FAQs

The Appalachian Council of Governments (ACOG) serves Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Oconee, Pickens, and Spartanburg counties. 

There are four (4) major components of the AAA. The programs are: Ombudsman, Information Referral & Assistance and Benefits Counseling, I-CARE, and the Family Caregiver Program.

The AAA was established to assist the elderly and the disabled community over the age of 18 years of age. The AAA serves the Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Oconee, Pickens, and Spartanburg counties. Should you have questions about an area outside our region, we can direct you to the appropriate representative. See each program description for specific qualifications to access services. 

Insurance Counseling Assistance and Referrals for Elders Program (I-CARE).  I-CARE is federally funded to provide health insurance counseling for Medicare, Medicare Supplement, Medicare Savings program, Medicare Advantage Plans and Senior Medicare Fraud programs. The assistance is provided through a SHIP (State Health Insurance Program) counselor.

Ombudsmen are dedicated to enhancing the lives of long term care residents
Ombudsmen
•Advocate for residents rights and quality care
•Educate consumers and providers
•Resolve residents' complaints
•Provide information to the public

The Family Caregiver Program can provide the following services to caregivers:

• Information about available services in their area
• Assistance in gaining access to services in their area
• Counseling
• Assistance in organizing support groups
• Training
• Limited short-term financial help for
• Respite care
• Supplemental supplies

As the title implies, we provide information on questions that you have about resources in your community. We may ask you questions about your finances, household make up, age, military service and other information that will assist us in determining whether you would qualify for a specific program. If you do, either a direct referral will be made or the contact information/application will be provided to you.

No, although there are services that may be accessed through providers that contract with us or distributed through our office. They are:

• County Councils on Aging (services may vary per county)
• Nutritional meals through congregate sites
• Home delivered meals
• Homemaker services
• Case management services
• Minor home repair
• Evidence based wellness programs
• Legal Services - Provides free civil legal services for low income residents of SC (no criminal cases are accepted)
• On-line library of publications providing information for common legal issues and recommendations for action
• Farmer’s Market Voucher
• Provides vouchers to low-income seniors generally defined as individuals who are at least 60 years old for use at local farmers' markets