Additional Resources & Services
In this section:
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
HEALTH INSURANCE
GOVERNMENT FUNDED HEALTH INSURANCE
PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE
INTEGRATIVE THERAPIES
Financial Assistance
Eligibility for financial assistance depends upon many factors, such as: age, income, disability, circumstances under which the disability was incurred, veterans status, immigration status, and many others. The requirements vary widely from program to program, and application procedures may be complex. A social worker, eligibility worker, or claims counselor employed by an agency will assist you in applying for benefits.
California State – Franchise Tax Board: Rent Assistance, Tax Assistance
- A financial planning website which provides a comprehensive database of resources of financial education, trainings, and counseling in Marin County. A project of MarinLink.
Institute on Aging – Support Services for Elders (SSE)
SSE provides money management and personal care services to seniors. Sliding fee scale is available.
- Call number to find out when and where in your community there will be a booth set up where you can get FREE tax information and advice from an IRS agent each spring.
Jewish Family and Children’s Services
- Provides emergency, one-time-only financial assistance to qualifying individuals.
Marin Center for Independent Living
- Offers benefits counseling and legal advocacy.
Marin County Health and Human Services
- Food Stamp Information
- Medi-Cal Information
- Public Assistance & General Information
- In Home Supportive Services Attendant Care, Federal/State-funded assistance given to qualifying low-income persons and families.
- Division of Aging, assists individuals and families in locating services.
- Veterans Service Office. Assists veterans or dependents to obtain Federal and State benefits and tuition waivers.
Whistlestop – Information and Referral Office
- Call for information about free income tax assistance and the availability of other services for those over 55.
Health Insurance
Medicare and most private insurance policies will provide coverage for rehabilitation following a stroke. The exact services and time periods covered vary from policy to policy. Skilled nursing care, speech, occupational and physical therapy, and medical social work are services usually covered for inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation and in-home rehabilitation.
Medicare and most insurance policies do not cover custodial care. Custodial care is ongoing personal care and supervision often needed by survivors. A very few insurance policies do cover custodial care in the home or in a skilled nursing facility. Medi-Cal covers custodial care in a skilled nursing facility for low-income individuals. Descriptions of the levels of care available to survivors, in the Health Care section of this Web site, indicate whether the services are considered rehabilitative or custodial, i.e., whether or not the services are generally covered by Medicare and/or private insurance.
Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP)
- Provides objective information and assistance to people who need help in understanding Medicare, supplemental (Medigap) insurance, long-term care insurance, senior HMO plans, and assistance with Medicare billing and claims.
Government Funded Health Insurance
Medicare is a Federal health insurance program administered through the Social Security Administration. It is available to most Americans over the age of 65. However, if you are under age 65 and disabled, you may also be eligible for benefits. Contact Social Security or Medicare.
Medi-Cal is a Federally-funded health insurance program administered by the State of California for low-income individuals. In other states the program is known as Medicaid. Types of services covered will vary from state to state. For information and eligibility criteria, contact:
Marin County Health and Human Services Department
Public Assistance
National Insurance Consumer Helpline
- Information on health insurance issues and free consumer guides.
Private Health Insurance
If you have a private health insurance policy through your employer and/or your spouse’s employer, contact the employer’s Human Resources Department. Many private insurance companies now have case managers to help you understand your coverage.
The State of California offers a special program for private insurance applicants who are denied individual coverage. The premium is partially subsidized by the State of California. You may qualify to apply for this program if you have been denied coverage from a private health plan. Call for further information on the Major Risk Medical Insurance Program (MRMIP) at (800) 289-6574 (administered by Blue Cross).
Integrative Therapies
These may include acupuncture, acupressure, massage therapy, aromatherapy, expressive arts therapies, and a variety of movement therapies such as Chi Gung and Feldenkrais.
While research is being conducted on the objective efficacy of many of these, anecdotal evidence suggests that they can be valuable to survivors working through the many transformations of post-life. Some of these therapies may simply provide much-needed stress reduction, whether or not they promote more specific healing. Caregivers might also benefit from these therapies.
Institute for Health and Healing Clinic
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center
- An extensive health education program provides offerings in complementary and alternative care including Feldenfrais, mindfulness based stress reduction, yoga and Qi Gong.