NISC BCU Private Label
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A non-profit service and advocacy organization © 2012 National Council on Aging
NISC BCU Private Label and Economic Security
•Who?
Introduction
•What?
Purpose
•Why?
Expectations
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A non-profit service and advocacy organization © 2012 National Council on Aging
Senior Centers Engaged
in Economic Security
Your
organization’s
engagement in
economic
security
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A non-profit service and advocacy organization © 2012 National Council on Aging
The National Institute of Senior Centers
The Work of NISC
Strengthening
Senior Centers
Engaging Senior
Centers in
NCOA’s Mission
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A non-profit service and advocacy organization © 2012 National Council on Aging
A Strategic New Model for NISC
Seven Outcomes-Focused Work Groups
Public Policy and Advocacy
Economic Security
Improving Health
Standards & Accreditation
Best Practices
State Associations
Diversity
Engaging Senior Centers in
NCOA’s Mission
NCOA Strengthening
Senior Centers
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A non-profit service and advocacy organization © 2012 National Council on Aging
Overall Outcome
Improve the economic status of
older adults with programs
offered through senior centers
Short-term Outcomes
Connect senior centers with:
Information about economic security and benefits programs
Tools to implement programs
Professionals with expertise
Economic Security Work Group
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A non-profit service and advocacy organization © 2012 National Council on Aging
The Senior Disconnect
Key Findings:
• “Financial benefits” - #1 reason for calling
Eldercare Locator
• Lost benefits of $1.2 billion for BCU users
• 71% of BCU users losing out on one or more
benefits
WHY?
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A non-profit service and advocacy organization © 2012 National Council on Aging
NISC BCU Private Label
www.benefitscheckup.org/nisc BenefitsCheckUp helps seniors find and enroll in public
and private benefits programs, including:
– Medicare Extra Help
– Patient Assistance Programs, state Medicaid, MSP and
SPAPS
– SNAP/Food Stamps program
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A non-profit service and advocacy organization © 2012 National Council on Aging
Organizational Benefit
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A non-profit service and advocacy organization © 2012 National Council on Aging
Timeline
• Spring 2013
– Pilot Phase to test NISC Private Label
• Summer 2013
– Surveyed pilot sites and studied results
– Designed toolkit for training and implementation
• October 2013 Launch
– BCU Workshop at “Senior Centers 2013” Conference
– Webinar – 10/17/13 at 2:00 p.m. ET
– Toolkit finalized
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A non-profit service and advocacy organization © 2012 National Council on Aging
Pilot Sites
• Austin, Texas
• Clinton, Massachusetts
• Groton, Connecticut
• Harlingen, Texas
• San Antonio, Texas
• Wilmington, Delaware
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A non-profit service and advocacy organization © 2012 National Council on Aging
Pilot Study Outcomes
Identified potential
new benefits
Applied for new
benefits programs
Enrolled in new
benefits programs
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A non-profit service and advocacy organization © 2012 National Council on Aging
Pilot Recommendation
100%
recommend
using BCU
with
appropriate
training for
staff and
volunteers
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A non-profit service and advocacy organization © 2012 National Council on Aging
Challenges
• Inadequate
documentation
• Concern about
Internet: identity theft
and confidentiality
• Inadequate training
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A non-profit service and advocacy organization © 2012 National Council on Aging
Training Toolkit
• Understanding the Need
• Understanding the Benefits
• Understanding Benefits CheckUp
• Understanding Seniors and the Internet
• Understanding Outreach
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A non-profit service and advocacy organization © 2012 National Council on Aging
Training Toolkit
• BCU website and
online resources
• You Gave, Now Save
Issue Brief and Guide
• Webinars:
• Benefits 101
• Turning 65
• BCU Documentation
Checklist and Reports
• Practice sessions
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A non-profit service and advocacy organization © 2012 National Council on Aging
Lessons Learned:
Benefits Enrollment Centers and Pilot
Develop reminder
and follow-up
procedures
Provide assurances
about Internet
Take your time
Rephrase questions
Be precise as
possible
Listen to the stories
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A non-profit service and advocacy organization © 2012 National Council on Aging
Lessons Learned
Practice, Practice, Practice
Learn how to find answers on BCU
Understand implications of the questions
Recognize that although BCU may indicate
eligibility more investigation may prove otherwise
Understand key benefits rules & procedures
Consider “active listening”
skills training
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A non-profit service and advocacy organization © 2012 National Council on Aging
Outreach
• Local Senior Center
• Benefits Enrollment “Road Show” with Key
Community Partners (toolkit available)
• Community Presentations
• Out-stationing
• http://www.ncoa.org/enhance-economic-security/center-for-benefits/promising-practices/outreach-education/
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A non-profit service and advocacy organization © 2012 National Council on Aging
Next Steps
and you – tell us your story!
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A non-profit service and advocacy organization © 2012 National Council on Aging
Contact Information
Sue Getman, Executive Director [email protected] 302-651-3460