Tom was suffering severe headaches and migraines after falling victim to an assault incident resulting in brain contusions. His neurologist recommended he sign up for a Missouri medical marijuana card to help treat the headache pain. Tom, willing to try anything to help ease the pain, attempted to register for a medical marijuana card, but instead found himself experiencing another headache.
The process to apply for a medical card is exclusively online, meaning individuals without internet access, a computer, and computer knowledge are left in the dark. “I don’t have a computer. I only use a smartphone, and the website was very confusing,” Tom tried tirelessly to access the site, which is maintained by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, through his phone and was unable to complete the process on his own. He called Aging Ahead for help. Alex, a Community Options Specialist, assisted Tom throughout the process. “I really could not have done it without Alex’s help. She was so calm and helpful. I’m so grateful for the time she spent making sure everything was done correctly!” exclaimed Tom.
Paper forms for this process were eliminated entirely, directly impacting the senior, low-income, and persons with disabilities populations. These populations are less likely to have access to the internet, a computer, and a scanner. Even with access, individuals must have at least an intermediate understanding of technology to complete the process. Aging Ahead’s Silver Haired Legislature (SHL) has recently proposed a bill to create non-computer alternatives (phone, mail, etc.) for seniors in Missouri E-Government. SHL advocates that these measures would ease anxiety for many seniors, support their confidence to perform necessary tasks, and avoid oversights or mistakes that could require the labor of many persons (including some in government) to remedy.
If you are having trouble registering online for the COVID-19 vaccine, a doctor-recommended medical marijuana card, or voter registration information, Aging Ahead can help!
Support Highlights
- Community Options and Services
- Silver Haired Legislature