The nonprofit Health & Welfare Council of Long Island (HWCLI) announced its selection as the new Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC) for the Eastern Region, through the National Council on Aging (NCOA).
This designation expands HWCLI’s ability to provide personalized benefits enrollment assistance to seniors and people with disabilities throughout the Long Island region.
As a Benefits Enrollment Center, HWCLI will help eligible individuals access critical public benefit programs, including:
– Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
–Medicaid
– Medicare Savings Programs (MSP)
– Extra Help/Low Income Subsidy (LIS) for prescription drug coverage
These programs help older adults afford healthy foods, access essential health care services, reduce Medicare premiums, and lower prescription drug costs, thereby improving their financial stability and overall well-being.
Importantly, the National Council on Aging is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of millions of older adults, especially those facing hardship.
Through advocacy, innovative programs, research and strategic partnerships, NCOA works to ensure equitable access to benefits, health care, economic security and resources for healthy aging.
Today, NCOA celebrates achieving its ambitious social impact goal: improving the lives of 40 million seniors nationwide.
“Becoming a Benefits Enrollment Center strengthens our ability to ensure that Long Island seniors and people with disabilities can age with dignity and financial security,” said Vanessa Baird-Streeter, president and CEO of HWCLI.
“Too many eligible residents are not accessing benefits that could significantly improve their quality of life. “This designation allows us to deepen our reach and direct assistance throughout the region.”
For nearly 80 years, the Health & Welfare Council of Long Island (HWCLI) has served as the regional umbrella organization for health and human services providers.
HWCLI works to address food insecurity, health care access, disaster response coordination, workforce development, and public policy advocacy.
Through direct service programs and coalition leadership, HWCLI supports a network of nonprofit organizations dedicated to strengthening Long Island’s social safety net.
As a Benefits Enrollment Center, HWCLI will expand its outreach efforts through enrollment events, community workshops, and partnerships with local agencies to ensure eligible residents receive the benefits they deserve.
For more information about benefits enrollment assistance, contact [email protected] or visit https://hwcli.com/.
