Grant helps seniors find benefits
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News from Area VI Agency on Aging
POLSON — The Area VI and Area IX Agencies on Aging have jointly received a grant to continue and expand use of the Benefits Enrollment Center. This computer program can identify assistance programs older consumers may qualify for, of which they may have been unaware. The grant will be used in Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, Mineral and Sanders Counties and the Flathead Reservation to train staff, inform the public, and increase the number of beneficiaries served.
Here’s how the Benefits Enrollment Check-Up works. Individuals provide information about their income and expenses. No identifying information is put into the BEC at this time. The BEC generates a list of all programs for which the person may qualify, and information on each program. The individual decides on the programs for which they choose to apply. Then the BEC can be used to generate applications for the desired programs. Staff will help people utilize the BEC and will also give assistance with the applications.
Polson hosted a joint training for staff from both Area Agencies. Kerrie Reidlebach, Information and Assistance/Aging and Disability Resource Center Coordinator for Montana, explained the way that the state will gather data showing the success of the grant. The two Agencies will pool outreach efforts and share expertise as they strive to help as many people as possible access the assistance programs that are available.
Some of the benefits screened for include: help paying for prescription drugs and/or the cost of Medicare Drug Plan premiums, assistance that pays for Medicare Part B premiums and/or co-pays, energy assistance, property tax refund or reduction, and food assistance in the form of cash benefits or commodities.
If you would like to make an appointment to use the Benefits Enrollment Center, call Area VI at the Polson office: 883-7284 or 1-800-266-4188. We have counselors who can help you in Lake, Lincoln, Mineral, and Sanders Counties. Area IX in Flathead County can be reached at 406-758-5730.
