Impact of a Web-based Information and Referral Tool on Access to Federal and State Programs for Older Adults. Issue 3 (4th May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Napier, Ariana; Rhodes, Bryan; Khavjou, Olga; Knowles, Molly; Popham, Lauren; Walsh, Edith G.; Jones, Jessica M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of aging & social policy. Volume 35:Issue 3(2023)
• Page Start: 360
• Page End: 373
• Publication Date: 2023-05-04
• Subjects: Benefit take-up rates -- Supplemental Security Income -- Low Income Part D Subsidy -- Medicaid -- Medicare Savings Programs -- SNAP -- online screening -- social return on investment -- older adults; Older people -- United States -- Periodicals; Older people -- Government policy -- United States -- Periodicals; Older people -- Periodicals; Older people -- Medical care -- United States -- Periodicals; 362.605
• DOI: 10.1080/08959420.2021.1926206
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0895-9420

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Federal and state governments provide a plethora of benefits programs intended to help older Americans, but take-up rates for the programs is low. BenefitsCheckUp® is an online tool intended to increase enrollment in these programs. To evaluate the impact of this national online screening tool providing individualized benefit information, we conducted a web survey of individuals who screened potentially eligible for programs including Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and energy assistance. Thirty-six percent of those surveyed applied for at least one benefit at an annualized, estimated average value of $2, 865, and 20.5% enrolled, representing about 7% of the approximately 2 million site visitors age 60+. These results indicate that an online screening tool is a promising strategy for increasing benefit take-up rates among older adults with the value of benefits received far exceeding investments.