Information and Resources
Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging
Toll Free: 800-244-3032 or 508-852-5539
360 West Boylston Street, West Boylston, MA 01583
Website: http://www.seniorconnection.org/ or send email to CMAAging@SeniorConnection.org
Elder Abuse Hotline
TEL: 800-922-2275 or
Monday - Friday, 8:30 - 5:00, call TEL: 800-286-6640 Protective Services
Executive Office of Elder Affairs
Website: http://www.mass.gov/elders/ Tel: 1-617-727-7750
Senior Health Resource Line
TEL: 800-939-5433
TDD: 508-368-9560
Office of the Attorney General
Website: http://www.mass.gov/ago/
Tel: 1-888-AGELDER (243-5337)
Social Security Online
Offers a variety of online service that allow people to access information and conduct business with the Social Security Administration; for example, Benefit Eligibility Screening, Change of Address, Medicare Card Replacement, Benefit Verification, Replacement Form SSA-1099, Office Locator, Interpreter Services, and Social Security eNews.
Website: https://www.ssa.gov/
Tel: 1-800-772-1213
Caregiver Resources:
Counseling, training, and respite support, among other services, for family caregivers.
Website: https://800ageinfo.com
Tel: 1-800ageinfo (1-800-243-4636)
MASS 211:
Direction to health, human services and emergency resources for all, including families and veterans.
Website: http://mass211.org/
Tel: Dial 211
Health and Insurance Information
Medicare: Health insurance program for people age 65 and older and those individuals with disabilities.
Website: https://www.medicare.gov/
Tel: 1-800-medicare (1-800-633-4227)
Medicare Guide for Nursing Home Care - https://www.medicareplans.com/nursing-home-eligibility-benefits-guide/#w...
Medicare Guide for Beginner's - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-UMhmG3qzp-ovAYAsfX_sxGL82sXY0c-/view
Mass Health (Medicaid): State-managed federal program of income and category-based health insurance.
Website: http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/
Tel: 1-800-841-2900
SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Everyone):
No cost health insurance counseling for eligible Medicare recipients of all ages.
Website: shinema.org
Tel: 1-800-ageinfo (1-800-243-4636, Select 3)
Prescription Advantage:
State program to assist individuals with aspects of Part D coverage
Website: https://800ageinfo.com
Tel: 1-800-ageinfo (1800-243-4636)
MCPHS Outreach Program:
A team of case managers, licensed pharmacists and students, will provide information about how to reduce the cost of medications through state and federal assistance and pharmaceutical programs. They will also provide medication therapy management and help you understand your Medicare prescription drug benefit.
Website: Pharmacy Outreach Program | MCPHS
Tel: 1-866-633-1617
Housing Information:
Housing Authorities: Local agencies responsible for subsidized (income-based) housing in state.
Shelters: Emergency housing for individuals and families.
Website: http://www.mass.gov/hed/economic/
Contact: Local housing authorities and/or local police departments for sources.
Nutrition and Meals:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP program)/ Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT program): Providing assistance to low income individuals and families for nutritional needs.
Website: https://www.mass.gov/snap-benefits-formerly-food-stamps
Tel: 1-877-382-2363
Elderly Nutrition Program: Various programs, including Meals-on-Wheels, are available statewide.
Website: https://800ageinfo.com
Tel: 1-800-ageinfo (1800-243-4636)
Food Pantries: Resources for free food for low income individuals and families
Website: http://www.foodpantries.org/st/massachusetts
Taxes and Legal Assistance:
Tax Assistance: Free tax preparation assistance for all low-moderate income individuals regardless of age.
Tel: 1-888-OURAARP (1-888-687-2277)
Legal Aid: Assists seniors and low income individuals with legal matters.
Website: http://www.masslegalhelp.org/
Healthcare supplies and Medical Equipment:
CHARM Medical: Provides incontinence supplies (depends, pads, bed liners), nutritional products (ensure and boost), urological supplies, compression stockings, and lift chairs. Bills directly to insurances such as medicaid and medicare as well as private insurances.
Tel: 1-877-942-4276
Website: www.charmmedical.com
DME ReQuipment: A reuse program that offers free, refurbished wheelchairs, scooters, shower chairs, and more, to adults, children, and elders living in MA.
Website: www.dmerequipment.org
Discount Programs:
National Grid Low Income Discount Rate: If you qualify for other means tested programs, you will most likely qualify for this program. You can save a percentage off your energy bill if you qualify.
Website: www.nationalgridus.com/Discount-Rate-App-MA
Lifeline: Apply online to receive a free phone through the government which also comes with free data. If you need assistance applying, ask the outreach coordinator.
Website: www.safelinkwireless.com
Affordable Connectivity Plan: This program provides you with a percentage off of your monthly internet bill. Most contracted companies are providing 30% off. In order to qualify, you must either be enrolled in another means tested program (i.e. SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Lifeline) or your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/getinternet/?utm_source=www.getinternet.gov