State government services for seniorsA variety of programs and services are available to Oregon seniors. Please contact each agency for more information.Department of Consumer and Business Services, Division of Finance and Corporate Securities Enforcement and Securities and Investor Information ProgramThe Division of Finance and Corporate Securities (DFCS) helps protect seniors from financial fraud and abuse. It regulates the sale of securities in Oregon, investigates complaints and violations of financial-service laws, and provides education and other resources to consumers. Contact: Toll-free 1-866-814-9710 or 503-378-4387
in Salem, TTY 503-378-4100 Department of Consumer and Business Services, Insurance Division Consumer AdvocacyThe Consumer Advocacy Unit assists seniors (and all Oregonians) in resolving complaints against insurers and agents, and answers questions about insurance issues and consumer rights. The unit also provides public education materials and programs to empower citizens to become educated consumers. Contact: Toll-free 1-877-4894 or 503-947-7984
in Salem, TTY 503-947-7280 Senior Health Insurance Benefits AssistanceThe Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program provides free counseling to people on Medicare and those who assist them. Volunteers who are trained in Medicare can help you select a Medicare prescription drug plan, find out if you are receiving all possible benefits, compare supplemental health insurance policies, review a bill, and file an appeal or complaint. This program is part of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services and is funded by a federal grant. Contact: Toll-free 1-800-722-4134 Department of Human Services, Seniors, and People with Disabilities Division
Contact: Toll-free 1-800-232-3020, TTY/voice:
503-945-5811 Area Agencies on Aging and Seniors and People with Disabilities ServicesSee services listed above. To locate an office near you, contact DHS at 1-800-232-3020
or visit the DHS Web site: Adult protective servicesThe Oregon Department of Human Services investigates the abuse of, and offers protective services to, older adults and people with disabilities. If you believe abuse or neglect is occurring, immediately contact your DHS office or Area Agency on Aging. You may also report abuse to DHS at 1 -800-232-3020. Web site: www.oregon.gov/DHS/spwpd/abuse/aps.shtml Oregon prescription drug programProgram eligibility: You must be an Oregon resident and uninsured or underinsured for prescription drug coverage. You can enroll by calling the toll-free number or online through the Web site. There is no cost to enroll. Your identification cards will be mailed within one week. Your card will entitle you to discounts on prescription drugs up to 60 percent. If you have signed up for Medicare Part D prescription coverage, you are still eligible for this program. Contact: Toll-free 1-888-411-6737 or 503-373-1595
in Salem Department of Justice, Financial Fraud /Consumer ProtectionThe Financial Fraud/Consumer Protection Section protects consumers in the marketplace, primarily by enforcing Oregon's Unlawful Trade Practices Act. The section operates a hotline for consumers with questions or complaints about business practices, and assists local and state law enforcement agencies with consumer-related matters. Contact: Toll-free 1-877-877-9392, 503-378-4320
in Salem, 503-229-5576 in Portland Governor's Commission on Senior ServicesThe commission, created by the Oregon Legislature in 1985, is dedicated to enhancing and protecting the quality of life for all older Oregonians. Through cooperation with other organizations and advocacy, the commission works to ensure that seniors have access to services that provide choice, independence, and dignity. The Governor's Commission on Senior Services is an official state commission made up of volunteers appointed by the governor and two legislators, one from the House and one from the Senate. Contact: Toll-free 1-800-282-8096 or 503-945-5811
in Salem, TTY 1-800-282-8096 Commission for the BlindA commission program, the Older Blind Program, provides independent living services to people over 55 who are either legally blind or severely visually impaired. The program offers one-on-one assistance with a specially trained teacher to discover new ways to do everyday tasks that have become difficult. The training includes:
Contact: Toll-free 1-888-202-5463 or 971-673-1588
in Portland, TTY 971-673-1577 Long-term care ombudsmanThe Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman is an independent state agency that works to improve the care and enhance the quality of life for residents of Oregon's nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, residential care facilities and adult foster care homes. Ombudsmen are advocates for the residents and they investigate and resolve all kinds of complaints from residents and anyone concerned with their care and well-being. A small Salem-based professional staff works with a network of trained and certified volunteers who are a regular presence in long-term care facilities throughout the state. The agency's services are confidential and free. Contact: Toll-free 1-800-522-2602, TTY 1-866-926-6600, 503-378-6533
in Salem, TTY 503-378-5847 Oregon HelpsA Web site that can help all Oregonians determine if they are eligible for other state or community services. Oregon Network of CareA Web site for the elderly and people with disabilities to locate the right services at the right time. It also offers vital information about assistive devices, caregiving, day-to-day challenges, and diseases. It provides daily news from around the world concerning aging. This unique Web site enables seniors to keep personal records, to create an online family meeting place, and to communicate directly with elected officials to make their voices heard in the legislative halls. |
