Aging Network

Silver Tips

Senior web surfers can find

information on the Internet

Silver Tips is written by the Senior Citizens’ Law Office in Albuquerque.

As a lot of seniors have already discovered, you don't have to have a degree in computer science to find useful information on the Internet.

Some of the especially informative ones include these: Benefits Checkup (www.benefitscheckup.org) was created by the National Council on the Aging to offer a free service that identifies federal and state assistance programs for older Americans. It can be used by seniors or friends and family and friends looking for support for their aging loved ones.

A confidential survey that takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete has you enter information such as your income and whether you are a veteran. With this information, Benefits CheckUp explains what benefit programs you may be eligible for and how to apply for them locally.

If you're looking for help paying for your prescription drugs, go to Rx Assist (www.rxassist.org), a site that gives health care providers information on accessing more than 100 pharmaceutical manufacturers' patient assistance programs. These programs usually offer a limited supply of free prescription medication to eligible patients.

Medicare.gov (www.medicare.gov) provides comprehensive information on the basics of Medicare qualifications and coverage, how to prevent Medicare waste and abuse and how to comparison shop for nursing homes. You now can even order a new Medicare card over the Internet.

If you're fascinated by public policy debate, the Kaiser Family Foundation site (www.kff.org) offers in-depth analyses of such issues as the President's and Congress' budget plans for health spending, findings on options for Medicare reform, including the addition of a prescription drug benefit and consumer experiences with health plans.

Another site, Living to 100, can tell you how long you'll likely live. The site bases its calculation on research completed by the Harvard Medical School's New England Centenarian Study. Turns out that not charbroiling your burgers and drinking a glass of wine a day is good for you. Learn more at www.livingto100.com.

If you or someone you love is facing the end of life, Growth House provides resources for life-threatening illness and end of life care, including information on everything from estate planning to palliative care. Go to www.growthhouse.org.