SNAP Directors’ Conference September 23, 2013. Medical Expense Deduction: A View from the Field By: Leslie Fried Director, National Center for Benefits Outreach & Enrollment. National Council on Aging (NCOA). NCOA is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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NCOA is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization.Our mission is to improve the lives of millions of older adults, especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged.
NCOA is a national voice for older Americans—especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged—and the community organizations that serve them.
NCOA brings together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults.
NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities.
BenefitsCheckUp® is a free, easy-to-use, confidential online service that screens individuals for thousands of public and private benefits and helps them take the steps to enroll.
A BenefitsCheckUp® screening can help identify hundreds or even thousands of dollars in potential benefits for older adults in need and often leads to a senior receiving a hot meal, saving on their medicine, or being able to pay rent.
Key barriers:• The $16 Myth: Many believe they are only eligible for the
minimum benefit of $16/month, although the national average is $122/month
• Application process considered “not worth it”• Others are more in need
The medical expense deduction helps overcome these barriers• Increases benefit amount, often dramatically• Although deductions may require paperwork, the increased
Seniors are missing out on medical deductions About 14% of seniors take the medical deduction,
but 55% of SNAP-eligible seniors would qualify Deductions increase SNAP benefit amount by
reducing net income Even seniors with the Part D Low Income Subsidy
(LIS) and Medicare Savings Programs have unreimbursed out-of-pocket costs in excess of $35 that would be eligible, including:• Medical and dental care, prescription drugs, health policy
premiums• Costs of dentures, hearing aids, prosthetics• Vet bills, food, and other costs associated with owning a
service dog• Eye glasses prescribed by an optometrist or specialist• Transportation and lodging costs incurred to obtain medical
treatment, including mileage (calculated at federal rate = 55.5¢/mile in FY ’12)
• Attendant, home health aide, homemaker, or child care services
Quote is from a local DSS worker trying to do more with less
With increasing caseloads, reduced staff and state fiscal woes, case workers are extremely busy• Not as much time for robust interviews• Often take what clients present and move
on to process application• May not have the time to provide as much