Help for Seniors
Shelly from Elk Grove needed assistance getting her mom the Social Security benefits she was owed. Play the video to see how my office was able to help. |
As a doctor, I know firsthand how much our seniors rely on Medicare, as well as Social Security. We must honor the promises we’ve made to our seniors so they can get the health care they need, and have a secure and dignified retirement.
That’s why my office helps local seniors with problems that they may be having with the federal government – including resolving issues with Social Security, Medicare, and other federal services and benefits they may be owed. In fact, since 2013 my office has helped Sacramento County seniors recover nearly $150,000 in Social Security and Medicare benefits.
If you or someone you know is a senior who needs help, please call my office at (916) 635 0505 or visit my How I Can Help page now so you can start getting assistance right away. Below is more information and resources for seniors, and you can visit my Social Security and Medicare issue page now to see how I’m fighting to protect and strengthen these promises that we have made to our seniors.
- How I Can Help Seniors
- Office Hours for Seniors
- Additional Resources for Seniors
- Fighting for Seniors in Congress
Making government work for you is a top priority of mine. I know many Sacramento County seniors rely on the promise of Social Security and Medicare during their golden years, as well as other federal benefits and services that they’ve earned. That’s why my local office does everything it can to help seniors cut through government red tape and fix problems they may be having with Social Security, Medicare, and more.
- Do you want to know if you qualify for disability and SSI? Use Social Security's Screening Tool to check if you do.
- Do you need information on how to apply for Medicare? Go to the Medicare Frequently Asked Questions page.
- Do you have other general questions about social security services and benefits? Find an answer on the Social Security Administration's Answers to Your Questions page.
For example, if you’re a senior who isn’t getting your Social Security benefits, or if you’re having trouble with your Medicare coverage and you’re not sure where to go for help, my staff will do all that it can to make sure you get a response to your concerns. And if you have a problem with something my office can’t help with directly, we will do our best to be a resource and direct you to the right place for assistance.
I am proud to report that because of these efforts, my office has helped Sacramento County seniors recover nearly $120,000 in Social Security and Medicare benefits.
- If you or someone you know is a senior who needs help, please call my office at (916) 635 0505 or visit my How I Can Help page now so you can start getting assistance right away.
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Through my office’s regular library office hours, my staff is frequently available at local libraries throughout Sacramento County so we can be in convenient locations to better serve you.
My staff frequently assists seniors through our office hours program, helping people with their Medicare, Social Security, and other federal government issues. We’d be honored to help you too.
You can click here to see the full schedule of Library Office Hours to see where you can get help.
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Additional Resources for Seniors
My office is a community resource, and we are here to do all that we can to help, including connecting Sacramento County residents with resources that may be able to assist them.
- Web resources
You can use the Medicare eligibility tool to determine your eligibility or even calculate your premium.
Medicare claims and appeals information
You can use this web page if you have a concern about the quality of care you’ve received from a Medicare health provider, to check the status of a claim, or to help understand your rights under Medicare.
Find the nearest Social Security Administration office in your area.
There are several local Social Security offices are located throughout our area. These offices may also be able to serve you if you need help in-person instead of over the phone.
Many seniors are eligible for Medi-cal health coverage, which is California’s version of the federal Medicaid program. You can visit this website to learn more about it.
- Local resources
Seniors looking for more information about a County or other local services may call 211. A service funded in part by Sacramento County, 211 Sacramento's trained receptionists can help connect you to what you're looking for, including more than 2,400 nonprofit and agency programs. Please note, however, that because 211 is a new dialing code it may not work with all phone systems, so you can also try dialing (916) 498 1000 or (800) 500-4931 if you have any trouble.
Properly dispose of unused of expired prescriptions
If you check your medicine cabinet right now, chances are that you'll find expired and unneeded prescription bottles. And that, unfortunately, is often where children, friends, or family members can find them. Rates of prescription drug abuse are alarmingly high - California drug overdose deaths increased by 58 percent from 1979 to 2010. Flushing your unused prescriptions or throwing them away in the trash can pollute our water and environment, but there are locations throughout our community where you may conveniently drop them off. To find a location near you, you can visit http://www.regionalsan.com/dont-flush-your-meds or call (916) 875 9393.
- Transportation resources
Seniors who may have limited transportation options may find the following resources helpful.
Seniors and individuals with disabilities can ride buses and light rail trains at reduced rates. Lift equipped buses can also assist riders who use wheelchairs, and priority seating is available for riders who have a difficult time standing. Some seniors may be eligible for door-to-door Paratransit services if they can't reach regular bus or light-rail lines because of a physical disability or other impairment.
Citrus Heights City Ride Service
For within the city limits of Citrus Heights, the City Ride service might be a convenient door-to-door alternative. Available to the general public, a basic single fare starts at $2.50, with discounts available for seniors. You must call to reserve a seat at least one business day in advance, and reservations are taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. City ride can accommodate disabled persons in wheel chairs.
- If you or someone you know is a veteran who needs help, please call my office at (916) 635 0505 or visit my How I Can Help page now so you can start getting assistance right away.
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Fighting for Seniors in Congress
We must honor the promises we have made to our seniors so they can get the support and health care they need, and have a secure and dignified retirement. That’s why I have pledged to not take a congressional pension until Medicare and Social Security are secure for this generation and future generations.
As a doctor, I know firsthand that our seniors rely on Medicare. I’ve stressed the importance of preventive care and worked to give my patients the information they need to receive the best treatment as Medicare recipients. In Congress, I’ve fought shortsighted, devastating cuts to Medicare and Social Security, including:
• Voting against partisan plans to end the Medicare guarantee for older Americans, placing seniors at the mercy of insurance companies and leaving them unable to afford the health care they depend on.
• Working with the administration to successfully prevent harmful cuts to Medicare Advantage.
• Opposing efforts to privatize Social Security.
- If you or someone you know is a senior who needs help, please call my office at (916) 635 0505 or visit my How I Can Help page now so you can start getting assistance right away.