Jun 14, 2024 | Economic Security & Outreach Blog, Medicare, Prescription Drugs
More Medicare-enrollees than ever are now eligible for the Medicare Savings Program (MSP), which covers the monthly $174.70 Medicare Part B premium, eliminates some co-payments for outpatient services, and provides a program called Extra Help that significantly lowers...
Jun 7, 2024 | Economic Security & Outreach Blog, Housing
If you’re working with a client on a housing search or improving their housing stability because of a landlord conflict or other issue, staff members at Housing Consumer Education Centers might be able to assist. The regional centers are listed below; the best way to...
May 17, 2024 | Economic Security & Outreach Blog, Housing, PACE
Some PACE Centers in Massachusetts have special partnerships with housing entities, local housing authority- and privately owned properties that contain a variety of unit-styles, including rooms in congregate homes with shared amenities (such a kitchens, living rooms,...
May 10, 2024 | Economic Security & Outreach Blog, Housing
We all know that assisting clients with housing issues—seeking housing or stabilizing existing housing—is among the most demanding, stress-laden challenges we cope with. We also know that the landscape of affordable, low-income, and supportive housing options is...
May 3, 2024 | Economic Security & Outreach Blog, Resource finding
Since 2019, western Massachusetts has been served by 413CARES.org, a database of resources in several important categories including, but not limited to: food, housing, transportation, caregiver support, mental health, substance use, reentry, digital resources, and...
Apr 12, 2024 | Digital Equity, Economic Security & Outreach Blog
The Affordable Connectivity Program, a broadband internet discount program funded by Congress and administered by the FCC, is discontinuing. Many MA residents will know this program as the LifeLine Program. The program stopped accepting applications on February 7,...
Apr 5, 2024 | Economic Security & Outreach Blog, Health Insurance, PACE
Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) are in sites spanning most of Massachusetts. They offer a strong opportunity for high-needs older adults to receive all the medical and social services they need in one place while continuing to live in their...
Apr 5, 2024 | Economic Security & Outreach Blog, Money Management
How many times have you worked with a client who is struggling to stay in their home in part because they are no longer paying bills? Sometimes other elements of maintaining a household are stable, but this lapse is putting the client at risk. I have never had a...
Apr 5, 2024 | Economic Security & Outreach Blog, Money Management
Money Management Programs, offered in several ASAPs in MA, have two levels of assistance: Bill Pay: The Bill Pay program utilizes trained and supervised volunteers to support older adults in their current living situations by assisting with paying bills and reviewing...
Mar 15, 2024 | Economic Security & Outreach Blog
MA residents who are 65 or older by Dec. 31 of the tax year who meet income eligibility guidelines may be able to receive a maximum of $2,590 (for the 2023 tax year) through this state-level program. Both homeowners and renters who are MA residents may apply. Eligible...
