SENIOR HEALTH
NECALG Area Agency on Aging in conjunction with the Older American’s Act supports and administers programs to assist older adults remain vital, health and as independent as possible in their homes and communities. Medicare and Medicaid often do not pay for senior’s dental and vision needs. Thankfully, there are several options available for qualified individuals to receive assistance with these needs. Should you or a loved one be in need of health services, dental services, health screenings, eyeglasses or hearing aides the Area Agency on Aging is here with programs to assist.
Healthy Aging Programs:
VISION
Material aid funding is available for low-income adults age 60 and older for vision needs. Up to $250 is available to assist with eyeglasses and vision exams.
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DENTAL
The purpose of the Colorado Dental Health Care Program for Low Income Seniors is to promote the health and welfare of Colorado’s low-income seniors by providing access to dental care to individuals age 60 and over who are not eligible for dental services under any other dental health care program, such as Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program). Material aid funding is available for adults 60 and older to help with the cost of dental needs. Up to $500 in funding is available.
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HEARING
Age-related hearing loss is the loss of hearing that gradually occurs in most adults as we grow older. It is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults. The Area Agency on Aging works to assist older adults age 60 and older with accessing needed hearing aids. Working in conjunction with the Sterling Lions Club, refurbished hearing aids are often available and other programs provide new hearing aids for individuals who qualify.
FALLS PREVENTION
Several evidence-based falls prevention classes are available within the region. Classes like Matter of Balance have been scientifically proven to build confidence and reduce falls. For more information, call the NECALG Area Agency on Aging.
NUTRITION EDUCATION & COUNSELING
Nutrition education programs are designed to promote better health by providing accurate and culturally sensitive nutrition, physical fitness, or health information and instruction to participants and caregivers in a group setting.
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Nutrition Counseling involves individualized advice and guidance for seniors who are at nutritional risk. These individuals are said to be at risk because of their health or nutritional history, dietary intake, medications use, or chronic illnesses. Nutrition Counseling provides options and methods for improving nutritional status and decreasing nutritional risk. These helpful counseling sessions are performed by a health professional in accordance with state law and policy.
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If you have need for nutritional counseling or have interest in learning strategies for improving your nutritional health please contact The Area Agency on Aging at 970-867-9409 ext. 3003 to set up an appointment.
STATE HEALTH INSURANCE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (sHIP)
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free, in-depth, one-on-one insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, friends, and caregivers. If you have questions or concerns about Medicare, would like to learn more about your Medicare benefits, or to how see if you’re eligible for the Medicare Savings Program, contact either the Area Agency on Aging at 970 867-9409 EXT 3003
MEDICARE COUNSELING
The program provides seniors with one-to-one counseling to help them take full advantage of their benefits. Appointments are available for in-person meetings as well as phone consultations. For your appointment, please contact the Area Agency on Aging at 970 867-9409 EXT 3003
MEDICARE RIGHTS
You have the right to:
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File a quality of care complaint. You may contact KEPRO to file a complaint, and your medical record will be reviewed by one of KEPRO’s physicians. They will determine if you received the appropriate care for your condition.
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File an appeal of your discharge from a hospital, skilled nursing facility, home health agency, or a hospice. During your discharge appeal, you will incur NO financial liability. You may file an appeal with KEPRO if you feel that you are not ready to be discharged from a hospital or from skilled services.
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Request Immediate Advocacy for immediate concerns. KEPRO can contact your provider on your behalf and advocate regarding your concerns.
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To file a quality of care complaint or appeal a discharge from a skilled nursing facility, home health agency, hospital, or a hospice, call KEPRO toll-free at 844-430-9504 or visit www.keproqio.com to learn more.
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The Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) Program is the cornerstone of Medicare’s efforts to improve the quality of care and health outcomes for beneficiaries. KEPRO is the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care QIO (BFCC-QIO) for more than 30 states. KEPRO offers information and assistance to providers, patients, and families regarding beneficiary complaints, discharge appeals, and Immediate Advocacy.
INSURANCE FOR SENIORS AGE 60 TO 64
Connect for Health Colorado is Colorado’s Health Insurance Marketplace (Affordable Care Act). You can get financial assistance if you qualify, view and compare all health plans in your area, buy a health insurance plan, and access free, expert, in-person help from Health Coverage Guides.
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You are not eligible for the Affordable Care Act if you currently receive Medicare. Medicare isn’t part of the Health Insurance Marketplace established by ACA, so you don’t have to replace your Medicare coverage with Marketplace coverage. No matter how you get Medicare, whether through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan, you’ll still have the same benefits and security you have now.