Helping seniors navigate the maze of public programs
Many public programs are available to meet the needs of America’s seniors, but often seniors don’t know how to access them.
That’s why WellPoint has collaborated with the National Council on Aging (NCOA) to help our Medicare members — particularly those with limited incomes and resources — learn whether they are eligible for federal, state and other community programs that help pay for health care, prescription drugs, rent, utilities and many other needs.
Under this collaboration, WellPoint provides our Medicare members access to NCOA’s BenefitsCheckUp®, a comprehensive Web-based service that helps individuals determine quickly whether they are eligible for any of 1,500 benefits programs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
For example, through this service, WellPoint’s Medicare beneficiaries can find out whether they qualify for the Medicare Part D low-income subsidy, which helps cover prescription drug costs. If they do qualify, they can apply right away.
“BenefitsCheckUp helps our Medicare beneficiaries learn about their benefit choices and other resources, so that they can better manage their health and other important aspects of their lives,” said Brian Sassi, president and CEO of WellPoint’s Consumer Business.
In just the first three months of the collaboration, more than a thousand consumers used BenefitsCheckUp, identifying benefits valued at more than $5 million.
“This new relationship with WellPoint is one of many that NCOA is forming to expand the reach of BenefitsCheckUp,” said Stuart Spector, NCOA’s senior vice president of Benefits Access. “We are confident that through this association many more Medicare-eligible beneficiaries will gain the benefits they need.”