NCOA, AGIS Network Streamline Benefits Access for Seniors

NCOA, AGIS Network Streamline Benefits Access for Seniors

March 10, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NCOA and AGIS Network are pleased to announce an integrated online screening system to help social service agencies better serve older adults and people with disabilities who are seeking information on benefits programs.

Available through AGIS, this new technology offers social services agencies more comprehensive access to NCOA’s BenefitsCheckUp screening engine, eligibility rules, and program database, and allows consumers to apply online using AGIS eForms©.

Agencies using the new interface will be better equipped to help consumers screen for program eligibility and apply online for multiple benefits programs.

The integrated technology is a combination of AGIS’s patented electronic forms (eForms), with BenefitsCheckUp, the nation’s most comprehensive Web-based benefits screening service for seniors with limited income and resources.

Saving Time and Reducing Errors

Agencies using the new technology will have access to the complete BenefitsCheckUp database and supporting technology through a customized Web site. Consumers using the new interface through their social service agencies will no longer need to enter personal data both when initially applying and when renewing each program application, reducing chances of duplicate entries and errors.

"This integrated screening system is a benefit to both aging offices and to consumers," said Stuart Spector, Senior Vice President of NCOA. "Our early adopters have found that consumers appreciate the time saved, while agencies are better informed on the benefits offerings and reassured that online applications are more efficiently entered and accurate."

"We are delighted to partner with NCOA to streamline the leading entry point for seniors seeking benefits information," said Kevin Sypniewski, CEO of AGIS Network. "The integration of our e-Forms with BenefitsCheckUp makes consumers and agency personnel immediately more productive."

Immediate Benefits

RealChoices Hawaii (www.realchoices.org) went live with this program in January 2010 with the launch of their Benefits Finder.

"The grant-funded expansion of Benefits Finder has already assisted seniors and people with disabilities and those with long-term care needs across their lifespan who are interested in determining if they might be eligible for programs such as Medicaid and SNAP (food stamps). The eForm component streamlines the process for our stakeholders and provides efficiency for the agencies," commented Dr. Rebecca Ozaki of RealChoices.

"We are seeing an immediate benefit in 2010 with more users getting their information into applications and saving time and money for all agencies involved."

AGIS Network is an industry leader in providing secure Personal Data Records (PDR), the portion of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) that is usually needed to interface with other organizations.

For more information or to get a demonstration of the AGIS service, contact AGIS at www.agisnetwork.com or visit AGIS at the 2010 NCOA–ASA conference.

About BenefitsCheckUp Seniors use BenefitsCheckUp as a resource to check their eligibility for additional benefits programs, including 2,000 federal, state, and local programs that can help with utilities, food, housing, and other basic needs. Enrollment forms for most programs are provided as part of BenefitsCheckUp’s interactive screening process. Since 2001, more than 2.4 million people have used the service, identifying benefits valued at more than $8 billion. For more information, please visit www.benefitscheckup.org.

About AGIS Network AGIS Network, Agency Services is a leading provider of systems to government agencies and corporations that allow seniors, caregivers and those with disabilities to receive Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), caregiving information and government services. AGIS has built online systems utilizing ‘smart’ electronic forms for dozens of states and counties, and over 100 employers. These systems have been welcomed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid as a way to create efficiencies for consumers and save money for government agencies and corporations. For information on AGIS Network, please visit www.AGISnetwork.com.

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About NCOA The National Council on Aging is a non-profit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for older Americans - especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged - and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together non-profit organizations, businesses and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently and remain active in their communities. For more information, visit www.ncoa.org.