Government Health & Disability Programs

This section includes federal and state-level health care benefits and government assistance programs for older adults, persons with disabilities and low-income households. You will find programs specific to Connecticut AND national organizations directing you to local resources.

Program	Description	Eligibility		Phone	Website
		Caregiver	Care Recipient
National-Level
Access to Health Insurance / Resources for Care	Online resource that provides information on low-cost and affordable health insurance, health care, and hospice. It is a free service from the Actors' Fund of America's Health Insurance Resource Center.	Anyone	Anyone	(800) 798-8447	http://www.ahirc.org
Benefits Checkup	An online service of the National Council on Aging to help older adults and their families determine their eligibility for and enroll in federal, state, local and private benefit programs including Medicare and Medicaid.	Anyone	Anyone	__	http://www.benefits checkup.org
ClinicalTrials.gov	An online service of the National Institutes of Health with current information about federally and privately supported clinical trials in human volunteers to answer specific health questions. The website offers information about a trial's purpose, who may participate, locations, and phone numbers for more details.	Anyone	Anyone	__	http://www.clinicaltrials .gov
DisabilityInfo.gov	Government site links to information and resources on a wide range of disability related topics, such as: benefits, civil rights, community services, health services and more. The site includes a state and local resources map which allows the user to locate disability related information/services in their area.	Anyone	Anyone	__	http://www.disabilityinfo .gov
Family and Medical Leave	The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that allows employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year to care for themselves, or for a seriously ill family member, or for a new child without losing their jobs or health care insurance. Some states have additional benefits, such as paid family leave.	Eligible workers must: • Work at companies with 50 or more employees at or within 75 miles of the work site • Have worked at least 1,250 hours during the 12-months prior to taking leave	Workers can take leave to care for: • An ill spouse, child, or parent (some states include additional family members) • A new baby or adopted child • Themselves when they have a serious illness	Department of Labor: (866)4-USWAGE (866) 487-9243	Department of Labor: http://www.dol.gov/esa/ whd/fmla National Partnership for Women and Families: http://www.nationalpartner ship.org
Healthfinder.gov	Government web site for consumers that links to over 1,500 health-related organizations and provides consumer guides on issues including long-term care, Medicare, and nursing homes.	Anyone	Anyone	__	http://www.healthfinder.gov
LawHelp.org	Provides online directory of nonprofit legal services providers throughout the country.	Anyone, with special attention on people living on low or moderate income	Anyone, with special attention on people living on low or moderate income	See website for local contact information	http://www.lawhelp.org
Medicare	Medicare is a government health insurance program for adults age 65 and older, some people under age 65 with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal disease: • Part A covers hospital costs as well as limited skilled nursing, home health and hospice care, without a monthly premium. • Part B covers medical costs, such as doctor's visits and outpatient care, to those who pay a monthly premium. • Part D includes limited prescription drug coverage through private insurance companies for those who choose to pay a monthly premium.	__	Multiple requirements: • U.S. citizen or legal resident • Any adult age 65 or older OR any adult receiving Social Security Disability Insurance OR any adult with End-Stage Renal Disease or ALS	(800) MEDICAR (800) 633-4227 In California, call: (800) 434-0222	http://www.medicare.gov
Medicare Rights Center	Nonprofit organization that provides direct assistance to people with questions or concerns about Medicare. Information is provided about Medicare drug coverage, health plan options, and rights and benefits. Assistance is available online or by a telephone hotline.	Anyone	Anyone	(800) 333-4114 Hotline counselors are available weekdays 9:00am-1:00pm (Eastern Time)	http://www.medicare rights.org
MedlinePlus - Go Local	An online resource from the National Institute on Health that helps consumers find health services by location and service type. Services include: • In-home care • Nursing homes • Hospitals • Support groups • Hospice and palliative care • Physicians • Pharmacies Also provides health and drug information for patients and family members. (This list is not exhaustive, please visit website for information on more services)	Anyone	Anyone	__	http://www.nlm.nih.gov /medlineplus/golocal /index.html
National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO)	Provides assistance in obtaining veterans' benefits and answers questions regarding rules and regulations concerning veterans. Wesbite provides directory of Veteran Service Officers across the country.	Family members of a veteran	Veterans	See website for local contact information	http://www.nacvso.org
National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information	Government website offers practical information and options on planning for future long-term care needs.	Anyone	Anyone	__	http://www.longtermcare .gov
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)	A monthly cash benefit from the federal government for people who are unable to work for a year or more because of a disability.	__	Multiple requirements: • Have worked in jobs covered by Social Security • Be disabled, according to Social Security's definition of disability	(800) 772-1213	http://www.socialsecurity .gov
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)	A monthly cash benefit from the federal government to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter for low-income older adults and people with disabilities.	__	Multiple requirements: • Age 65 or older OR Blind or disabled, according to Social Security's definition of disability (any age) • Resources (real estate, bank accounts, cash, stocks and bonds) cannot exceed $2,000 per person ($3,000 per couple)	(800) 772-1213	http://www.socialsecurity .gov
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Aid and Attendance Program	This program is available through the Department of Veteran Affairs. A pension and compensation income benefit is payable to any qualified veteran. Deductions from the maximum pensionable amount are allowed to be made for unreimbursed medical expenses. This allows veterans with household incomes larger than the maximum pensionable amount to qualify for a monthly benefit.	__	• The veteran must have served in active military for 90 or more consecutive days, with 1 day during a period of wartime as defined by the Veterans Administration. • The veteran must have been discharged under anything other than dishonorable conditions. • The veteran must be over the age of 65 or disabled.	(800) 827-1000	http://www.vba.va.gov /bln/21/pension /vetpen.htm#7 Organizations which assists Veterans with their application to the Aid & Attendance program: http://www.veteranaid.org http://72.41.9.26
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)	Provides primary care, specialized care, and related minor medical and social support services to U.S. veterans, service members and their families. VA benefits and services include: • Compensation • Pension • Health Care • Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment • Education & Training • Home Loans • Life Insurance • Dependents & Survivors • Burial	__	• A veteran OR • An active duty military service member OR • A member of the Reserve or National Guard	(800) 827-1000	http://www.va.gov

Information provided by the Family Caregiver Alliance National Center on Caregiving.

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Government Health & Disability Programs

Program

Description

Eligibility

Phone

Website