Real Savings for Better Living: 5 Health and Wellness Programs for Seniors

It’s a good thing several initiatives are aimed at providing free or affordable healthcare and wellness solutions. These programs ensure you get the care and physical activities you need without spending too much or anything at all.

1. Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)

The Medicare Savings Programs assist low-income individuals, including seniors, in paying their Medicare medical and hospital insurance premiums. If you are eligible, the MSPs could also shoulder your coinsurance, deductibles, and copayments.

There are four programs under the MSPs and these are:

• Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program
• Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program
• Qualifying Individual (QI) Program
• Qualified Disabled & Working Individual (QDWI) Program

You need to contact your state government to apply to these programs and they will determine for which program you qualify.

To learn more about the MSPs, click here.

2. Medicare Extra Help

Extra Help supports hard-up individuals in paying for their Medicare drug coverage premiums. Although some people automatically qualify for this program, others need to apply.

You will automatically get Extra Help if you:

• Have full Medicaid coverage
• Have a Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments
• Have help from a Medicare Savings Programs in paying for your medical insurance premium

If you immediately qualify for Extra Help, you’ll get a letter about your new Medicare drug plan and how much you’ll pay.

You can apply here if you didn’t automatically qualify for Extra Help.

To learn more about Extra Help, click on this link.

3. Prescription Discount Programs

Aside from Extra Help, prescription drug assistance programs run by state governments and pharmaceutical companies allow seniors to get their medications at a lower price.

To find a state program, click here. If you want a pharmaceutical assistance program, find one or more here.

You can also avail of prescription discount cards like GoodRx Gold and WellRx. Although you need to pay for membership or subscription fees to avail of discounts, you can get as much as 90% off your prescription medications.

4. NCOA BenefitsCheckUp®

Have you been looking for assistance programs for which you are eligible? There is a one-stop platform where you can find local, state, and federal benefit programs that offer support for nutrition, health and wellness, and even utilities.

Run by the National Council on Aging, BenefitsCheckUp® is an online service you can use for free. It connects you with resources that can help you save money while you take care of your health and general well-being.

The program is your answer to discovering and availing health services that fit your needs without busting your budget. This way, you won’t have to worry as you age.

5. YMCA SilverSneakers Program

If you plan to stay active even when you’re beyond 65, then there are programs offering free or discounted gym memberships out there for you. One is the YMCA SilverSneakers Program, which you can avail of, at no additional cost, if you have a Medigap or a Medicare Advantage.

Available in around 14,000 locations nationwide, the program allows you access to fitness equipment and amenities like walking tracks, tennis courts, and swimming pools, wherever available. It also offers different exercise classes, including yoga, tai chi, Zumba, boot camp, and water aerobics.

You can check your eligibility for the SilverSneakers Program here. If you qualify, then you can fill out their online form. After completing the form, you will be given a membership ID Card, which you must print out and bring every time you visit a participating location.

To find a SilverSneakers gym near you, go to www.silversneakers.com and click the “Find Fitness Locations” button.

If your health insurance plan doesn’t cover the SilverSneakers program, don’t fret. Many gyms and recreational centers offer special prices for seniors.

Age Well, Live Healthy

You can spend your senior years with fewer worries. All you have to do is reach out and ask for help from health and wellness programs. They are available to take advantage of to have the life you want even when you age.