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SHINE - Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders: This program provides free health insurance information, assistance, and counseling to Medicare beneficiaries of all ages and their caregivers. The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs supports the SHINE program in partnership with elder service agencies and Councils on Aging. SHINE counselors help elders and all Medicare beneficiaries understand their rights and benefits under Medicare and their other health insurance coverage. Counselors also review present coverage, provide written benefits comparisons, prevent consumers from buying unnecessary or duplicate coverage, and help prepare health benefit claim forms, appeals, and applications. All information is kept strictly confidential. If you have questions concerning health insurance, Medicare, (including the new Medicare D), Prescription Advantage (the state funded drug assistance program), Medigap, or Medicaid call the Council on Aging Office and make an appointment. |
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Legal Assistance. Massachusetts elders are entitled to free legal services from the Merrimack Valley Legal Services, Inc. office in matters involving tenants’ rights, family law, consumer law (bankruptcies), Social Security benefits, guardianship, health insurance appeals, and some other areas. M.V.L.S. does not deal with wills, estate planning, property issues, or criminal matters. Call the C.O.A. Office or M.V.L.S. at 1.978.687.1177.
Free Tax Preparation. A.A.R.P. trained volunteers assist elders with federal and state income tax returns and have up to date information on exemptions, deferrals, and the state funded Circuit Breaker Tax Credit. Appointments are made at the C.O.A. Office between February and April.
Fuel Assistance. Community Action in Haverhill serves low income residents of Newbury by paying a portion of the cost of home heating (oil, gas, or electric; partial rental payments may also be covered if heat is included in the rent). Applications are accepted in November and are available at the C.O.A. Office or directly from C.A. 1.978.373.1971. In addition, many local fuel suppliers will work out payment plans (some with discounts) with their elder customers.
Utility Discounts. National Grid (the electric company) automatically accepts Fuel Assistance eligibility (and several additional means-based public benefit programs such as S.S.I., MassHealth, Food Stamps) for their Discount Rate. Lifeline provides a similar discount on the telephone. Contact numbers are available on the monthly bills or call the C.O.A. Office for assistance.
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