ANDREA MALMUD

Financial information from JFS during these difficult times

Shalom! I've received many questions about financial support lately, so I'm providing information about financial services provided by Jewish Family Service of MetroWest NJ (JFS).

Medicare Counseling (SHIP)

Medicare beneficiaries frequently have questions about benefits, claims, and supplemental policies like Medigap and Medicare Advantage. The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) — a statewide program administered in Essex County by JFS MetroWest NJ and RSVP — provides free help to Medicare beneficiaries in the county who have problems with or questions about their health insurance.

Volunteer counselors trained in insurance coverage and benefits that affect Medicare beneficiaries can provide assistance in dealing with claims and evaluating options. Counselors also help low-income Medicare beneficiaries apply for Extra Help, prescription assistance, and Low-Income Subsidy programs. Volunteer counselors do not provide legal advice or sell, recommend, or endorse any specific insurance product, agent, company, or plan. They provide information and assistance so that Medicare beneficiaries can make their own decisions.

The free counseling is provided via phone or Zoom or at easy-to-access locations, such as libraries and community centers.

To speak with a Medicare counselor, contact 973-637-1717 or medicarehelp@jfsmetrowest.org

Safety Net Services

We at JFS will work with you to understand your financial distress. Through assessment, budgeting, and referrals to community resources, JFS staff will help you work toward greater financial sustainability; financial assistance may be offered.

The JFS Healthcare Emergency Relief Fund and the JFS Safety Net Fund provide eligible clients with access to emergency assistance. The fund is supported by JFS donors and through the Greater Newark Holiday Fund, administered by “The Star-Ledger.” Call 973765-9050.

Hebrew Free Loan

Hebrew Free Loan of NJ provides interest-free loans to Jewish community members, including those who reside in the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ catchment area (including Essex, Morris, and Union counties).

Loans are provided for many purposes (but not student loans); among them: medical expenses, debt consolidation, home improvement or repair, infertility issues, starting or expanding a business.

Borrowers must have the potential to repay the loan through automatic bank withdrawal. Certain loans require one or two endorsers, who must live in New Jersey. The endorser becomes responsible for the loan repayment in the event the borrower cannot meet his or her obligation.

Hebrew Free Loan holds to the highest standard of confidentiality; call 973-637-1739 or go to Hebrewfreeloanofnj.org.

For assistance reaching any of these resources, contact me at amalmud@gmail.com.

Have a good summer!

Andrea Malmud, LCSW, is the Zeller Family/JFS Social Work Consultant.