The National Council on Aging (NCOA) has released a request for proposals to fund the implementation of Benefits Enrollment Centers (BECs) at organizations across the country. NCOA’s network of BECs work in states and territories to provide person-centered assistance to help low-income older adults and persons with disabilities screen for and enroll in all the programs they may be eligible for.

The goal of this funding opportunity is to expand access to benefits for qualifying low-income Medicare beneficiaries through the BEC model. Awarded organizations will support older adults and adults with disabilities in completing initial applications and recertifications in the following core benefits programs:

• Medicare Part D Extra Help (or Low-Income Subsidy, LIS)
• Medicare Savings Program (MSP)
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Grantees will also be expected to provide clients with information on Medicare Preventive Services, which are a variety of services covered by Medicare Part B that focus on health promotion and early disease detection. Selected organizations should be part of a state No Wrong Door system for access to long-term services and supports or be willing to make referrals to the local Aging and Disability Resource Centers for access and coordination on state facilitated outreach education, eligibility and/or enrollment systems.

Organizations eligible to apply for BEC grants include Aging and Disability Resource Centers, state or local community-based nonprofit organizations, state government agencies, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) entities, Centers for Independent Living (CILs), and faith-based organizations addressing the needs of Medicare-eligible older adults and adults with disabilities. Grants ranging from $150,000 up to $300,000 each will be awarded to selected organizations.

Applications are due on Monday, December 1, by 11:59 p.m. ET.  Click here to read the full request for proposals and apply.