SSI is administered by the Social Security Administration. Medicare is a Federal health insurance program for those who receive Social Security benefits. Eligible individuals include those who are 65 or older, people of any age with permanent kidney failure and disabled people under age 65 who have re ceived Social Security payments for at least 24 months. Services are coordinated by local government through the Department of Social Services or the Social Security Administration. General Assistance programs provide food, housing, and prescription drugs and other medical expenses for those who are not eligible for other programs.
Funds are often limited.
Information can be obtained by contacting your local Department o f Social Services. Treatment for service-connected conditions is provided and treatment for other conditions may be availa ble based on the veteran's financial need. Hill-Burton is a program through which hospitals receive construction funds from the Federal Government. Hospitals that receive Hill-Burton funds are required by law to provide some services to people who cannot afford to pay for their hospitalization. The local ACS office may offer reimbursement for expenses related to cancer treatment.