Programs

The Area Agency on Aging administers Titles III, IV, V and VII under the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended; Titles XVIII and XIX programs, entrusted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid; and three state funded programs to benefit older adults, persons with disabilities and caregivers.  A brief description of these programs is presented below:

Older Americans Act Programs (OAA)

Older Americans Act Programs provide access to information about available opportunities and services, identification of potential clients, a way of getting from one place to another, nutritious meals, legal assistance, employment training, volunteer opportunities, third party advocacy, support to caregivers, recreation, disease prevention and health promotion activities, and calls to provide comfort or help.   Examples of OAA programs include:  Information and Assistance, Outreach, Transportation, Homemaker, Congregate Nutrition Services, Home-Delivered Nutrition Services, Legal Assistance, Recreation, Telephone Reassurance, Ombudsman, Family Caregiver Support (Alabama Cares), and Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

For the most part, individuals must be 60 years of age or older to be eligible for these programs, however other criteria also apply for certain programs.

Medicare and Medicaid Programs

Medicare and Medicaid Programs provide free health insurance information, counseling and assistance; and home and community-based services.  Samples of these programs are: State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) and our Elderly and Disabled Medicaid Waiver Program.    Individuals 60+ and individuals eligible for Medicare benefits regardless of age are eligible for SHIP services.  A Medicaid recipient that is disabled and qualifies for nursing home placement is eligible for E & D Medicaid Waiver Services.

State Grant Programs

State Grant Programs makes available assistance to eligible persons in applying for free and low-cost medications; information and assistance regarding long-term care options; and third-party representation and complaint resolution.  Models of these programs are: SenioRx:  Partnership for Medication Access, Aging and Disability Resource Center, and our Medicaid Ombudsman Program. Individuals of any age with no prescription drug coverage and meeting certain income requirements are eligible for the SenioRx program.  Generally, individuals who are 60 years of age or older, individuals with disabilities, and residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities are eligible for these grant programs. For more information, contact the Area Agency on Aging for assistance at 334-244-6903 or 800-243-5463.