Benefits include help with medical care, home care and home loans. Health Insurance Counseling. Many states, local agencies, and nonprofit organizations provide this free service to educate and counsel people about Medicare, Medigap, HMOs and other forms of health insurance for seniors. State Veterans Benefits. Some states such as Texas and California also provide additional benefits such as educational, advocacy or health services to older people.
Programs are available to help seniors with home repairs and energy bills.
All Americans 60 years and older are eligible to get a free meal, either at a participating senior center or delivered to their home. Experts say there are a number of reasons why seniors don't take advantage of available benefits. One finger is pointed at the intimidating application process. It's very time consuming. Patrick Culinane, MS, associate director for research and special projects at the American Society on Aging, gives the NCOA's efforts a thumbs-up.