# Seniors for Better Care ## Table of Contents - About This Site - Key Questions - Resource Index ## About This Site This guide helps you find reliable services, support, and advocacy groups for seniors. Each section includes simple summaries and links to useful websites. ***The creators of this site are not affiliated with any of the organizations or services linked or discussed here.*** ## Key Questions #### Is Medicare or Medicaid under threat? **Yes — especially Medicaid.** In May 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a budget bill that proposes **major cuts to Medicaid funding**, including new **eligibility restrictions** like mandatory work requirements for many adults. If this becomes law, it could result in **millions of people losing their coverage**, especially those who rely on Medicaid for long-term care, home health services, or nursing home support. **Medicare is not being directly cut**, but the bill includes **smaller changes** to how doctors are paid. These changes could make it harder for seniors to find providers who accept Medicare if the system becomes harder for them to work with. #### Will potential changes apply to me? They might — depending on your age, income, health, and whether you're receiving Medicaid or Medicare. You may be affected if any of the following apply: - You're under 65 and qualify for Medicaid based on disability or low income. - You rely on Medicaid for long-term care or home services. - You live in a state that chooses to enforce new federal work requirements. - You're a Medicare beneficiary whose doctor may stop accepting Medicare due to payment policy changes. **Even if you're not directly affected now, future changes could shift who qualifies or what services are covered.** #### Can I count on these services to continue? **Not without action.** These programs are essential for many, but they are **not guaranteed**. They depend on public funding, which is subject to the whims of government. Right now, **Medicaid is at serious risk**, and **Medicare could see future cutbacks** or service limitations. That's why it's important to **stay informed and get involved**. Visit the [[Advocacy]] page to learn how you can help protect these vital programs — including contacting your representatives or joining a group that fights for senior rights. #### What do I do if I lose access to Medicare or Medicaid? If you or someone you know loses access to these programs, here are steps you can take: 1. **Call your local SHIP counselor** Visit [SHIP Help](https://www.shiphelp.org/) to find free, local advice on insurance and benefits. 2. **Check with the Eldercare Locator** The [Eldercare Locator](https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx) helps you find trusted support services in your area. 3. **Reach out to advocacy and legal aid groups** Groups like the [Medicare Rights Center](https://www.medicarerights.org/), [Justice in Aging](https://justiceinaging.org/), and the [Center for Medicare Advocacy](https://medicareadvocacy.org/) can help you fight wrongful denials, appeal decisions, or find alternative support. 4. **Talk to your doctor or clinic** Some clinics offer sliding-scale fees or free care based on your income. ## Resource Index #### The Tags Each organization linked on this site has been indexed according to the following tags. Many sites overlap into multiple categories- this is by design, to let you find whatever you may need. **Senior Care** — Resources, services, or organizations focused on the daily needs, well-being, and quality of life of older adults—includes local services, senior centers, and caregiving support. [→ See all Senior Care pages](Senior%20Care.md) **Healthcare** — Information and advocacy related to medical care, insurance (like Medicare or Medicaid), prescription access, and public health policies affecting seniors. [→ See all Healthcare pages](./Healthcare.md) **Advocacy** — Organizations and campaigns actively working to influence public policy, raise awareness, and support the rights and dignity of seniors. [→ See all Advocacy pages](./Advocacy.md) **Policy** — Focused on legislation, government programs, and structural reforms—especially those that affect Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and elder rights. [→ See all Policy pages](./Policy.md) **Resources** — Practical tools, directories, help lines, and programs that assist seniors with navigating services, understanding benefits, or finding support. [→ See all Resources pages](./Resources.md) **Equity** — Emphasizes justice and fair treatment, particularly for marginalized or underserved groups such as LGBTQ+ seniors, low-income elders, or older women. [→ See all Equity pages](./Equity.md) ### All Websites | Website Name | Link | Tags | |--------------|------|------| | NYC Office of Older Adults | [https://www.nyc.gov/site/dfta/services/find-help.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/dfta/services/find-help.page) | Senior Care, Resources, Equity | | Physicians for a National Health Program | [https://pnhp.org/](https://pnhp.org/) | Healthcare, Advocacy, Policy | | Center for Popular Democracy | [https://populardemocracy.org](https://populardemocracy.org) | Advocacy, Policy, Equity | | Be A Hero | [https://beaherofund.com/](https://beaherofund.com/) | Advocacy, Policy, Healthcare | | Medicare for All | [https://medicare4all.org/](https://medicare4all.org/) | Healthcare, Policy, Advocacy | | Social Security Works | [https://socialsecurityworks.org/](https://socialsecurityworks.org/) | Policy, Advocacy, Resources | | Medicare Rights Center | [https://www.medicarerights.org/](https://www.medicarerights.org/) | Healthcare, Resources, Policy | | Center for Medicare Advocacy | [https://medicareadvocacy.org/](https://medicareadvocacy.org/) | Advocacy, Healthcare, Policy | | Justice in Aging | [https://justiceinaging.org/about/](https://justiceinaging.org/about/) | Equity, Advocacy, Policy | | National Partnership | [https://nationalpartnership.org/news_post/analysis-shows-trumps-plans-to-slash-medicaid-will-harm-older-women-and-the-economy/](https://nationalpartnership.org/news_post/analysis-shows-trumps-plans-to-slash-medicaid-will-harm-older-women-and-the-economy/) | Policy, Advocacy, Equity | | Eldercare Locator | [https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx](https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx) | Resources, Senior Care, Healthcare | | Senior Centers by State | [https://seniorcenters.com/](https://seniorcenters.com/) | Senior Care, Resources | | SHIP | [https://www.shiphelp.org/](https://www.shiphelp.org/) | Healthcare, Resources, Senior Care | | LGBT Aging Center | [https://lgbtagingcenter.org/state-organizations/](https://lgbtagingcenter.org/state-organizations/) | Equity, Senior Care, Advocacy | | Senior Medicare Patrols | [https://smpresource.org/](https://smpresource.org/) | Healthcare, Resources, Policy |