March 2026 Newsletter

There’s a “u” in the word “solution,” and that’s the focus of Aging Answers…finding solutions for the many unique challenges confronting older adults, their caregivers, and individuals with disabilities. Here’s just another one of the countless examples of comfort, confidence, and cost savings that Service Navigators bring to Area Agency on Aging clients:

There was desperation and a sound of defeat in the man’s voice as he left a message at an Area Agency on Aging. He was 80 years old with no source of income. He had a job but became disabled and was no longer able to work. He was unable to afford the co-pay for his medications, food, and other essentials. His wife has cancer, and he was overwhelmed trying to care for her needs and himself. He ended with “So, if you can help me out, I’d really appreciate it.”

The Service Navigator wasted no time in returning the call and setting up a meeting. After hearing the details, the good news was delivered: “We can help you.”

The couple’s combined income qualified them for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP). They also needed assistance with paying for food, so during their first meeting with the Service Navigator at their home, they received assistance applying for MSP and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The Service Navigator returned for a second “house call” to learn about the husband’s current Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan, a type of all-in-one, “Part C” plan offered by private insurers that bundles Medicare Part A (hospital), Part B (medical), and Part D (prescription) coverage into a single policy. During that visit, the Service Navigator educated the client on other insurance options for which he qualified, including:

Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs), a type of Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan designed for individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. These plans provide coordinated care, often with $0 premiums and low out-of-pocket costs, along with extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and monthly OTC/food allowances. In this case, ALL of the client’s medications were covered at $0, compared to the copays that he had under the other plan, which were $100 a month.

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), is a state-run Medicare Savings Program that helps low-income beneficiaries pay for Medicare premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.

In two meetings, the Service Navigator offered expertise and guidance in navigating the system that resulted in saving the client $389 per month, plus additional savings on co-pays for medical appointments!

“So, if you can help me out, I’d really appreciate it.” Aging Answers replies, “No problem.”

There’s a solution waiting just for you at any of Connecticut’s Area Agencies on Aging.