Senior benefits in Marshall County, Alabama

The Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments (TARCOG) runs the Area Agency on Aging for DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison and Marshall counties, including Marshall County. It plans and funds services that help people over 60 stay independent. Services include information and referral, caregiver support, legal help, the long-term care ombudsman, senior centers, nutrition and home-delivered meals, transportation, case management, and homemaker and personal care. Call 256-830-0818 for senior or disability services, or to make a referral.

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

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay home energy bills. In Marshall County, LIHEAP applications are taken by the Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama. Household income for the previous month must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. Make an appointment on the agency's website or call 256-638-4430. The Marshall County office is at 8180 A US Highway 431, Albertville. Help depends on available funds.

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

Marshall Medical Centers (hospitals in Boaz and Guntersville), part of Huntsville Hospital Health System (HH Health), offer financial assistance for hospital care. Under the policy, patients at or below 200% of the federal poverty level get a 100% discount, and patients between 200% and 300% get a sliding-scale discount and a payment plan. All uninsured, private-pay patients can get a 50% discount if they pay before the bill reaches bad-debt write-off (about 120 days). Call 256-571-8125, or 256-753-8125 in the Arab area, for help applying.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Marshall County Council on Aging gives seniors safe rides to senior center activities, hot meals, social programs, and special outings. It runs seven senior centers in Albertville, Arab, Boaz, Douglas, Grant, Guntersville and Martling. Call 256-571-7805 to ask about a ride.

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