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e-Newsletter Archive
The Benefits Beacon newsletter offers timely updates, tips, and stories to keep you informed and connected to resources, support, and opportunities to get involved. SUBSCRIBE NOW


Falling for Benefits: Nov 19, 2026
Benefits in Action is hosting the Falling for Benefits Health & Resource Fair on November 19, 2026, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm in partnership with Denver Public Library. More than two dozen community partners will be onsite at the Denver Public Library’s Central Library location to connect individuals to valuable health, wellness, utility and social service resources.

Eric Gonzalez
Sep 252 min read


Long Term Care and Home and Community Based Services Medicaid
Are you disabled? Is your monthly income below $2,982 before taxes? Do you or a loved one need nursing home level care? If so, you may want to think about applying for Medicaid. Medicaid provides certain eligible individuals with assistance needed to perform activities of daily living through the Long-Term Care (LTC) and Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Programs. This article sheds some light on those programs.

Eric Gonzalez
Aug 263 min read


SNAP Eligibility Changes for Lawfully Present Immigrants Effective May 1, 2026
Beginning May 1, 2026, changes under the new federal law, H.R.1, will impact SNAP eligibility for many lawfully present immigrants, including some refugees, asylees, and parolees. As a result, many individuals and families who currently receive SNAP benefits may no longer qualify.
Kelly Kropf
May 111 min read


Staff Spotlight: Meet Rachel Wise
“Many of my students’ families lacked resources and struggled to navigate the programs that were available. I think so many communities could benefit from the kind of help that BIA provides.”

Eric Gonzalez
Sep 23 min read


Gratitude, Compassion, and Standing Beside Our Neighbors
"Leading Benefits in Action has been one of the most humbling experiences of my career. I've gained a deeper understanding of the barriers people face in accessing what should be basic human needs—food, health care, and financial security. "

Cari Frank
Aug 72 min read


Applying for Social Security Benefits with Benefits in Action
Give me an S. Give me another S! No, we’re not playing Wheel of Fortune, but we are talking about Social Security. Social Security is very confusing, not without good reason. Between delays in processing time, repetitive forms, and boilerplate denials, there is good reason to believe that Social Security is like falling into a black hole. Never fear, though, Benefits in Action is here. Benefits in Action is a Colorado nonprofit that, among other things, assists folks with Soc
Rachel Wise
Jul 132 min read


Medicare Savings Programs - Help with Medicare Costs
MSP stands for Medicare Savings Program, but the name is actually a misnomer. Why? The answer is because MSPs are actually a form of Medicaid for low-income older adults, despite having the word Medicare in the name. MSP covers the cost of Medicare Part B premiums (hence the inclusion of Medicare in the name), and in some cases, copays and deductibles. This results in real savings for those who need it most. The current Medicare Part B premium for most people is $202.90 a mon

Eric Gonzalez
Jun 52 min read


Older Americans Month
May is Older Americans Month. This is our opportunity to celebrate recognize the
contributions of older adults and promote their health and independence. With an ever-increasing life expectancy, preserving one’s health and independence is increasingly important.

Eric Gonzalez
May 62 min read


Spring into Action: Become a Volunteer
Spring is in the air. That means it is time to get outside, enjoy the warm weather, do some spring cleaning, and spring into action. At Benefits in Action , we spring into action by celebrating our volunteers and encouraging others to get involved in the work we do. There are many ways to help your neighbors through Benefits in Action, and it is rewarding way to give back to your community knowing you’re helping people move from crisis to comfort. Benefits in Action is your t

Eric Gonzalez
Mar 302 min read


Mental Health and Mental Wellness
Recently, I have been witness to multiple mental health issues. These issues have made mental health a central focus on my mind and have enlightened me to the struggles associated with mental illness. I am a firm believer in practicing good mental health through mental wellness. Confused by the terminology? Want to learn more about preserving good mental health at any age? If so, then keep on reading. First, let’s differentiate between mental health, mental illness, and menta

Eric Gonzalez
Mar 302 min read


Celebrating Women’s History Month: The Legacy of Clara Barton
Who was Clara Barton? Clara Barton was a teacher, a patent clerk, a Civil War nurse, and the founder of the American Red Cross. This Women’s History Month, we honor her because her legacy of service and systems change still shapes how our country responds to crisis. Born in 1821, Clara began her career as a teacher before becoming the first woman clerk at the U.S. Patent Office. This was an extraordinary achievement at a time when professional opportunities for women were lim
Rachel Wise
Mar 62 min read


Meet Lisa Slavinski, a Champion in Her Own Right
Hear from Lisa, Benefit Navigator, about why she loves her work and serving her neighbors.

Eric Gonzalez
Feb 182 min read


Food Delivery Program Closing
With heavy hearts, Benefits in Action will close our Food Delivery Program effective April 30, 2026. The final day to request food delivery is April 24th. This was an extremely difficult decision, and it has been an honor to serve our neighbors through this program. Although we can no longer provide food directly, our team remains deeply committed to helping individuals and families apply for and access SNAP (food assistance) and other healthcare benefits essential to thri
Rachel Wise
Feb 181 min read


American Heart Month: Accessing SNAP, Medicaid, and Benefits in Colorado
February is widely known for Valentine’s Day, but it also marks American Heart Month . This month is dedicated to cardiovascular health awareness, heart disease prevention, and encouraging the healthy lifestyle changes necessary to live a long, vibrant life. At Benefits in Action , we believe that heart health is directly tied to access. Without proper nutrition and medical care, maintaining a healthy heart is a steep uphill battle. How Benefits Support Heart Health in Colora

Eric Gonzalez
Feb 52 min read


Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Rosemary
Meet Rosemary. Rosemary is one of our longest serving SHIP volunteers. For those of you who don’t know or remember, SHIP stands for the State Health Insurance Assistance Program. Benefits in Action is a SHIP site, meaning that we help folks apply for, use and understand Medicare free of charge or conflicts of interest. In addition to providing counseling by phone, Benefits in Action is active in Outreach at senior centers, libraries and other locations. As part of these eff

Eric Gonzalez
Jan 263 min read


2026 Guide to SNAP & Food Assistance in Colorado: How to Qualify & Apply
Struggling to keep up with the rising cost of groceries in Colorado? You aren't alone. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—formerly known as food stamps—is a vital resource that helps thousands of Coloradans put healthy food on the table. Because rules and income limits change every year, we’ve updated this guide with the 2026 SNAP requirements to help you understand if you qualify and how to get help with your application. What is SNAP and How Does it Work?
Kelly Kropf
Jan 163 min read


Here’s to More Moments of Compassion in 2026
Cari Frank speaks about the importance of compassion, hope, and support in 2026!

Cari Frank
Jan 63 min read


🧐 SSDI vs. SSI vs. SSR: Your Essential Guide to Social Security Benefits
Whether you're planning for retirement or facing a sudden disability, understanding the Social Security Administration (SSA) programs— Social Security Retirement (SSR), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) —is critical. This guide breaks down the core differences, eligibility requirements, and the complex process of applying for disability benefits, so you know exactly where to start your journey. Want to watch our f ull Social
Rachel Wise
Dec 10, 20254 min read


Benefit Updates & Changes Webinar - 11/19/2025
Learn about updates and changes to food and health-related benefits as a result of the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Act . Benefits in Action is a nonprofit organization located in Colorado that serves individuals throughout the state. We strive to increase understanding, access, and utilization of healthcare resources. Our team of navigators works with individuals to help them recognize the health-related benefits they qualify for, apply to those benefits, and utilize them as e
Rachel Wise
Nov 19, 20251 min read


Benefits Planning 101 Webinar - 9/4/2025
Watch this webinar to better understand how work may impact your clients' benefits and how they can receive support from Benefits in Action.
Rachel Wise
Nov 19, 20251 min read
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