Lifeline Helps Food Stamp Recipients, Medicaid Recipients, And Senior Citizens
The federal government's Lifeline Assistance Program offers vital assistance to low income individuals in the form of free or deeply discounted telephone service. Issa Asad, CEO and president of Q Link Wireless, a leading provider of Lifeline service, explains more about Lifeline, who is eligible, and how it can help recipients obtain peace of mind and request valuable services.
What is Lifeline?
Under the Lifeline program, eligible individuals can receive free or low cost phone service. Eligibility requirements include participation in government assistance programs such as Medicaid or food stamps or income below state or federal poverty guidelines.
Individuals who are approved for Lifeline can choose either free or low cost wireless or landline phone service, but not both. Lifeline cell phones come with 911 access, 250 talk minutes, voicemail, call waiting, and text messaging. Plan holders can also purchase additional minutes if needed.
"Many low income individuals struggle to afford monthly phone service. This includes senior citizens, individuals on Medicaid, and food stamps recipients," Issa Asad explains.
How Lifeline Can Help Food Stamps Recipients
While food stamps offer a reliable source of nutritious food, the low-income individuals who receive them often have other needs too. Lifeline access to a telephone makes it easier to check benefit amounts, make phone calls related to benefits, and arrange for grocery shopping. Phones also make it easier for low-income parents to connect with their children's' schools and search for jobs. Without a phone, parents are unreachable for a job interview, says Issa Asad.
How Lifeline Can Help Medicaid Recipients
Lifeline offers invaluable peace of mind to Medicaid recipients. Without reliable telephone access, Medicaid recipients often struggle to make doctor's appointments or receive urgent care updates. They may suffer in a health emergency because they cannot call 911 from their own phone. Many of these individuals worry about what they will do if they need medical attention but cannot access a telephone. According to Asad, "With pay phones obsolete, they can't call anyone. In these situations, people need help immediately." With Lifeline, Medicaid recipients can get a cell phone that comes with prepaid minutes and offers 24/7 access to 911.
How Lifeline Can Help Senior Citizens
Low-income seniors are a vulnerable population who tend to have higher amounts of medical needs. Having a landline or cell phone allows older adults to request emergency services, speak with a doctor, and check in with family members who may be concerned. Not only does the low cost phone directly benefit seniors, it assists their caregivers and family members too. Approved Lifeline providers such as Q Link Wireless offer older adults security, stability, and comfort.
Above content provided by Issa Asad CEO of Q Link Wireless and Quadrant Holdings, located in Dania, Florida.
