Sometimes it's too easy. . .or the tale of 2-1-1

A story in today’s Enterprise (page 5A, Tuesday, Jan. 30) shares information about a great program for readers 60 or older who need a health maintenance device not covered by their insurance.

That might be something like a hearing aid, walkers, shower stools, dentures or glasses. A federal grant program is available to help purchase those items for people in Hardin, Jefferson and Orange counties, if they were living here before Hurricane Rita and still live here.

All that is wonderful. The confusion is in how they might apply for that aid. They simply call 2-1-1. Yes, that’s the same 2-1-1 number that has been linked to emergency evacuation information, the same 2-1-1 that has been used for other programs for the aging. Just 2-1-1.

The Enterprise has nothing to do with administering the program, nor is the weary reporter whose phone number appears at the end of the story taking the applications herself – and she can’t transfer callers to extension 211.

So, if you, or a family member, or a friend or neighbors are interested in the program, please pursue it. It’s a great opportunity for seniors to save some money on medical costs.

Just call 2-1-1.