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Some Simple Steps Can Cut Costs on Medicines and More

March 14, 2005

March 14, 2005

Benefits Check Up, a new program from the National Council on the Aging, offers seniors in need a quick and efficient means for finding state and national programs that may help to cut costs for life-saving drugs and more. The program may be especially helpful for the millions of homes across America touched by Alzheimer’s disease, an illness that can drain financial resources because of the high costs of medications, care, and management.

Government experts estimate that some 60 percent of seniors who qualify for federal and state programs that may offer financial assistance for such things as buying life-enhancing medications or heating and cooling the home are not enrolled in a program that can offer aid. Those who care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or anyone in financial hardship can now find out quickly and easily if they qualify for assistance at the Benefits CheckUp Web site.

BenefitsCheckUp helps thousands every day to find programs for people ages 55 and over that may pay for some of their costs for prescription drugs, health care, utilities, and other essential items or services. At the site, you can fill out one of several anonymous questionnaires to find programs that can assist you or your loved ones. The program is free and takes just a few minutes to explore.

If a parent, spouse, or other loved one in your family is suffering from Azlehiemer’s disease, for example, the Benefits CheckUpRx survey can help you to find the best combination of programs to lower the cost of your medicines. The survey typically takes just 5 to 10 minutes to complete. Another survey, the Benefits CheckUp, takes around 10 or 15 minutes and can help you to find help with your rent, property taxes, heating bills, meals and much more. To select and enroll in the best Medicare-approved drug discount card for you, complete the Medicare Card Finder survey, which can be completed in 5 minutes or less.

The Benefits CheckUp program is one of a growing number of computer-based services that can make life easier for seniors in need coping with Alzheimer’s and other hardships of aging. It complements pioneering work such as that of the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation’s www.ALZinfo.org, a leader in providing information and resources to those afflicted by Alzheimer’s disease.

At www.ALZinfo.org, the Alzheimer’s Information Site, you can find doctors and other services in your home town, all at the click of a mouse. You can also quickly and easily find Alzheimer’s websites or list your organization.

By www.ALZinfo.org, The Alzheimer’s Information Site. Reviewed by William J. Netzer, Ph.D., Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation at The Rockefeller University.

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