Since DEA became a cabinet-level agency in 1977, information and referral has been an
integral part of the programs and services the Department offers to help seniors, families
and caregivers ensure the independence and dignity of elders.
The DEA Customer Information Referral and Assistance Center (CIRAC) is staffed by
Customer Information Specialists who are trained to answer questions, provide information and
referral and offer counsel regarding the issues of growing older in Rhode Island. Some of these
issues may include health insurance, housing, medication assistance, Medicare and the Medicare
Prescription Drug Program (Medicare Part D) ,Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Assistance to the
Elderly (RIPAE) , Medicaid and other support programs and services.
Each year, CIRAC staff answers more than 25,000 consumer inquiries.
For information, call 462-4000 (Voice) or 462-0470 (TTY). |
Various senior centers and community sites across the state have Community
Information Specialists . They are trained by DEA to help seniors understand and deal with
issues such as heating and pharmacy assistance, Medicare , Medicaid, Social Security,
transportation, food stamps and many other programs and services. To locate the nearest
Community Information Specialist, call CIRAC at 462-4000 (Voice) or 462-0740 (TTY).
The Ask Rhody web site puts Rhode Island social service support programs at your fingertips.
When you click on www.askrhody.org you can get information on services for children and
families such as Rite Care, Food Stamps, the Family Independence Program or child care.
The web site also includes information on services for seniors and adults with disabilities
such as the Medicare Savings Program, Medicaid or General Public Assistance .
The Ask Rhody site also offers a listing of Department of Human Services offices and
telephone numbers Ask Rhody is funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services and the RI Department of Human Services .
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You may also wish to refer to the Pocket Manual of Elder
Services published by the
Department of Elderly Affairs for
additional information. To request a free copy of the
manual, to locate a Community Elder Information
Specialist or to speak with someone
in the Customer
Information, Assistance and Referral Center please call:
• The Department of Elderly Affairs at 462-4000 or
email: dea.state.ri.us
Additional information and support concerning individuals with a disability may be obtained
by contacting an independent living center.
For additional information please call:
P.A.R.I (People Actively Reaching Independence) at 725-1966.
OSCIL (Ocean State Center for Independent Living) at 738-1013
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Food Stamp Information Hotline 1-866-306-0270
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