According to the most recent cost-of-care statistics from 2021, seniors and their families face increasing financial challenges when it comes to senior care costs and medical bills. For example, in Olympia, the average fees for assisted living recently soared past $5,000 a month. This does not include hospital bills, the cost of medications, and more. Don't let medical costs prevent your senior loved one from experiencing a high quality of life. There are a variety of local, state, and federal assistance programs for seniors that can help in paying medical bills.
State of Washington's Charity Care for Low-Income Seniors
The state of Washington offers a number of low-income assistance programs for seniors, including the newly passed charity care law. Washington's charity care provides free or discounted healthcare services to those who meet an income threshold within 300 percent of the federal poverty level. This includes half-price and sometimes even full coverage on hospital charges, doctor's office visits, medications, X-rays, and more. You can apply for charity care for your senior loved one at any time, even if it's a previously paid bill or a hospital bill that's been sent to collections.
Washington Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) Referral Program
The state of Washington's Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) Referral Program offers financial assistance to seniors and their families who meet certain income and disability requirements. This program helps to pay for everyday essential needs. This can include rent or utilities, transportation costs, home repairs, food shopping trips, personal health items, and much more. This can also help indirectly or directly reduce medical bills and overall costs of care.
Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) Cash Assistance Program
The Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) Cash Assistance Program in Washington helps cover monthly bills and other essential costs related to food and housing. If a senior age 65 and older is unable to work for health reasons and relies on Social Security payments, the ABD program may be able to help them with their medical costs.
Apple Health for Workers with Disabilities (HWD) Program
The Apple Health for Workers with Disabilities (HWD) Program is a comprehensive health coverage program. If your senior loved one is still working and has a disability, and can't afford private insurance, this state-backed insurance plan's income-adjusted monthly premiums can alleviate the financial burden of paying expensive medical bills.
Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Trust Act
The Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Trust Act offers seniors access to long-term care services while also providing financial assistance. This fund helps provide home and community-based support services, such as adult day health, assisted transportation, respite care, and more. It was recently created in 2019 and offers up to $100 a day for services like in-home care, meal deliveries, dementia care, and even home remodels to help seniors age in place.
Medicare and Medicaid
For those who already have Medicare or Medicaid, these can help seniors and their families pay for healthcare costs. It is important to review your Medicare coverage as it may not cover all medical expenses that you are facing.
Hospital-Specific Financial Assistance
Washington's hospitals often have their own financial assistance programs designed to help senior families manage medical bills. Contact the hospital's billing department for more information on extended payment plans as well as other types of financial assistance.
City of Olympia's Utility Assistance Programs
Olympia's Utility Assistance Programs can help manage important living costs such as water, sewer, power, internet, and phone bills. This assistance program also provides housing rehabilitation for qualified seniors.
Get Connected to Resources Through the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration
Washington's Aging and Long-Term Support Administration is an essential resource for seniors. This organization connects low-income seniors to resources such as housing support programs, legal assistance programs, protective services, etc.
For example, the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) helps seniors and their families find additional care and services. Additionally, Senior Information & Assistance offers free referral services, such as helping seniors pay for long-term medical care and figure out their prescription drug payment options.
Senior Helpers of Olympia Offers Personalized In-Home Care
Senior Helpers of Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater's in-home care offers personalized services tailored to your loved one's specific needs. We can help live the life you want with the support of our licensed and trained professional caregivers who specialize in a variety of areas. We can also work with you to find care that meets your needs and your financial status.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help seniors throughout Olympia, Lacey, Shelton, Centralia, and Thurston County, WA.