AARP campaigns to make needy elders aware of SNAP benefits

PRIME – April 2014 By Linda F. Fitzgerald AARP State President New England's long and harsh winters can be a challenging time for elders – especially those relying on low-incomes. Seniors on fixed incomes often have to make difficult choices between heating their homes, paying for essential medications, or putting food on their table. However, many are not aware of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Medical Expense Deduction for Older Adults. The biggest challenge is spreading awareness of the program and ensuring that eligible seniors and those with disabilities are taking advantage of the assistance. What is SNAP? The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP (formerly known as food stamps), is a federal program administered at the state level by the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). It is an important resource for families and individuals to obtain healthy and affordable foods. However across the country, older adult participation in the SNAP program represent the lowest rate among all demographic groups, with only a 34 percent participation rate among those eligible. In Massachusetts, 63 percent of residents 60 years of age and older who are eligible for SNAP have not signed up. That percentage translates to nearly 119,000 seniors who unnecessarily risk going hungry every day because they do not know they are eligible for SNAP, or how to apply for the benefits. AARP is committed to addressing this problem by actively supporting a SNAP outreach effort that includes understanding the benefits and eligibility requirements of the program, and utilizing the medical expenses deduction for older adults to maximize their benefits. The medical expense deduction Elders who are 60 years of age and older or those who are receiving disability insurance at any age – and are applying for food assistance through SNAP – may qualify for increased benefits by deducting medical expenses from their income. Monthly medical expenses of more than $35 can be deducted, as long as they are not covered by insurance. As of March 1, 2014, the standard medical deduction was increased to $155 per month. That means elders or disabled household members verifying at least $35 per month in unreimbursed medical expenses will get a $155 deduction. SNAP recipients with more than $190 in medical expenses ($35 plus $155) can claim actual expenses. What actually counts as a medical expense?* The following items are the everyday out-of-pocket costs that are considered medical expenses under the SNAP benefit: Health insurance premiums and co-pays, plus the cost of acupuncture, herbal treatments, health care supplies and equipment, and home health aides. The cost of "medicine chest" items including over-the-counter drugs, eyeglasses, contacts, lens solutions, hearing aids, batteries, dental care, and dentures that are prescribed or recommended by a licensed health care practitioner. The costs of public or private car transportation to health care appointments and services, and pharmacies. Any medical bills – paid or outstanding – that are not covered by insurance or another third-party reimbursement plan. AARP is working to get the word out about maximizing SNAP benefits through services such as Americorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America). For more information, please contact AARP Massachusetts VISTA SNAP Specialist Sasha Goldberg, at 1-866-448-3621 or email her at maaarp@aarp.org. For more information on SNAP benefits and how to apply, visit the website for AARP Massachusetts at www.aarp.org/ma. Linda F. Fitzgerald is the volunteer state president of AARP Massachusetts, which serves more than 800,000 members age 50 and older in the Bay State. Connect with AARP Massachusetts online at www.aarp.org/ma ; www.facebook.com/AARPMA and www.twitter.com/AARPMA . * Information from MassLegal Services, available online at www.masslegalservices.org/snap-medical