Senior benefits in Calhoun County, Alabama

The East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (EARPDC) runs the Area Agency on Aging for 10 counties in east Alabama, including Calhoun County. Its Aging and Disability Resource Center helps adults 60 and older, people with disabilities, and family caregivers find services. Programs include senior centers and meals, Alabama Cares caregiver support, Medicaid Waiver in-home help, SHIP Medicare counseling, SenioRx prescription help, legal help for older adults, the long-term care ombudsman, and senior jobs. Call 256-237-6741 or 1-800-239-6741, or the Alabama Ageline at 1-800-243-5463.

Estimated service value: $200–$2,000 a year

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay home heating and cooling bills. In Calhoun County, LIHEAP applications are taken by the Community Action Agency of Talladega, Clay, Randolph, Calhoun, and Cleburne Counties. Household income must not be more than 150% of the federal poverty level, and the program targets older adults, people with disabilities, and young children. Call 256-362-6611 to ask how to apply or to check on an application. ADECA, the state office, does not take applications. Help depends on available funds.

Estimated bill savings: $280–$1,100 a year

Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Anniston offers financial assistance to uninsured and underinsured U.S. citizens who live in its five-county service area (Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Randolph, and Talladega). Family income must be less than 250% of the federal poverty guidelines, and discounts use a sliding scale and can reach 100% of the hospital bill. Patients with no insurance who are not on Medicare or Medicaid get a 65% discount, and payment plans are available on request. Call the RMC Business Office at 256-235-5475.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Calhoun County has public transit run by the East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission. Rural demand-response rides pick you up at home if you live outside the city limits of Anniston, Oxford, Hobson City, Weaver, Jacksonville, and Piedmont. Fixed-route buses serve Anniston and Oxford and reach into Weaver and Hobson City. They cost $0.50 for elderly riders and Medicare or Medicaid recipients. ADA paratransit serves people with disabilities who cannot use the bus and live in Anniston, Oxford, Weaver, Jacksonville, or Hobson City. It costs $1.00 each way after an application is approved. Call Anniston Limousine at 256-231-0010 to schedule. In Piedmont, call 256-310-9432.

Estimated service value: $150–$1,500 a year