Senior Care Options program available to older Nebraskans who are considering admission to a nursing home and may be eligible for Medicaid assistance. Clients are screened according to a standardized assessment process developed by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Care Managers arrange for services, which allow older adults to live as independently as possible, for as long as possible.

Housekeeping and supportive services to include grocery shopping, cleaning, laundry, transportation and personal care.

Family Caregiver Support for those caring for an aging adult or grandparents caring for a minor child. Provides information, assistance, support group, respite care, and supplemental services.

Home delivered meals are provided to homebound by reason of illness, disability or isolation. The meals meet 1/3 of the daily dietary recommended needs of adults 60 years and over and the requirements of the Older Americans Act and state and local laws.

Public benefit services, legal assistance, education, Medicare filing, and volunteer training through SHIIP.

General information on Medicare and Medicare supplemental insurance (Medigap). Updated information about Medicare health plan options, including fee-for-service Medicare, and where available, managed care. Specific quality and satisfaction information about managed care plans. Telephone numbers for help with billing questions, Medicare claims, and more complex questions about health insurance. During non-business hours, callers can access an automated line to request information.

Medicare and You handouts or audio tapes in English or Spanish, request updated information about health plans, and/or listen to pre-recorded answers to frequently asked questions.

Comparisons of Medicare Managed Care plans and Prescription Drug Plans available for potential enrollment (changing current enrollment) during Open Enrollment each year, which is October 15 through December 7.

Helps sort out the complicated puzzle of Medicare, Medicaid, pharmaceutical assistance, and supplemental health insurance. Certified SHAP counselors can guide seniors to health care plans that include their doctor, cover their medications, and are affordable.

Offers caseworkers to provide information and or assistance on benefit programs to assist individuals in remaining independent and in their homes. Also makes referrals to outside community service agencies that may assist in providing additional resources to meet client's needs.

Trained SHIP volunteers provide Medicare information and counseling to help people learn more about their options with Medicare.

Benefit Access Program: Provides a discount on license plate stickers for people who meet eligibility requirements.

Outreach Counselors work to connect seniors and disabled individuals, with emphasis on those with lower incomes, with those programs that will help them to remain independent. These programs include Benefit Access Applications. SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Program), Real Estate tax reductions, Medicare Part D counseling. SNAP, LIHEAP, and other state and federal programs, Assistance with hearing, A small reserve of funds for occasional GAP funding for emergency needs.

Assistance for those who have questions or need assistance with Medicare Part D (Prescription Drugs). Offers provider referrals for those who need Medicaid or Medicaid Extra Help.

Medicare Part D (Prescription Drugs) Open Enrollment helps clients navigate the prescription drug plan review process.

Open enrollment happens every year starting in mid October and continues through the first part of December.

Clients may contact a nearby center to assist. If nearby center is booked for appointments, AgeLinc can help with enrollment.

- Effingham - CEFS Economic Opportunity Corp: (217) 342-2193

- Gillespie - IL Valley Economic Development Corp: (217) 839-4431

- Hillsboro - Montgomery Co. Health Dept: (217) 532-2001 ext. 225

- Jacksonville - Prairie Council on Aging: (217) 479-4619

- Lincoln - Senior Citizens of Logan County: (217) 732-6132

- Petersburg - Menard County Board: (217) 632-4412

- Taylorville - Senior Citizens of Christian County: (217) 824-4263

- Springfield - Senior Services of Central IL: (217) 528-4035 or Springfield Center for Independent Living: (217) 523-2587

Senior Care Options program available to older Nebraskans who are considering admission to a nursing home and may be eligible for Medicaid assistance. Clients are screened according to a standardized assessment process developed by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Care Managers arrange for services, which allow older adults to live as independently as possible, for as long as possible.

Housekeeping and supportive services to include grocery shopping, cleaning, laundry, transportation and personal care.

Family Caregiver Support for those caring for an aging adult or grandparents caring for a minor child. Provides information, assistance, support group, respite care, and supplemental services.

Home delivered meals are provided to homebound by reason of illness, disability or isolation. The meals meet 1/3 of the daily dietary recommended needs of adults 60 years and over and the requirements of the Older Americans Act and state and local laws.

Public benefit services, legal assistance, education, Medicare filing, and volunteer training through SHIIP.

Provides health insurance counseling for Medicare beneficiaries.

Medicare enrollment begins every year in mid October and continues through early December.

Provides information, assistance, and referrals for challenges seniors face with independent living.

Assists seniors with Medicare enrollments and Part D changes (SHIP), Medicaid enrollment and recertification, SNAP applications, LIHEAP applications, and referrals to community programs that would be useful to seniors, including food assistance, mental health needs/counseling, transitioning to senior housing, assisted living, or skilled nursing facilities.

Medicare information and assistance signing up for a Medicare Part D plan.

Senior Care Options program available to older Nebraskans who are considering admission to a nursing home and may be eligible for Medicaid assistance. Clients are screened according to a standardized assessment process developed by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Care Managers arrange for services, which allow older adults to live as independently as possible, for as long as possible.

Housekeeping and supportive services to include grocery shopping, cleaning, laundry, transportation and personal care.

Family Caregiver Support for those caring for an aging adult or grandparents caring for a minor child. Provides information, assistance, support group, respite care, and supplemental services.

Home delivered meals are provided to homebound by reason of illness, disability or isolation. The meals meet 1/3 of the daily dietary recommended needs of adults 60 years and over and the requirements of the Older Americans Act and state and local laws.

Public benefit services, legal assistance, education, Medicare filing, and volunteer training through SHIIP.

Senior Care Options program available to older Nebraskans who are considering admission to a nursing home and may be eligible for Medicaid assistance. Clients are screened according to a standardized assessment process developed by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Care Managers arrange for services, which allow older adults to live as independently as possible, for as long as possible.

Housekeeping and supportive services to include grocery shopping, cleaning, laundry, transportation and personal care.

Family Caregiver Support for those caring for an aging adult or grandparents caring for a minor child. Provides information, assistance, support group, respite care, and supplemental services.

Home delivered meals are provided to homebound by reason of illness, disability or isolation. The meals meet 1/3 of the daily dietary recommended needs of adults 60 years and over and the requirements of the Older Americans Act and state and local laws.

Public benefit services, legal assistance, education, Medicare filing, and volunteer training through SHIIP.

Free insurance counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers. SHIP counselors can:

- Answer questions about Medicare Supplement insurance, long term care insurance, Medicare managed care plans and other health insurance.

- Organize and assist in filing Medicare Supplement claims.

- Analyze Medicare Supplement and long term care insurance policies.

- Appeal claim denials.

Provides a multi-purpose center offering social, educational, health, and recreational programs to seniors and community members of all ages. Programs include:

- Activities, classes, resources, and groups to facilitate and support healthy lifestyles for clients.

- Cafe open five days a week. Donations are welcomed to support its operation.

- Medical equipment loan closet.

- Volunteers coordinate with a local supermarket to provide home grocery delivery weekly.

- Annual health fair and flu / pneumonia clinic is held in collaboration with the Ogle County Health Department in the facility.

- Exercise and fitness classes, in partnership with Highland Community College, are offered on Mon, Wed, Fri: 9:00 am.

- Houses the SHIP program, which assists clients with Medicare insurance issues and other assistance such as help with Benefit Access Application.

Provides trained SHIIP counselors to help understand Medicare coverage options to help make informed choices based upon health, budget or both, of the individual. Provides free assistance to walk individuals through the Medicare process (annual open enrollment period is October 15 through December 7).

Staff provide one-on-one counseling and information about Medicare and supplemental insurance options depending on individual circumstances. Will work with individuals to help them understand the entire scope of the process, from which services are covered to what financial responsibilities may be on the client. Staff can also act as advocates when disputes arise in billing and/or services.

In addition, because Medicare alone does not cover all healthcare costs, staff can inform individuals about what insurances are available to coordinate with Medicare.

Insurance counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers provided by trained and certified SHIP counselors

SHIP counselors can advise on:
- Medicare
- Medicare Supplement insurance
- Long-term care insurance
- Medicare managed care plans (HMO, PPO, & PFFS)
- Other health insurance
- Prescription drug coverage (Medicare D)
- Filing Medicare and Medicare Supplement claims
- Medicare Supplement and long-term care insurance policies
- Appealing claim denials
- Extra Help (a federal program to assist low-income seniors with Medicare D associated costs)

Outreach staff visit older persons or their caregivers to inform them about available benefits and services. Outreach Services may include:

- Encouraging older persons to participate in senior programs.

- Assisting older persons in gaining access to needed services (Benefit Access Application, Medicare Part D, etc.).

- Follow up with older persons and agencies to determine whether services have been received and the needs of the older person are met.

- Provide client advocacy to secure benefits.

Provides benefits counseling for people age 60 and over, including information on Medicare, Medicare supplemental insurance policies, life, and long term care policies.