Older adults sometimes leave billions of dollars in government assistance on the table each year and don’t realize it. It’s money that could help cover utilities, rent, health care, and prescription drugs. Sean Voskuhl, Oklahoma State Director for the AARP, talks about those federally funded programs that go unused every year.

“First, let’s talk about SNAP – the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Almost 60 percent of adults 50 and over who qualify for SNAP aren’t using. Chances are good that if social security is your only form of income, you may qualify for SNAP benefits.” Older adults that often live in multigenerational households will find that SNAP can help stretch the budget for a shared household.”

But that’s not all. Voskuhl said in most states, the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is also available.

“It helps people ages 60 and over to get access to locally-grown fruits and vegetables. There is also a Commodity Supplemental Food Program that provides monthly boxes to low-income people ages 60 and over.”

It’s a well-known fact that healthcare costs are another big expense in retirement, especially prescription medication. Almost one-third of adults 50 and older reported trouble paying for their prescriptions.

“The Medicare Savings Programs could help pay premiums, deductibles, or co-pays for Medicare Part A and Part B. The Medicare Part D Extra Help Program helps people with limited income reduce their Part D, which is prescription drug costs. Even if you don’t think you qualify, it’s important to apply. These benefits often go unused because people don’t think they qualify when they actually do.”

Learn more Wednesday night at 6:30 pm Central Time on RFD TV or online at www.aarp.org/aarplive.