Comprehensive Benefits Site Efficiently Bridges Seniors with Assistance

Internet-savvy senior citizens now have a new resource to make getting healthcare benefits a little easier. A single website, BenefitsCheckUp.org, allows seniors to sign up for multiple benefits assistance programs online. The site showcases tools for locating benefits sources (health care, transportation, financial support, meals, etc.), determines eligibility, and provides vital application information and instructions. The site's services are also free and confidential.

The concept for the BenefitsCheckUp site, which was formulated by the National Council on Aging and some collaborating companies (AOL Time Warner, Lucent Technologies, and New York Life, among others), took several years to make, due to the process of compiling benefits information from all 50 states. But the results prove beneficial to seniors, by making important medical and financial benefits more accessible. The Internet is everywhere, and even seniors without direct access can view their personal benefits data through public connections or with the help of a family member, care provider, or friend.

More Seniors Are Getting Wired Online

Despite the stereotypical view of senior citizens as "out of touch" with technology, more and more mature adults are looking to stay in touch with friends, family, and loved ones via the Internet. The idea to create a comprehensive benefits website is an extension of the stay-in-touch mentality that many seniors rely upon for their social connections.

BenefitsCheckUp makes the process simple: Seniors can log on, answer a survey of questions regarding personal information, and the program will automatically match them with which benefits they are eligible to receive. This will be determined by comparing their results to the corresponding eligibility requirements for their local, state, and federal assistance programs, such as Social Security, food stamps, and Medicare/Medicaid. The program then tells them precisely how they can go about applying- all in one efficient, printable report.

What's Missing? 10 Benefits Many Seniors AREN'T Getting

The National Council on Aging reports that an upwards of three million Americans are eligible for assistance programs, such as food stamps, Medicaid, and other services, that they aren't using. Here is a look at the ten most common programs:

• Health counseling for insurance benefits

• Food stamp programs

• Medicaid/Medicare

• Benefits for pharmaceuticals

• Tax assistance for property for low- and middle-class seniors

• Meal assistance programs

• State health and educational benefits for veterans

• Supplemental income programs

• Veteran's Administration programs offering financial assistance

• Home energy programs offering free or low cost service to seniors

Shopping around for the best rates on health insurance is beneficial and important at any age, and if you're interested in getting a health insurance quote, log on to Insurance.com. Here you will be able to evaluate multiple rates from best-in-class health insurance providers - helping you find the best health insurance coverage.