed to be disconnected at www.liheapch.acf.hhs.gov/Disconnect/disconnect.htm. 

LIHEAP is not the only program available to assist with utility payments.  The LIHEAP website www.liheapch.acf.hhs.gov/sp.htm provides links to all the utility and charitable organizations that provide funds, services, and discounts for utilities.  It is amazing what you can find when you look.

Free Vision Care…
…Over one-third of Americans have some form of eye disease by the time they are 65, and most never realize that it is happening to them.  With annual eye exams, many problems can be detected early and your sight can be saved.  The Senior EyeCare Program is offered through EyeCare America and refers eligible people to volunteer ophthamologists.  The doctors provide a comprehensive eye exam and one year of treatment at no cost to the patient.  The ophthamologists accept Medicare and/or insurance as payment with no co-pays required.  To find out if you or a loved one are eligible call 800-222-EYES or check the program online at www.eyecareamerica.org/eyecare/public/seniors.cfm.

A similar program is available for those who have diabetes, as eye disease is extremely common in diabetics.  The Diabetes EyeCare Program offers free eye exams and treatment to those who qualify.  To learn more contact the Diabetes EyeCare Program at 800-272-EYES or online at www.eyecareamerica.org/eyecare/public/diabetes.cfm.

Protect Your Pension…
…You have put in your time, and now you plan to retire.  Make sure your pension fund is protected and that you clearly understand your rights.  The U.S. Administration on Aging supports the Pension Counseling Program.  These programs have helped thousands of seniors find their pensions, answer questions, provide publications and fact sheets, and more.   They can also refer to attorneys and other professionals when a problem arises concerning your pension.  To learn more go online to find a Pension Counseling Program near you:  www.pensionrights.org/help/counseling/.

Planning Ahead…
…It is not pleasant to think about the topic, but it needs to be done.  You write a will, but you also need to write down your wishes regarding health decisions in case you become unable to speak for yourself.  An Advanced Directive lets your loved ones know how you feel about life-sustaining treatments in a Living Will and you can choose someone to make health care decisions for you in a Medical Power of Attorney form.  The laws on these two forms vary from state to state, so Caring Connections have organized the forms by state at www.caringinfo.org.  There is no reason to spend money on a lawyer to complete these forms if you follow the directions carefully.  By completing this task you will relieve your family of having to make difficult decisions on your behalf since they will know your wishes. 

Alzheimer’s Assistance…
…When a loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s, it affects the entire family.  Is there a way to slow the progression of the disease?  What resources are available to help the family cope?  Are there things to be done around the house to help make it safer for the patient? The Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center (ADEAR) can help.  They have two new publications- “Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease” and “Understanding Memory Loss” - which explain signs and symptoms of the disease, as well as information on how to care for the person.  You can find out about current medicines that may slow down memory loss and clinical trials that are currently looking for volunteers.  ADEAR can also refer you to resources in your area.  For more information contact Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center, P.O. Box 8250, Silver Spring, MD  20907; 800-438-4380; www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers.

Thinking Outside The Box…
…When you have a cold, everyone has the secret weapon, which could be anything from Vitamin C, Echinacea, or grandma’s soup.  What really works?  The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health is the lead agency for scientific research on complementary and alternative medicine.  NCCAM conducts research on the use of acupuncture on certain conditions, Glucosamine for arthritis prevention, St. John’s Wort for depression, and more.  Their mission is to conduct scientific research on alternative medicines or treatment and then report these findings to the public.  The website has information on popular health topics and treatments.  For more information on these topics contact the Clearinghouse at 888-644-6226; or online at nccam.nih.gov. (The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals)

$7,500 Grant To Fix Up Your Home…
…If you live in a rural area, are 62 years old or older, and have low income, you are eligible for a $7,500 Section 504 Rural Housing Repair Rehabilitation Program Grant.  Funds can be used to improve, modernize or improve health and safety conditions.  For those that don’t qualify for the grant, a very low-interest loan is also available.  The people that work in the Rural Housing Services offices are extremely helpful and will walk you through the application process.  You need to contact your state office to determine eligibility and to apply.  To locate the office you can go online at www.rurdev.usda.gov/recd_map.html or be referred by contacting Rural Housing Service National Office, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 5037, South Building, 14th St. and Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC  20250; 202-720-4323.             

Regular Check-Ups…
…According to a government report, most Medicare beneficiaries receive some, but not all recommended preventive services, although they typically visit a physician several times a year.  Medicare covers a one-time physical exam, cardiovascular screening, test for breast, cervical, vaginal, colorectal, and prostate cancers, flu, pneumococcal, and Hepaptitis B shots, bone mass measurements, diabetes screening, and glaucoma testing.  For more information contact Medicare at 800-MEDICARE; or online at www.medicare.gov.

Farm Fresh…
…Do you like to go to farmers’ markets?  The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program provides coupons to seniors that can be exchanged for foods at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs.  Generally the coupons are valued at $50 per person, and low-income seniors are eligible (those age 60 and older and a family of 2 making around $24,420).  Contact your nearest Food Stamp Office to learn if your state offers this program and eligibility requirements.  For more information contact USDA Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Dr., Room 926, Alexandria, VA  22302; www.fns.usda.gov.

$11, 450 From Uncle Sam…
….That’s how much the average American is eligible for in grants and other free money from the government. But you have to know where the programs are and how to apply in order to get the money the government is holding for you.
My new Government Money Club (www.myamericanbenefitsplan.com/offer-MABP5.html) will show you how to get your share. Join today and you will have access to 10,000 money programs, answers to all your personal questions, and even FREE HELP FILLING OUT ANY GOVERNMENT APPLICATION!