Benefit Access Services

AgeGuide Benefit Access Services

At AgeGuide, it is our mission to be a vital resource and advocate for people as they age by providing thoughtful guidance, supportive services, and meaningful connections. Gaining access to the benefits that you need takes a lot of time and effort, but AgeGuide can help navigate you through these essential programs.

Medicaid Continuous Enrollment Ending

Starting May 1st, Illinois residents enrolled in Medicaid will be required to recertify your eligibility for Medicaid benefits. The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) will send recertification letters to Medicaid beneficiaries over the next 12 months to complete this process. You may not receive a letter in the month of May but it’s important to update your information with HFS to ensure you receive the necessary information when it is your turn.

Here’s what you can do now:

Update your address with HFS
Look up your renewal date on abe.illinois.gov or by calling (800) 843-6154
Complete and mail in your recertification as soon as possible
Or get help to complete your recertification

For help with your Medicaid renewal, call your local SHIP site or HFS at (800) 843-6154.

Contact your local Senior Health Insurance Program site to apply!

Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)

The Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides local, in-depth, and objective insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers. Medicare is very complicated, and it can be expensive when you’re starting out and learning how Medicare works. Whether you are new to Medicare or you’re helping your loved ones manage their health coverage, SHIP counselors can help you navigate the many parts of Medicare and the benefits that can help save on your healthcare costs. AgeGuide and its partner agencies have SHIP counselors ready to answer your questions.

Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults & Seniors

A new medical program is now available that offers coverage for doctor and hospital care, dental and vision services, prescription drugs, and more with $0 premiums and $0 co-pays.

You may be eligible if you meet all 4 requirements:

You are 55 years or older
You are an Illinois resident
You are one of the following:
- A legal permanent resident for less than 5 years or
- An undocumented immigrant (including in a Temporary Protected Status)
You meet income and asset limits (different requirements according to your age)

Contact your local Senior Health Insurance Program site to apply!

Illinois Department on Aging – Benefit Access Program

The Benefit Access Program (previously known as Circuit Breaker) offers a discount on your Secretary of State license plate sticker and the Free Transit Ride program. If you are over the age of 65 or under 65 and qualify as disabled and you meet an income limit, you may qualify for this cost saving benefit. The online-only application can be found on the Illinois Department on Aging website here or you can contact AgeGuide for assistance with the application.

Senior Medicare Patrol

Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) educates Medicare beneficiaries how to protect their Medicare numbers, review Medicare statements to spot false charges, detect errors, and report suspected fraud. Volunteers and Staff receive extensive training on Medicare and the Senior Medicare Patrol program and work with the SMP Coordinator in their region to promote the educate Senior Centers, Senior Housing buildings and Senior Fairs in their communities.

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a community service and work-based job training program for adults 55 and older. The program provides training for low-income, unemployed seniors. Eligible participants also have access to employment assistance through American Job Centers. Participants work an average of 20 hours a week, and are paid minimum wage, this program can be used as a supplement to Social Security income or as an opportunity for socialization. Participants gain work experience in a variety of community service activities at non-profit and public facilities, including schools, hospitals, day-care centers, and senior centers. Participants are connected to a career coach in their area who would assist them with finding a placement.