Nine Million Older Adults Are Not Getting Benefits They Are Eligible For

Nationally, only 30-49% of eligible older adults are enrolled in SNAP, SSI, and Medicare Savings Programs View in browser Key takeaways New interactive map shows benefit enrollment rates among older adults at the national, state, and local level. Data indicates that nine million people age 65+ are eligible for but not enrolled in these programs that can help them pay for food, health care, and other daily costs. State participation rates vary from 17% to 82%, and there is wide variation among counties.

ARLINGTON, Va. , Aug. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A new interactive map launched today by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) shows that, nationally, nine million adults age 65 and over with limited incomes are eligible for but not enrolled in programs that can help them afford food, Medicare, and other daily expenses.

Developed with the Urban Institute, the Benefits Participation Map provides national, state, and sub-state level estimates of participation rates for adults 65 and older for three benefits programs: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, monthly support for food), Supplemental Security Income (SSI, monthly cash aid), and Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs, help for Medicare premiums, deductibles, and co-insurance). Key national findings: SNAP: Almost 9 million older adults are eligible for but not enrolled; only 30% of eligible older adults are enrolled SSI: More than 2.3 million older adults are eligible for but not enrolled; 49% are enrolled MSP: Almost 5.

.