Healthcare for Older Adults
No matter their age or background, everyone deserves access to medical care. But finding a healthcare provider can be complicated. Fortunately, there are many organizations and services dedicated to helping older adults find the right fit and providing the services they need. If you or a loved one are looking for older adult healthcare services and information, here are 3 places to start:
1. SHINE Program
Do you or a loved one have Medicare, or are about to become eligible for Medicare? The SHINE Program (Serving Health Information Needs of Everyone) provides free information, counseling, and assistance for Medicare. Their goal is to help Massachusetts residents and their caregivers make the best choices about their health plan coverage.
If you’re thinking about applying for Medicare or have questions about your coverage, SHINE counselors are here to guide you through your options and find ways to reduce your costs. They can help you:
- Learn more about coverage plans
- Understand your current insurance plan and drug coverage options
- Find the right coverage for you
- Help you find and apply for programs that will save you money
In Boston, SHINE is administered through our sister agency Ethos. Submit a referral through Boston ElderINFO by calling 617-292-6211, or by completing their online form.
2. MassHealth
In Massachusetts, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program are administered as one program called MassHealth. MassHealth provides health benefits and helps with health payments for income-eligible Massachusetts residents. It can also provide access to:
- Doctor’s visits
- Dental care
- Prescription drugs
- Behavioral health services
- Medical equipment
While Medicare is based on age and disability, MassHealth is determined based on income level—in other words, a person can have both Medicare and MassHealth to maximize their coverage.
MassHealth offers many types of coverage based on age, disability, health care needs, financial needs, and more. Parents and caretakers of children, and individuals of all ages may also qualify. To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, call 800-841-2900, or apply online through a MassHealth MA Login Account.
3. Senior Care Options and One Care
It can be confusing and stressful to juggle both Medicare and MassHealth, along with any other health benefits your family may have. Thankfully, there’s an easier option. Senior Care Options (SCO) is a comprehensive health plan that combines an older adult’s healthcare and long-term support needs into one simple program. It provides the same services covered by Medicare and MassHealth, without the hassle of managing both separately.
Through SCO, members:
- Combine Medicare and MassHealth into one plan, with one card
- Have access to a wide network of medical and mental health services, prescription medications, and specialized geriatric support services
- Have no or low monthly premiums, no copays, and no or low out-of-pocket costs for most covered services
- Connect with a Geriatric Services and Support Specialist (GSSC) who provides information, guidance, and care coordination
You must be age 65 or older to qualify for SCO. However, for adults aged 21-64 with disabilities, the One Care program provides the same services as SCO to help those living at home with support services, or in a long-term care facility. Once a One Care member turns 65, they automatically roll over into the SCO program.
Boston Senior Home Care provides SCO and One Care through several health plan partners. To check your eligibility, sign up, and find a provider, contact our information and referral service by calling 617-292-6211, or by submitting an online referral through the button below.