Caring for an aging parent or preparing for your own future care can feel like a financial puzzle with too many missing pieces. Most people assume elderly care is just plain expensive, and unfortunately, they’re often right. Assisted living, home care, memory care, and prescription management can quickly drain savings, even for middle-class families.
What few realize is that a surprising number of discounts, waivers, and benefits exist, yet they’re rarely advertised. Even seasoned social workers, caregivers, and elder law professionals overlook them. The result? Families pay full price for services that could’ve cost hundreds less per month.
Here are 12 hidden elderly care discounts that could dramatically reduce your expenses if you know where to look.
1. State-Based Home Care Waivers
Most states offer home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers that provide in-home care at little to no cost, but few families even know to ask. These waivers are designed to delay or prevent nursing home placement, saving the state money and improving the quality of life for seniors.
Each state has different eligibility rules and service offerings, which is why they’re often missed even by professionals. Some cover adult day care, housekeeping help, meal delivery, and even respite care for family caregivers. These programs aren’t always easy to find. Start with your state’s Medicaid office and ask specifically about HCBS waivers. Applying may take some paperwork, but the savings can be in the thousands annually.
2. Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefit
If your loved one served in the military (even decades ago), they may qualify for the Veterans Aid & Attendance (A&A) pension. This benefit provides monthly payments to help cover in-home care, assisted living, or skilled nursing costs.
Many families don’t realize that A&A is separate from regular VA healthcare. Widowed spouses of veterans can also qualify. It’s not unusual for this benefit to add $1,000–$2,000 per month to a senior’s income, but it’s grossly underutilized because few veterans know it exists. If your family member served during wartime (even if they never saw combat), you should absolutely explore this option.
3. Pharmacy Loyalty and Assistance Programs
Major pharmacy chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid offer discount programs specifically for seniors, but enrollment isn’t automatic. These programs can provide serious price breaks on both prescription and over-the-counter medications.
In addition to in-store savings, many pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs (PAPs) that reduce or eliminate costs for brand-name drugs. These often require proof of income and a doctor’s signature, but the savings are well worth the effort. Some medications can be entirely free for qualifying seniors. Ask the pharmacist if there’s a loyalty or manufacturer-sponsored program tied to each prescription.
4. Property Tax Exemptions for Elderly Homeowners
Older adults who own their homes may qualify for significant property tax relief through local exemptions, freezes, or reductions. These programs are often administered at the county level and may not be promoted outside of annual mailings.
Requirements vary by state but usually include age thresholds (typically 65+) and income limits. Even a partial exemption can save hundreds or thousands per year, freeing up funds for care-related costs like mobility devices, transportation, or part-time help. Don’t wait for a notice in the mail. Call your county assessor’s office directly and ask.
5. Energy Bill Discounts and Utility Waivers
Utility companies in many states offer reduced-rate programs for seniors, particularly those on fixed incomes. These can include discounts on electricity, gas, water, or heating oil, and often, eligibility is tied to income or participation in other government programs.
Some even offer weatherization assistance to help reduce energy consumption through better insulation, new windows, or energy-efficient appliances. These upgrades can be completely free through local nonprofits or federal programs like LIHEAP. Check with your local utility provider’s website for “senior discounts” or “low-income support” and apply annually if needed.
6. Transit Passes and Paratransit Services
Public transportation authorities frequently provide discounted or even free rides for seniors, yet many never apply. Additionally, paratransit options offer door-to-door rides for individuals who can’t access traditional buses or trains due to physical or cognitive limitations.
This can be a huge help for elderly individuals who no longer drive or live far from city centers. Many cities allow caregivers to ride along for free, and medical appointment rides can be scheduled in advance. Skip the Uber bills and check your local transit authority’s senior fare programs.
7. Meal Delivery at Little to No Cost
Programs like Meals on Wheels and other local nonprofit services offer free or heavily subsidized meals for older adults. While they’re often positioned as need-based, many programs have no strict income restrictions, just an age cutoff.
This can ease both nutritional concerns and caregiving stress, especially if you’re juggling work and elder care. Some services even provide culturally tailored meals or diabetic-friendly menus. Inquire with your local Area Agency on Aging for meal programs in your region.
8. Low-Cost Legal Help for End-of-Life Planning
Many seniors delay or avoid critical legal paperwork, like wills, powers of attorney, and advance directives because they assume it’s expensive. But across the U.S., state bar associations and elder law clinics provide low-cost or even free legal services for older adults.
You can often get legally binding documents created or reviewed at no cost through these programs. In many areas, legal aid organizations also offer workshops and clinics focused on end-of-life planning. Ask your state bar or local senior center for referrals to elder law resources.
9. Discounted Hearing Aids Through Nonprofits
Hearing aids are notoriously expensive and rarely covered by insurance, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay full price. Organizations like the Hearing Aid Project or Lions Club often provide refurbished hearing devices for little to no cost.
Some manufacturers also offer sliding-scale pricing or pilot programs for seniors on limited budgets. The catch? These programs are rarely promoted by audiologists, who may prefer to push full-price models. Don’t be afraid to ask about assistance programs during your next hearing test.
10. Overlooked Discounts from AARP and AAA
Both AARP and AAA offer a surprisingly long list of senior-focused discounts, but many members never take full advantage. From medical alert systems to home modification services and even assisted living discounts, benefits often extend far beyond roadside assistance or hotel deals.
If your loved one is a member, take time to explore the “healthcare” and “home services” sections on their websites. Some discounts are automatic with membership, while others require coupon codes or direct contact with the provider. It’s low-hanging fruit that can add up fast.
11. Special Dental Discounts Through Dental Schools
Senior dental care is costly, and most Medicare plans don’t cover it. But dental schools across the country offer cleanings, fillings, and even denture fittings at deeply discounted rates through their training clinics.
While appointments may take longer, the care is overseen by licensed professionals, and the savings can be massive—sometimes 50–70% off. These services are open to the public and often accept seniors without insurance. Search “[your city] dental school clinic” to find options near you.
12. Tech Support for Seniors (Without the Price Tag)
Tech literacy is becoming essential for managing appointments, telehealth, and even banking—but paid tech help can be pricey. Fortunately, many libraries, senior centers, and nonprofits now offer free or low-cost workshops to teach older adults how to use smartphones, tablets, and apps safely.
These programs often partner with tech companies or local colleges, and some even provide refurbished devices to seniors in need. Helping a senior loved one gain digital independence can reduce long-term dependence on others for basic communication and care management. Ask local community centers about digital inclusion programs for older adults.
Start Saving, Even If You’re Late to the Game
Elderly care is one of the most stressful and expensive responsibilities many families face, but the truth is, no one should have to go it alone or go broke doing it. These 12 overlooked discounts and assistance programs are proof that real relief exists. You just have to know where to look.
Even if social workers, doctors, or agencies haven’t mentioned them, take charge by asking the right questions, calling local offices, and exploring community-based solutions. You might be surprised by how many benefits are hiding in plain sight.
Have you used any of these hidden discounts or found others worth sharing? What surprised you most about these lesser-known savings?
Read More:
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Riley is an Arizona native with over nine years of writing experience. From personal finance to travel to digital marketing to pop culture, she’s written about everything under the sun. When she’s not writing, she’s spending her time outside, reading, or cuddling with her two corgis.