Senior benefits in Monroe County, Alabama

The Alabama-Tombigbee Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging (ATRC Aging) serves Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Marengo, Monroe, Perry, Sumter, Washington, and Wilcox counties, including Monroe County. It is the area's Aging and Disability Resource Center, the starting point for long-term services for seniors and people with disabilities and their caregivers. Programs include Medicaid waiver home care, Alabama CARES caregiver support, in-home services, legal services, a long-term care ombudsman, senior centers and meals, SenioRx prescription help, and Medicare counseling (State Health Insurance Program). Call 334-682-5206 or toll-free 888-617-0500, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

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

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay home heating and cooling bills. In Monroe County, LIHEAP applications are taken by Community Action Agency of South Alabama, the Community Action Agency that the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) lists for Baldwin, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Marengo, Monroe and Wilcox counties. ADECA does not take applications. Call the LIHEAP call center at 877-246-7836 to set up an appointment (the main office in Daphne is 251-626-2646). Bring proof of income, Social Security cards, a photo ID, and a recent energy bill. Help depends on available funds.

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

Monroe County Hospital in Monroeville has a Financial Assistance Program for uninsured patients. Household income must be at or below 400% of the federal poverty guidelines, and cash savings must be under Medicaid limits. People without coverage must first apply for Medicaid and show a denial; hospital staff will help with the Medicaid application. Patients who qualify pay no more than 40% of gross charges, and many pay less. Call the financial counselor at 251-743-7376, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Alabama-Tombigbee Regional Commission's rural transportation program gives demand-response rides to the general public of all ages in Clarke, Conecuh, Monroe and Wilcox counties, including Monroe County. It also takes older adults to the Area Agency on Aging nutrition centers. Call the transportation coordinator for Conecuh, Monroe and Wilcox counties at 334-682-6128 at least 24 hours ahead to schedule. Be ready 15 minutes before pickup, and bring the exact fare — drivers do not carry change. Personal care attendants ride free.

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