Optional State Supplementation
Some low-income seniors in Englewood and throughout Florida may be eligible to receive cash benefits from the state’s Optional State Supplementation program. The OSS is for seniors who receive Supplemental Security Income, and it offers additional financial aid to those who may be unable to afford the cost of room and board in long-term care facilities. OSS benefits are only available to individuals who are legally disabled or aged 65 or older and receiving long-term care. The benefit amount is calculated based on the applicant’s income and living situation. The maximum payout is $78.40 per month.
To be eligible for OSS, seniors must be recipients of the federal Supplemental Security Income benefit, and their income may not exceed $849.40 per month. They also may not own assets valued at more than $2,000 in total.
Seniors who wish to apply for this benefit can contact ACCESS Florida at (866) 762-2237.
Elderlife Bridge Loan
Elderlife Financial Services provides seniors with bridge loans to assist them in paying for long-term care in assisted living and nursing care facilities while they await permanent funding. Funds are paid directly to the senior’s place of residence, and the senior, along with their cosigners, can repay the loan in monthly installments. Elderlife bridge loans are available at low interest rates and flexible terms.
To qualify for an Elderlife loan, seniors should have a good credit history and enough income to make monthly payments on their loan. Those who can’t obtain approval on their own may apply with up to six cosigners, which, in most cases, can increase the likelihood of approval. Seniors can learn more about Elderlife Financial Services or open an application by calling (888) 228-4500.
Long-Term Care Insurance
Some seniors may have a long-term care insurance policy, and those who do can have most of the cost of assisted living covered by their insurance provider. Depending on the policy and provider, there may be a copay or a deductible that the senior must pay out of pocket before their provider reimburses their costs. Eligibility, deductibles, copay amounts and premiums vary depending on the provider and the coverage purchased, but typically, long-term care insurance providers won’t sell policies to those in poor health or already residing in long-term care facilities.