Pine Bluff-Jefferson County Economic Opportunities Commission recently received a Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act grant award, which may help eligible residents with health care costs, according to officials.
The purpose of MIPPA funding is to assist likely eligible Medicare beneficiaries in applying for subsidy programs to help with the costs of Medicare and Medicare Part D deductibles, premiums and copayments.
The funds were made available by the Affordable Care Act in March 2010.
As part of its federally funded grant application, the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) aims to complete at least 1,696 Extra Help and/or Medicare Savings Programs applications and conduct 48 outreach and enrollment events targeting limited income Medicare beneficiaries before Sept. 30.
“With SHIIP, there’s help so families struggling to make ends meet do not have to continue to burden all the cost of Medicare, which can be a huge health and safety concern,” said David Knight, EOC executive director. “When it comes to deciding on food or covering Medical expenses, too often we see patients skip out on vital health care.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Arkansas Insurance Department’s SHIIP report there are more than 21,000 people in the area that could be eligible for assistance with Medicare.
“We plan to reach at least 10 percent of the eligible, which could make a huge difference for our communities,” said Knight. “The less we see drawn out of citizens’ pockets; the more they can spend locally.”
Interested applicants should call EOC’s toll free number at 1-800-277-1313 or visit these EOC offices:
• 817 S. Cherry St., Pine Bluff
• 815 E. Center, Sheridan
• 203 Main St., Rison
• 107 S. Drew, Star City
• 425 S. Main St., Stuttgart