Good nutrition is vital for seniors, but fixed incomes and rising food costs can make preparing healthy meals a challenge. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offers crucial support, yet many older adults miss out on benefits they qualify for due to confusion about eligibility or the application process. In this article, we break down seven key facts about SNAP for seniors…
Navigating Medicare can feel like trying to read a map in a foreign language. You know it’s essential for the journey, but the rules, parts, and fine print are overwhelmingly confusing. For caregivers helping an older adult manage their health, not knowing what is covered can lead to unexpected bills, denied claims, and significant financial stress. But you don’t need a degree…
Watching the cost of a loved one’s essential medications climb can feel like a financial vise tightening each month. In the complex calculus of caregiving, the choice between paying for prescriptions and covering other basic needs is a stress no family should face. The good news is that the sticker price at the pharmacy counter is rarely the final word. With the…
Imagine finding the perfect senior care solution, only to have your hopes dashed by a staggering price tag. For millions of families, the soaring cost of care for an aging loved one isn’t just a line item in a budget; it’s a source of profound stress, guilt, and sleepless nights. The question “How will we afford this?” echoes in living rooms across…
Cost is a major factor in long term care decisions Paying for senior care is a major source of stress for family caregivers, often because costs can spring up suddenly. As your older adult needs more and more help, you’ll probably need to choose between different long term care options, like hiring in-home care vs moving to assisted living or moving from…
Understand Medicare vs. Medicaid to get maximum benefits Medicare and Medicaid can be confusing, partly because the names sound so similar. But they’re two very different government healthcare programs. Medicare focuses on adults age 65 and older and Medicaid focuses on low-income individuals and families. The benefits, costs, and eligibility requirements are different for each program. Neither program has automatic enrollment so…
Facing the reality of long-term care can feel overwhelming, but what if the single most powerful tool for navigating this journey wasn’t a complex financial product, but a simple conversation started with a number? Understanding the potential cost of care is more than just a budgeting exercise; it’s the crucial first step that transforms anxiety into action, unlocks hidden options, and empowers…
Senior care is expensive. Fortunately, there are thousands of federal, state, and private benefits programs that provide financial help for seniors. They cover over a dozen categories, including medication, health care, income assistance, food, housing, and transportation. To quickly find programs for an older adult, we recommend the free BenefitsCheckUp service from the National Council on Aging. This trustworthy, easy-to-use online tool…
Long term care for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia is expensive. To be able to provide the best care possible, it’s important to plan ahead for future care costs. HealthMarkets explains what Medicare does and doesn’t cover for Alzheimer’s and dementia care. As of 2019, an estimated 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. And the…
Getting prior authorization for medication can be inconvenient, stressful, and even delay treatment. BuzzRx explains what it is and shares 3 ways to get prescriptions if you can’t wait for prior authorization. Prior authorization for medication can cause unpleasant surprises at the pharmacy Imagine that you’re at the pharmacy to pick up prescription medications, right after a doctor’s visit. Nothing seems out…
