Do You Need a Benefits Checkup?

You could receive discounted medications, transportation and other services

He’ll help you figure it out—As a volunteer benefits counselor with Jewish Family Services, 59-year-old engineer Izzy Studzienko of Allentown helps older adults navigate the BenefitsCheckUp computer program. Here he’s at the Center for Healthy Aging at Lehigh Valley Hospital—17th and Chew streets, where you can access the program if you don’t have a home computer.

Each year about $38 million in state and federal assistance—most of it benefiting older adults—goes uncollected by Lehigh Valley residents. “It’s because most people don’t know they qualify for such help,” says Melanie McDermott of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.

BenefitsCheckUp aims to change that. McDermott oversees the free computer program created by the National Council on Aging to help people discover if they qualify for more than 1,500 federal, state and local programs. Managed locally by United Way and the Lehigh Valley Alliance on Aging, BenefitsCheckUp and its trained volunteer counselors connect people to transportation and rent assistance, Meals on Wheels, tax credits and other benefit programs.

“It’s stressful trying to make ends meet, especially for those with limited incomes,” says nurse practitioner Heidi Singer, C.R.N.P., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network’s Center for Healthy Aging. “A little help—getting to medical appointments, paying for prescription drugs, buying food—can have a big impact on older people’s health. They also can live longer independently.”

Most of the programs are for people over age 55, or younger people with disabilities and monthly incomes below $4,500. “If you or someone you know is struggling, take advantage of BenefitsCheckUp,” McDermott says. “Knowing what’s available to you helps you make good decisions.”

Since 2004, more than 5,000 people in the Lehigh Valley have used BenefitsCheckUp. Here’s how some have been helped:

• A man in his late 60s suddenly became ill two years ago, losing his memory and the use of one arm. He spent 85 percent of his monthly income on rent, leaving little for other necessities. Through BenefitsCheckUp, he learned he qualifies for a state rent-rebate program, and he now receives $650 annually to help pay his bills.
• An elderly woman living on her own was working part-time to help pay her bills. She found out she qualifies for a tax credit and received a check for $26.
• A disabled man living alone discovered he could get free transportation to and from medical appointments. At $17 a ride, he’s saving more than $3,500 a year.
• A man who suffered a series of strokes is cared for by his older cousin. They manage well, but are concerned how the man will care for himself if his cousin no longer can help. He just learned he may qualify for Meals on Wheels and home health assistance.

You can access BenefitsCheckUp on the Internet at lvagingmatters.org. (If you’re not computer-savvy, volunteer counselors are available to help you at the Center for Healthy Aging or Health Spectrum Pharmacy at Lehigh Valley Hospital—Muhlenberg. You’ll be asked to enter information including your age, income, prescription drugs and current expenses. You don’t have to share your Social Security number, address or other personal information.

BenefitsCheckUp will generate a report listing programs you may qualify for and the application forms you need. In some cases, you can apply right on the computer. Counselors can assist you through the whole process and help you decide which programs to apply for first.

Want to Know More about BenefitsCheckUp or connect with a counselor? Call 610-402-CARE.

Published from Healthy You Magazine, March-April 2008

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