Caregiving takes more than time. It takes money. And many people don't realize until they're in a caregiving crisis that Medicare, the primary source of health care coverage for older people, doesn't pay for most long-term care services. It covers nursing home and home health care, but only under certain circumstances and for a limited time.

For the basics on how Medicare and Medicaid work, go to the government Websites www.Medicare.gov and www.hcfa.gov.

People often confuse Medicare and Medicaid. Medicaid is the state and federal health care program for the poor, and it, not Medicare, covers long-term nursing home care.

Medicaid rules vary state by state. In Florida, Medicaid pays for home care, but only for people on the verge of going to a nursing home. It covers some assisted living facilities, too.

For a description of the various Medicare and Medicaid services in Florida, including HMOs, home care and prescription drug programs, go to Medicare And Health Insurance For Elders.

The Department of Children and Families handles Medicaid eligibility question through its adult payment offices.
• Hillsborough, (813) 558-5580
• Pinellas (727)552-1330
• West Pasco (727) 834-3900
• East Pasco, (352) 521-1290

Much of what you'll need, you'll have to pay for with your own money, so make sure the senior you're helping is receiving all the Social Security he's entitled to. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or go to www.ssa.gov.

It's also essential to determine if your loved one is eligible for health care coverage through a private pension plan or retirement package. There's a statwide program of volunteers who help older people with Medicare and private insurance issues.
• SHINE, Pinellas and Pasco, (727) 576-1533
• SHINE, Hillsborough and Polk, (813) 740-3888.

For more information about SHINE and statewide health and insurance programs, check the state Department of Elder Affairs website, www.state.fl.us/doea.

If you're caring for a veteran or veteran's dependent, he or she may be eligible for a range of benefits. Call the regional U.S. Veteran's Affairs office to find out who to call in your area, 1-800-827-1000. Some counties also have veterans offices to help veterans and their family members file claims. In Hillsborough, call (813) 975-2181; Pinellas, (727) 464-8460; Pasco, (727) 834-3282.

The national Alzheimer's Association offers cash grants to Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers who have emergency expenses. For more information, call the American Health Assistance Foundation, 1-800-437-2423 or check its website, www.ahaf.org.

Long-term care insurance is the answer for some people, depending on their age and health, though old age doesn't necessarily rule out long-term care insurance. SHINE counselors can help you with their "Long-Term Care Insurance Self-Assessment Guide." For more information, call the Florida Department of Insurance, 1-800-342-2762 and ask for its booklet, "Options for Lifelong Care."

If you need help with a loved ones taxes, call the AARP for information about its Tax Aid Program, (727) 571-2277. The Internal Revenue Service also offers free help to seniors. Call 1-800-829-1040.

Other Web resources:
• Department of Veterans Affairs, www.va.gov
• National Association of Insurance Commissioners, www.naic.org
• Medicare of Florida Education and Outreach www.medicarefla.com
• Medicare Rights Center www.medicarerights.org