Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

THIS weeks’ column is about taking care of your senior relatives. It could be challenging if they do not have health insurance or dental insurance coverages. In fact, I found out that a cap for a tooth costs about $ 800. That’s a lot of money to spend at one time. Not to mention, there’s medication that they will need also. Anyway, I hope the following items will be able to help you or at least give you some ideas:

Go to the local government office in your area and find out the requirements to apply for a Medicare/Medical card

Apply for pharmaceutical support. There are lots of choices. I know a few, but can’t name them on this column (I can’t endorse). So I suggest go on google or yahoo and type in http://california.statedrugcard.com/ or https://www.ehealthinsurance.com/

Another alternative is to ask your employer if you can add a person/relative on to your health plan and just pay for the additional premium

There are also a lot of dental plans for seniors. I’m still trying to look for one, for my mom. However, please check with your dentist first which dental provider they are willing to accept

Just like health and dental insurance, transportation is also important. If your relative could not take the bus anymore, find the local government transportation office and apply for a curbside pick up service. In LA, there’s Access Paratransit. They give transportation assistance for seniors and the disabled.

If you are having financial difficulties, you may also wish to look up CARE, Lifeline, DAP and Medical Baseline programs. These are government programs that qualify seniors and/or low income households.

Find out if you qualify for In Home Support services. That is if you are personally taking care of your senior relative and they no longer could live by themselves. There are government social workers that you could call for details. Look them up in the local government offices in your area.

I hope the above list helps. Please always remember to keep smiling. Life is good. You’ll find something that could help you out in your situation. It just takes a little digging and time. My next column will be published next month. Hence, this will allow me more time to go through your emails request and be able to write about them. For those interested on a topic, please email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . I’ll be waiting.

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Liza Legaspi is an experienced marketer both in the Philippines and the US. She has been focusing on diversity groups for over 20 years. Liza is currently employed by a well-known Asian advertising agency. She has a wide range of experience in marketing consumer products and services.

Disclaimer: The items listed are mere suggestions and no guarantees that it will work for you. The tips provided worked for me and I am not making any promises nor will I be liable for any outcome.