MEDICARE SAVINGS PROGRAMS

Trained Senior Resource Center specialists can explain how to get help from the state of Illinois in paying your Medicare Part B premiums. In some cases, Medicare Savings Programs may also pay Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance) deductibles, co-insurance, and co-payments, if you meet certain income and asset based criteria.

There are three kinds of Medicare Savings Programs. Why struggle with understanding these programs and wondering whether or not you qualify? Our SRC specialists can assist in clearing up questions that you may have about these programs.

For example, our team of specialists will assess what items are included or excluded in the Medicare Program resource limits. Upon an evaluation of your income and assets, they will help you apply for the program for which you are eligible, helping keep your costs down.

For questions regarding the details concerning Medicare Savings Programs, call the Senior Resource Center at 815-235-9777. 

For more information from Medicare.Gov, visit:

https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/help-paying-costs/medicare-savings-program/medicare-savings-programs.html#collapse-2614.

BENEFIT ACCESS PROGRAM

 Money-Saving Benefits

• Secretary of State License Plate Discount
• Seniors or Persons with Disabilities Ride Free Transit Card

Eligibility

• Age 65 or older by Dec. 31 of the current year, or 16 and older if totally disabled
• A resident of Illinois when you file the application
• Your last year’s Federal tax form with income less than
  • $33,562 for a 1 person household
  • $44,533 for a 2 person household

Expiration

Eligibility is good for two years under the Benefit Access Program. The two-year period starts at the time your application is approved. You may file again, beginning 90 days before your eligibility expires.

An application must be completed on the internet – paper applications are not available.

To file your application online, follow the Benefit Access Application link: https://idoaweb.aging.illinois.gov/baa/Welcome.aspx.

Note: You must be able to upload documents.

Processing time may take up to 8 weeks for a license discount to be available. For more information or to make an appointment, please contact the Senior Resource Center at 815-235-9777. Visit our Contact page for any comments or questions.

SOCIAL SECURITY LOW-INCOME SUBSIDY (LIS) – EXTRA HELP

Some people with limited resources and income may also be able to get extra help to pay for costs, such as monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments, related to a Medicare prescription drug plan. This program is income and asset-based, and a visit to an SRC specialist can help determine if you are eligible. Applications may be filled out online at https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/prescriptionhelp/, or at the Senior Resource Center. Call for an appointment at 815-235-9777.

TAX DEFERRAL PROGRAM

Everyone would like to save money on taxes. Upon meeting eligibility requirements, this Illinois Real Estate Tax Deferral Program will do just that.

A deferral program for your annual real estate taxes is offered by the state of Illinois that allows older adults the opportunity to defer payment of real estate taxes on your primary residence. This tax relief program acts as a loan on your property. Note: It is not a reverse mortgage.

Upon qualification, you may defer part or all of your home’s real estate taxes, while maintaining a minimum 20% equity in your home. You repay when the property is sold, transferred to another owner, or refinanced.

To qualify for this program, the following criteria must be met:

• Be 65 years of age or older by June 1^st of the year that the taxes would be paid.

• Have a household income of $55,000 or less.

• Have owned and occupied your property as your primary residence for the past three years.

• Not have a lien on your property for past due taxes or special assessments.

• Have adequate homeowner’s insurance coverage.

This is a program for older adults who have ample equity in their homes and at the same time would benefit by using funds normally spent on annual real estate taxes.

Applications are accepted annually, January 1 through March 1 of the year taxes are to be paid.

If you are interested in this program or would like to learn more, please contact the Senior Resource Center at 815-235-9777 to speak with one of our specialists.

Link to forms on the assessor website: http://www.co.stephenson.il.us/assessor/forms.asp

SUPPORT GROUPS

CAREGIVER RESOURCES

Our caregiver resource specialists provide valuable assistance to family and friends who are caring for an older adult. Who is a caregiver? Generally, caregivers are adult family members or another individual who provides help with day-to-day activities for someone who is age 60 or older. 

Are you a caregiver? Are you feeling stressed and overwhelmed?  Caregiver burnout is REAL and we can help! 

Click the button below to take a quick and easy caregiver self-assessment questionnaire. The questionnaire uses the results to determine what kind of help the caregiver needs and creates a customized plan to reduce caregiver stress and burnout.  The results from this self-assessment will be sent to our TCARE specialist who will reach out to you for further discussion.

CAREGIVER RESPITE

Respite service provides appropriate temporary care or supervision to persons 60 and over. Our resource specialists are available to locate respite services based on available funding.

Call the Senior Resource Center at 815-235-9777 for more information. Visit our Contact page for any comments or questions.