For more information about the author, click to view their website: El Paso County Dept of Human Services
For many older adults, managing health conditions often means managing multiple medications. While these prescriptions are essential for maintaining quality of life, their cost can quickly become a burden—especially for seniors living on fixed incomes.
In Colorado Springs, the El Paso County Department of Human Services, led by Sarah Holm, plays a vital role in helping seniors access affordable medications and financial support programs. Their services provide relief, stability, and peace of mind for individuals and families navigating rising healthcare costs.
As healthcare needs increase with age, so do prescription expenses.
Seniors often face:
For some, these challenges can lead to skipped doses or unfilled prescriptions—putting health at serious risk.
Sarah Holm explains:
“No one should have to choose between their health and their finances. Our goal is to connect seniors with programs that make medications accessible and affordable.”
Prescription assistance programs are designed to help individuals reduce the cost of medications through various forms of support.
These may include:
The El Paso County Department of Human Services helps seniors navigate these options and determine eligibility.
The El Paso County Department of Human Services offers a range of services aimed at improving access to essential resources.
Support may include:
Their team works closely with seniors to ensure they receive the help they need.
Colorado Springs is home to a growing senior population, many of whom rely on fixed incomes such as Social Security or retirement savings.
With healthcare costs rising, local seniors may:
The Department of Human Services serves as a trusted resource, helping residents navigate these challenges with confidence.
Medications are not optional—they are essential for managing health conditions and maintaining independence.
When seniors can afford their prescriptions, they are more likely to:
Ensuring access to medications is a key part of overall wellness.
One of the biggest barriers to assistance is simply not knowing what programs are available.
The Department of Human Services helps by:
This support removes confusion and empowers seniors to take action.
Prescription costs don’t just affect seniors—they impact families as well.
Caregivers often worry about:
By offering guidance and resources, the Department helps ease these concerns.
It may be time to explore prescription assistance if:
Seeking help early can prevent more serious health and financial challenges.
The El Paso County Department of Human Services has become a cornerstone of support for seniors in Colorado Springs.
Their commitment to:
Ensures that individuals receive the help they need to stay healthy and secure.
Managing healthcare costs doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
With the right support, seniors can:
The Department of Human Services provides a clear path forward.
If you or a loved one are struggling with the cost of prescriptions, help is available.
👉 Visit El Paso County Department of Human Services’ Seniors Blue Book listing to connect with Sarah Holm and explore available assistance programs today.
1. What types of prescription assistance programs are available?
Programs may include discounts, financial assistance, and support through Medicare or Medicaid.
2. Do I need to meet income requirements?
Some programs are income-based, while others are available more broadly.
3. Can I get help even if I have insurance?
Yes, assistance may still be available to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
4. How do I apply for assistance?
The Department of Human Services can guide you through the application process.
5. Is this service only for seniors?
While many programs are designed for seniors, assistance may be available to others as well.
When an older adult needs help at home and sees several clinicians, a coverage decision can affect everything from prescription refills to rides. If youre considering TRU PACE in Lafayette, start by asking how enrollment would change the care and coverage you already use. How Medicare and Medicaid Fit Into PACEPACE is the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. It coordinates healthcare and support for eligible adults who meet a state standard for nursing home-level care and can live safely in the community with PACE support at enrollment. Applicants must also be 55 or older and live in the programs service area. TRU PACE and Your Current CoveragePhone: 303-665-0115Medicare says people with Medicaid pay no monthly PACE premium. Medicare beneficiaries without Medicaid pay premiums for the long-term care portion and Medicare Part D drugs. Medicare also says participants owe no deductible, copayment, or coinsurance for drugs, services, or care approved by their PACE team. Ask TRU PACE for an estimate based on your individual coverage before enrolling. Doctors, Prescriptions, and Existing ServicesTRU PACE says it becomes the participants insurance provider at enrollment. Participants generally receive care through the programs provider network. Bring a list of your doctors, medications, and scheduled services. Ask which providers are in the network and how the team would coordinate any changes. Why This Matters in LafayetteIf you regularly see a clinician near home or have a specialist visit scheduled outside Lafayette, give the enrollment team the names and dates. Ask which appointments can continue and what to do about any refill due around the enrollment date. How to Get Started1. Gather Your Coverage InformationHave your Medicare and Medicaid information, if applicable, along with details of any current plan. List the appointments and prescriptions you rely on most.2. Ask for an Enrollment and Cost ReviewCall TRU PACE and ask for your expected monthly cost, when any coverage change would take effect, and who would help coordinate the transition. Related Seniors Blue Book CategoriesPACE Adult Day Services Care Management
After a death, families may have to make several decisions in a short time. Others prefer to talk through their wishes ahead of time. In either situation, it helps to separate the practical arrangements from the decisions about how to gather, remember, and say goodbye. What Funeral and Mortuary Services CoverA funeral home can help arrange transportation and care of the person who died, assist with paperwork, and coordinate burial or cremation. A family may also arrange a viewing, funeral, memorial, or private gathering. Ask which decisions need to be made immediately and which can wait. The Natural Funeral in LafayettePhone: 720-515-2344The Natural Funeral lists natural burial, flame cremation, water cremation, and terramation, also called natural organic reduction. Water cremation uses an alkaline water process, and terramation transforms remains into soil. If one of these options interests you, ask what the process involves, how long it typically takes, and what the family receives afterward. Planning a Gathering and Reviewing CostsThe Lafayette funeral home is at 102 W Chester Street in Old Town. Ask what can take place at the Lafayette location and which parts would involve another venue or a cemetery. Request a General Price List and a written breakdown of your choices so you can see which fees cover the funeral homes work and which come from outside providers. Why This Matters in LafayetteIf relatives are coming from out of town or some guests have limited mobility, ask about parking, step-free access, and how many people the gathering space can accommodate. If you plan to hold a service and burial at different locations, check how much time guests will need between them. How to Get Started1. Write Down the Persons WishesLook for written instructions and note any cultural or religious preferences. If youre planning ahead, tell a trusted person where you keep your instructions and whom to call.2. Ask for a Written PlanCall 720-515-2344 and ask what is needed on the first call. Once youve discussed options, request the expected timeline and itemized costs before approving arrangements. Related Seniors Blue Book CategoriesCounseling Hospice Advance Care Planning
When an older adult spends most weekdays alone, families may need more than a place for them to go. They may also be juggling transportation, appointments, and help at home. TRU PACE in Lafayette offers a day center as part of a program that coordinates those needs for eligible older adults. What Are Adult Day Services?Adult day services offer daytime support outside the home. Depending on the program, participants may spend time with peers, eat a meal, take part in activities, or receive help with daily needs. Some centers accept people directly. The Lafayette TRU PACE center serves people enrolled in its broader Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. TRU PACE in LafayettePhone: 303-665-0115TRU PACEs Lafayette center is at 2593 Park Lane. The program coordinates medical and social services and arranges transportation to the day center and medical visits as needed. Ask the enrollment team what a typical center day includes, how often a participant might attend, and how the team decides what support to arrange at home. Who May QualifyPACE applicants must be at least 55, live in the programs service area, meet the states standard for nursing home-level care, and be able to live safely in the community with PACE support at enrollment. Ask how enrollment would affect access to current doctors and prescription coverage before making a decision. Why This Matters in LafayetteWhen family members already drive someone to several appointments a week, a coordinated schedule can change who needs to be available and when. Ask how pickup would work at the persons Lafayette address and who to call if a ride or appointment changes. How to Get Started1. Ask for an Eligibility ReviewCall TRU PACE. Have the participants ZIP code, current coverage, and a short list of the help they need. 2. Ask to Visit the CenterFind out what the participant might do on a center day, how transportation works, and what changes to their current care arrangements enrollment would involve. Related Seniors Blue Book CategoriesCare Management Transportation Respite Care