New Year’s Resolution for Older Adults: Take Advantage of New Changes to Programs that Help with Medicare Costs

Many 2010 New Year’s resolutions will likely focus on staying healthy and saving money. Older adults can help keep both of these resolutions by using BenefitsCheckUp, a free, online benefits screening service developed and maintained by the National Council on Aging (NCOA).

Beginning in January, federal changes to Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) and Medicare's Low Income Subsidy ("Extra Help") mean a simplified application process and greater eligibility for these important programs. MSP provides support to seniors by helping with Medicare costs such as the monthly Part B premiums and, in some cases, other premiums, deductibles, and co-pays. Medicare's Extra Help assists with the cost of Medicare prescription drug coverage.

Seniors, particularly those with low income and limited resources, can access new information on these and other benefits programs, as well as an updated Medicare Rx Extra Help Online Application form by visiting www.benefitscheckup.org.

“Throughout the New Year, NCOA wants to help low-income older adults remain economically secure,” said Stuart Spector, senior vice president at NCOA. “Keeping up to date and taking advantage of needed benefits programs through BenefitsCheckUp provides an important strategy for vulnerable seniors.”

Good News for 2010

Effective this month, the Social Security Administration began taking relevant information from applicants’ Extra Help applications and submitting it to their state MSP offices to start an MSP application. The updated Medicare Rx Extra Help online application available on BenefitsCheckUp does this electronically, saving seniors a separate trip to their state MSP office to start the application process.

In addition, the 2010 asset limit for MSP eligibility increased to the same level as the Extra Help's full subsidy ($8,100 per single and $12,910 per couple) for states that use the standard asset limits (some states offer more generous asset limits or have no asset limit for MSP). This means more people may be eligible for MSP and can in turn utilize the streamlined application to apply for the Extra Help and MSP at once—good news for many low-income seniors.

Savings in Seconds

It’s important for seniors to check their eligibility for the MSP and Extra Help programs now, as the New Year has brought changes, and people who weren’t eligible before may be eligible for these benefits in 2010. BenefitsCheckUp has made updates to account for these changes, making it quick and easy for seniors to access updated information, eligibility rules and application forms. Seniors should use BenefitsCheckUp as a resource to check their eligibility for additional benefits programs, including 2,000 federal, state, and local programs that can help with utilities, food, housing, and other basic needs. Enrollment forms for most programs are provided as part of BenefitsCheckUp’s interactive screening process. Since 2001, more than 2.4 million people have used the service, identifying benefits valued at more than $7.8 billion.

About NCOA

The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. NCOA is a national voice for older Americans—especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged—and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently and remain active in their communities. For more information, please visit www.ncoa.org.