The Health Care Access Program helps seniors with Medicare issues and will assess whether seniors are eligible for additional health benefits.

If you are turning 65, our staff can help you sign up for Medicare, explain how Medicare works, help you choose a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D), and give you information about private health plans that supplement Medicare.

If you are lower income, you may qualify for additional coverage, which will help you pay for some of your medical expenses. We will assist you in applying for these programs. These savings programs include:

• MassHealth: acts as secondary coverage with Medicare. MassHealth pays the balance of most medical bills that Medicare doesn’t cover.
• Medicare Savings Program, previously known as Buy-in, can pay for the Medicare Parts A and B premium, which is currently $202.90/month.
• Health Safety Net (HSN): acts as secondary coverage with Medicare and can be used in acute hospitals and community health centers to cover medical services for low-income patients.  In addition, routine, preventive dental care is free at hospitals and Community Health Centers, such as at Island Health Care Dental Center and Community Health Center of Cape Cod.
• MassHealth for Long Term Care: Elders who need care at home or in a nursing home can explore their options and see if they qualify for MassHealth to pay for these services.
• Extra Help for Medicare Prescription Drug Plan: Seniors may be able to get their prescription plan for free and/or with reduced premiums, copays and deductibles.
• Prescription Advantage is a secondary prescription coverage that works with a primary prescription drug plan such as a Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage, or creditable coverage plan to lower prescription drug costs. 
• In late winter each year, Health Care Access sponsors free dental cleanings over two weeks at several local locations. Prior registration is required. You can view the schedule and download a registration form by visiting http://www.polishedteeth.com/.