Senior Planning Services (SPS)
Guidance to Help You Understand Your Benefits and Plan Ahead
Some of life’s challenges don’t fit neatly into a doctor’s visit. Maybe you need help understanding which public assistance programs you are eligible for, applying for a benefit you’ve heard about, or just understanding a letter that came in the mail. That’s where Senior Planning Services (SPS) comes in.
Elderplan/HomeFirst works with SPS, a trusted community partner, to provide you with a person you can talk to about the help you need outside your medical care.
How it works
When you call us, we’ll connect you with an SPS specialist. They will:
- Take time to understand what you’re facing
- Walk you through programs and resources you may qualify for
- Help you make sense of paperwork, applications, or notices
- Explain the application review and approval process
There is no cost to you to use this service.
Programs SPS May Assist With
If eligible and depending on your plan, SPS can assist with the following programs:
| Program | Assistance Type |
|---|---|
| Medicaid | Applying and/or renewing health care coverage for people with limited income and resources |
| Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) | Assistance with paying Medicare Part B premiums and, in some cases, other Medicare costs |
| Extra Help / Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) | Support to lower Medicare prescription drug costs |
| Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) | New York State program that helps older adults pay for prescription drugs |
| Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | Helps cover the cost of food and groceries |
| Lifeline Program | A federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service |
| Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) | Assistance with heating or cooling bills |
| Pooled Income Trust | A pooled trust is a type of supplemental needs trust that allows New Yorkers to qualify for Medicaid without losing the benefit of income above the Medicaid limit. This helps you keep Medicaid and still use your money to pay bills. |
How to get started
Call Elderplan/HomeFirst Member Services and let us know you’d like to be connected to SPS Community Solutions. We’ll take it from there.