"One Away" is an innovative national advocacy campaign that uses video to capture the voices of older adults who are struggling across the country. "One Away" is based upon the premise that seniors are especially vulnerable during the current economic downturn. One lost paycheck, one medical event or accident could leave anyone in financial crisis.
Watch the "One Away" story of Jackie Elliott of Henderson, Kentucky. Jackie is a remarkable
woman who earned a Kentucky Colonel designation for her efforts to protect elderly clients.
A sudden personal health crisis left her vulnerable and in a nursing facility. Today, like many
older adults she needs help to remain in her home.
______________________________________________________________________________________
DID YOU KNOW?
► 1 out of 3 seniors in the United States is economically insecure (living under twice the federal poverty line)
► Low-income elders now pay 25% of their incomes for health care out of pocket, despite having Medicare
► 40% of seniors struggle to pay their mortgages or live in dilapidated housing
► Nearly 6 million older Americans are at risk of going hungry
► The average credit-card debt for seniors is $10,000
► The unemployment rate for older workers is 25 - 30%
______________________________________________________________________________________
GRADD wants to help give people a voice to tell their story. We know citizens in our region are struggling. Talk to us and share your situation. We want to make elected officials aware of the stories here in our community.
>> Join us on Facebook, Twitter or email us.
Here are some of the stories we're hearing:
● John is a man who was out clearing tree limbs in the 2009 ice storm and fell. He has nerve damage and now is completely paralyzed.
● Ms. N Lost her husband in November. She also lost his income. The house is paid for, but she wonders if she can maintain it. Her income is just over $700 a month. She’s checked into renting, but it will take most of her income.
● A Purple Heart Veteran who is living on limited means. An accident has left him needing dental work. He has very little money to buy groceries and no insurance coverage.
But there is help available! Here are some success stories we’ve heard:
● A Veteran in Henderson, KY became disabled. GRADD’s Benefit Outreach and Enrollment Center helped connect with the Veteran’s Administration (V.A.) Home Care program for disabled veterans. The family home was also entitled to a property tax exemption, but the couple was not receiving it. The V.A. sent a retroactive check for $12,000 and now the family received $1400 a month for life. The combined benefits are valued at over $16,000 a year.
● GRADD’s State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) helped a woman who was diagnosed with cancer. She learned she needed an injection weekly at a cost of $1,500. She had no coverage and limited income and could not pay for her needed treatment. GRADD’s SHIP connected the lady with a Medicare Savings Program, and now the injection costs $6.30 per week.
● GRADD’s National Benefits Outreach and Enrollment Center helped a disabled woman who was in the 2 year waiting period to receive Medicare coverage. She had no insurance coverage and needed regular monthly medication costing over $600 per month. The lady received assistance in enrolling in pharmaceutical assistance programs to help her receive her needed prescriptions at no cost.
*names changed to protect client confidentiality