Information and Assistance

  • Are you looking for assistance with basic needs such as food or utilities?
  • Are you looking for help with the Benefit Access Program (paying for your license plate sticker) or applying for an RTA Ride Free pass?
  • Are you curious about what other assistance or benefits you may qualify for?

If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, we can help.

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Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP)

  • Do you have questions about Medicare, Medicaid, or other insurance?
  • Are you turning 65 or retiring soon?
  • Do you have limited income and would like to know what programs you may be eligible for to lower your health care costs??

If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, we can help.

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If you still have questions or are unsure about your next steps, please click below to contact our Information and Assistance team. We will be happy to get you started!
Our Information and Assistance team is available in the office for free, individual, confidential counseling sessions to educate you or a caregiver about available program options. Our team is certified through the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) as Information and Referral Aging and Disability Resource Specialists. Our team is also trained as insurance counselors and certified through the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) under the Illinois Department on Aging.

AIRS is a nationwide, professional credentialing program for individuals working within the information and referral sector of human services. Our agency also has an organization membership with AIRS.

SHIP is a free, statewide health insurance counseling service that provides certification to its volunteer counselors and is sponsored by the Illinois Department of Aging. If you or a loved one are in need of quality information about federal, state, or local health and benefit programs, look no further.

You Have Questions, We Have Answers

Information and Assistance

You have questions, we have answers

The Information and Assistance Program provides older adults, persons with disabilities, and their caregivers with current information on benefits and services available.

Those who speak with our Information & Referral Specialist will have their needs assessed. Assistance may be provided in-office or as a referral to available services in the area as needed.

These services include, but are not limited to:

  • Benefit Access Program and RTA Ride Free Program
  • Information on utility assistance
  • Weatherization programs
  • Property tax exemptions
  • Free government-sponsored mobile phones
  • Local food programs and pantries
  • Employment information for job seekers
  • Veteran assistance information
  • Transportation information and referral
  • Notary services
  • Housing information
and much more.

You Have Questions, We Have Answers

Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP)

You have questions, we have answers

We know that the process of securing insurance benefits can be confusing. That's why we have trained SHIP counselors here to answer questions you might have about the often bewildering process.

We can assist you in answering questions regarding:

  • Medicare and Medicaid
  • Medicare Supplement Insurance
  • Medicare Advantage Plans (HMOs, PPOs, PFFs)
  • Medicare prescription plans including Extra Help
  • Medicaid Savings Program (QMB, SLMB and Q1)
and much more.

You Have Questions, We Have Answers

Independent Research

You have questions, we have resources

If you would like to find information on available senior service programs independently, Elder Care Services has a resource library available on our public use computer. While you are here check out our brochures and other take-home information.

Online Resource Library

If you can't make it in to the office, there are some useful websites, including: