Benefit, Prevention, Education, and Enrollment
What is SNAP?
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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program designed to supplement the food budgets of low-income households, and it is the largest program in the U.S. that addresses hunger. Funded by the Farm Bill, SNAP funds reduce the financial strain on families, allowing them to buy healthier foods and divert some of their finances (which would have gone to food) to other needs, including transportation, housing, and childcare. SNAP benefits come in the form of monthly funds loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. This card works like a debit card and can be used on eligible food items at various locations including grocery stores, superstores, pharmacies, gas stations, and some farmer’s markets. Eligible food items include meat, poultry, fish, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, bread, cereals, snack foods, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Some other facets of the program include SNAP Employment and Training (E&T), a program with the purpose of supporting recipients in gaining skills and obtaining employment for self-sufficiency, and SNAP-Ed, a program aimed at educating recipients on how to use their benefits to buy and cook healthy meals and how to stay physically active.
Learn more here.
What is LIHEAP?
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The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income households cover the costs of heating and cooling their homes, and can also provide emergency assistance during energy crises.
LIHEAP aims to assist low-income households, particularly those with the lowest incomes who spend a high proportion of their income on energy, in meeting their immediate home energy needs.
The program is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services.
Vaccine Events
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In 2023 and 2024, NAPCA partnered with local non-profit organizations to host vaccine outreach events aimed at educating and protecting AANHPI communities. These events emphasized the importance of timely vaccinations for flu, COVID-19, RV, and shingles to ensure community members stayed informed and protected.
Over the past two years, nearly 40 outreach events were held in Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, Chicago, Boston, and New York, providing vital health resources to local communities. Through these efforts, licensed pharmacies administered 4,000 vaccines, helping to safeguard the well-being of AANHPI older adults and their families.
Obesity Prevention and Related Illnesses Like Diabetes
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Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders (NHPIs) experience significantly higher obesity rates compared to the overall Asian American population and other racial groups in the US, with some NHPI sub-populations having obesity rates 3.7 times higher than the overall Asian American population.
While standard BMI measures suggest lower obesity prevalence in Asian Americans, Asian Americans face unique challenges with central obesity, which raises the risk of comorbidities at a lower BMI compared to other populations.
Diet, physical activity, perceptions of health, and access to information and therapies all play a role in the risks of obesity and related comorbidities in the AANHPI community.
On November 20, 2023, NAPCA hosted the Confronting Obesity briefing in Washington, D.C., bringing together healthcare experts to address the complex social and medical factors contributing to obesity and related illnesses within Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. The panel provided valuable insights and proposed targeted solutions aimed at raising awareness and promoting healthier futures for AANHPI older adults.
The Importance of Addressing Chronic Diseases
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Chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and arthritis significantly impact the health and well-being of older adults, particularly within AANHPI communities. These long-term conditions can affect daily life, independence, and overall quality of life if not properly managed. Preventive care, early detection, and ongoing management are essential to reducing complications and improving health outcomes. At NAPCA, we are committed to raising awareness, providing resources, and advocating for culturally competent healthcare solutions to support AANHPI seniors in effectively managing chronic diseases and leading healthier lives
Open Enrollment
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Medicare Enrollment: Important Deadlines & Why It Matters
Enrolling in Medicare on time is essential to ensure uninterrupted healthcare coverage and avoid potential late penalties. Each year, there are specific enrollment periods to keep in mind:
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP):
Begins three months before you turn 65 and lasts for seven months.
General Enrollment Period (GEP):
Runs from January 1 to March 31 for those who missed their initial enrollment. Coverage starts on July 1 of the same year.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment:
Also from January 1 to March 31, allowing those already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan to switch plans or return to Original Medicare.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP):
From October 15 to December 7, allowing beneficiaries to make changes to their Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans for the following year.
Staying informed about these deadlines ensures you receive the healthcare benefits you need without delays or penalties. For assistance with Medicare enrollment, contact us today!