A family caregiver is an unpaid relative, partner, friend, or neighbor who provides physical, emotional, or financial assistance to someone with a chronic illness, disability, or age-related condition. In Santa Clara County, family caregivers can access different respite options in order to have access to in-home care agencies or short-term facility stays to alleviate caregiving stress and prevent caregiver burnout 

Informal family caregivers may qualify for assistance through Sourcewise’s Family Caregiver Support Program, which connects caregivers to respite services, case management, support groups, and community resources. The Caregivers Network by Sourcewise offers short-term care grants up to $1,000 for eligible informal caregivers, with no insurance or income restrictions. 

Care recipients receiving Medi-Cal through Anthem can qualify for Sourcewise Community Supports – Respite. Care recipients must be dependent on care that is regularly provided by an informal caregiver, whether that is a relative, friend, or neighbor. Respite can be provided either in the home or out of the home at an adult day center at no cost to the family.  

Whether paid for out-of-pocket or by Medi-Cal, adult day programs often function as valuable outlets for both older adults and their caregivers. These programs offer social activities, meals, recreation, and supervision during daytime hours, helping older adults stay engaged while their caregivers work or take a much-needed break. 

Lastly, care recipients receiving Medi-Cal can qualify for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS). Available through the Santa Clara County Social Services Agency, this Medi-Cal program helps pay for home care providers to relieve family members or allows the family caregiver to receive financial compensation. 

For more information on family caregiver respite resources, contact a Community Resource Specialist at (408) 350-3200, option 1. 

Sourcewise is proud to announce the launch of our new Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), helping to expand access to vital public benefits and support services for individuals and families throughout Santa Clara County. 

The Benefits Enrollment Center is designed to help older adults and caregivers navigate the often-complex benefits application process and connect with programs that can improve their quality of life. 

Our experienced staff can provide personalized assistance by helping clients: 

• Determine eligibility for available benefits 
• Complete and submit applications 
• Gather required documentation 
• Navigate renewals and reporting requirements 
• Access additional community resources and support services 

By offering one-on-one guidance, Sourcewise helps reduce barriers that often prevent individuals from receiving the benefits and services for which they may qualify. 

In addition to providing enrollment assistance for programs like Medi-Cal and CalFresh, the Benefits Enrollment Center connects residents with a variety of community programs that address basic needs and promote long-term stability and well-being. 

The launch of the Benefits Enrollment Center reflects Sourcewise’s ongoing commitment to empowering our community through accessible services, trusted guidance, and meaningful support. 

Wondering what benefits you qualify for? Reach out by calling (408) 350-3200, option 1 or emailing community@mysourcewise.com to get connected with a specialist. 

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs October 15 – December 7, 2026, for health coverage starting January 1, 2027. This is the time when Medicare beneficiaries can review their health and drug plans and make changes to better fit their needs. 

Every fall, Medicare Advantage and Part D plans may change premiums, benefits, or costs. You will receive an Annual Notice of Change in September. During AEP you can: 

• Enroll in, switch, or drop a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. 
• Join or change a Medicare Advantage (Part C) HMO or PPO plan. 
• Return to Original Medicare and add a Part D plan or Medigap for greater provider choice. 

What’s expected in 2027: 

• Part D Drug Cost Protection Continues: Medicare’s prescription drug redesign continues in 2027, including a yearly out‑of‑pocket cap (estimated around $2,400 in 2027, up from $2,100 in 2026). After you reach the cap, you pay nothing for covered Part D drugs for the rest of the year.
• Medicare Advantage Plan Changes: Plans may adjust benefits, provider networks, and costs each year. New federal rules for 2027 also update how plans are rated for quality (Star Ratings) and how they communicate with enrollees.  
• More Focus on Quality of Care: Medicare is refining its Star Ratings system to emphasize health outcomes and patient experience, which may affect how plans perform and the benefits they offer.  
• Medi‑Cal Enrollment Limits: California has paused new enrollment for certain undocumented adults. Current Medi‑Cal members can keep their coverage as long as they remain eligible and complete renewal requirements.  
• Medi‑Cal Asset Test in Effect: Medi‑Cal now includes an asset limit of $130,000 for an individual, with additional amounts allowed for household members.  
• Annual Medi‑Cal Renewals: Medi‑Cal members must complete annual renewals. Coverage could end if eligibility requirements are no longer met, or paperwork is not returned on time. 

How to prepare: 

• Create a Medicare.gov account to review prescriptions and coverage. 
• Ask HICAP about Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) to lower Part D costs; many Medi-Cal beneficiaries qualify automatically. Bring a list of current medications to appointments and watch your mailbox for your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) in September.

Get support with the Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) by Sourcewise. They offer free, unbiased counseling by phone, video, or in person at community locations. During AEP, HICAP offers presentations titled 

“Medicare’s 2026 Annual Enrollment Period and Updates for 2027” via Zoom and at community sites across Santa Clara County. To attend, visit mysourcewise.com/calendar. To schedule a one-on-one session, call (408) 350-3288.

Every August, National Wellness Month reminds us that health isn’t just about the body, but the mind too.  The mind helps hold everything together, from your habits to your decisions. 

Take a moment to slow down, prioritize sleep, move around a little more, drink water, and evaluate your mental health. Small choices make as much of an impact as the big ones. 

Whether it’s going for a walk or simply taking a moment for yourself, your wellness should be a priority every day. 

This month isn’t about perfection; it’s about checking in. Take one small step today, and your future self will thank you. 

For more information, contact a Community Resource Specialist at (408) 350-3200, option 1. 

We’re excited to announce that beginning with the Summer 2026 edition, our newsletter has been refreshed to reflect our updated branding and to highlight our new mission, vision, and values. As part of that, we have introduced QR codes into our newsletter to increase awareness about important resources available online. To access them, simply open the camera app on your phone, scan the QR code, and tap the link when it appears on your screen. 

Whether you are a long-time reader or a first-time reader, we invite you to:  

Join us in our mission to advocate, plan, and deliver equitable services for older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers using a person-centered approach to enhance independence and quality of life. 

Share our vision for a Santa Clara County that has a comprehensive and integrated service system that respects individual dignity and fosters thriving communities. 

Champion the values that make us Sourcewise 

We:

• Focus on person-centered practices and processes
• Believe that individuals are integral assets to our communities 
• Respect individual rights, responsibilities, and diversity 
• Are committed to providing just and equitable services and supports 
• Believe that collaborative partnerships with stakeholders are essential 
• Cultivate innovative thinking and an entrepreneurial spirit 
• Are thoughtful stewards of all resources 
• Are transparent 
• Respect the talent and contributions of our diverse workforce 

We’re excited to welcome this new chapter for Sourcewise as we continue helping older adults, caregivers, and families thrive throughout Santa Clara County.