Helpful Links
This page contains a list of links and phone numbers to organizations and the types of assistance they provide.
AARP is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to addressing the needs and interests of persons 50 and older. Site provides useful information and resources on topics such as: health and wellness; economic security and work; long-term care and independent living; and personal enrichment.
Federal agency responsible for increasing access to community supports, while focusing attention and resources on the unique needs of older Americans and people with disabilities across the lifespan.
The AOA promotes the well-being of older individuals by providing services and programs designed to help them live independently in their homes and communities.
The ADRC serve as a point of entry for long term services and support systems for older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers, veterans, and families. Some states reference ADRCs as "Access Points" or "No Wrong Door Systems."
The Eldercare Locator is the best link to find the ADRC in your area: https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx
The American Society on Aging is a nonprofit organization committed to enhancing the knowledge and skills of those working with older adults and their families. Site offers useful resources on a variety of aging-related topics.
Across the country, AAAs coordinate and offer services that help older adults remain in their home, if that is their preference, aided by services such as Meals-on-Wheels, homemaker assistance, and whatever else it may take to make independent living a viable option. By making a range of options available, AAAs make it possible for older individuals to choose the services and living arrangement that suit them best. AAAs assists adults age 50 and older and their caregivers.
To find AAA in your area, call the Elder Care Locator 1-800-677-1116 weekdays from 9am to 8pm EST.
CMS is an agency in the federal government that can give you more information about Medicare and Medicaid coverage, home and community based services, and other health related topics.
The department of veteran affairs (VA) is the government agency that provides programs including healthcare services to veterans and their families.
A public service to help older adults and their caregivers connect to services, including long-term care services and supports, brochures, and supports.
Advocates for residents of nursing homes, board and care homes, convalescent homes, assisted living facilities, and similar adult care facilities. They work to resolve problems of individual residents and to bring about change at the local, state, and national levels that will improve residents' care and quality of life.
1-800-677-1116 (Call to get the phone numbers for your local ombudsman program office.)
Medicaid covers long-term nursing home stays, and many include coverage of home-and community-based services (HCBS). HCBS provide opportunities for people with Medicaid to get services in their own home or community. These programs serve a variety of groups including people with mental illnesses, intellectual or developmental disabilities, and/or physical disabilities. Your state medical assistance office can give you information about state programs that help pay health and nursing home costs, as well as services in the community, for people with low incomes and limited resources. Visit Medicaid.gov to get phone number for your local office.
To determine Medicaid eligibility visit the free Medicaid planning tool from the American Council on Aging.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides health insurance coverage. Medicare covers post acute care following hospitalization but generally does not cover long term nursing care.
Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Medicare Replacement plans, are a type of Medicare healthcare plan offered by private companies that contract with Medicare to provide you with all your Part A and Part B benefits.
Visit https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/types-of-medicare-health-plans/medicare-advantage-plans for more information.
Free resource from CMS.
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (Call to ask for a free copy of publication #02174.)
Free and independent online reference tool designed to navigate the complex world of health insurance.
1-866-470-6242 (Call to obtain a copy of "The Shoppers Guide to Long Term Care Insurance.")
The National Council on the Aging is an association of organizations and professionals dedicated to promoting the dignity, self-determination, well being, and contributions of older persons. The For Older Adults section of the site contains health related resources and tips.
PACE serves frail older adults who need nursing home services but are capable of living in the community. PACE combines medical, social, and long-term care services and prescription drug coverage.
To find a PACE program in your area: https://www.npaonline.org/pace-you/find-pace-program-your-neighborhood
The RRB is a branch of the federal government providing retirement, survivor, unemployment, and sickness benefits to US railroad workers and their families.
The SSA is the federal agency responsible for economic security programs like medicare. They help with initial medicare enrollment. SSA can help to replace your Red, White, and Blue Medicare Card.
SHIPs provide medicare counseling and assistance, and can also help you enroll into Medicare Low Income programs. Some states also have a pharmaceutical assistance program (SPAP), which helps pay for Medicare drug plan premiums or other drug costs if eligible.
Family Care Navigator helps you locate public, nonprofit, and private programs and services nearest your location. Resources include government health and disability programs, legal resources, disease-specific organizations and more. Visit www.caregiver.org/family-care-navigator