Senior benefits in Conway County, Arkansas

The Area Agency on Aging of West Central Arkansas serves Conway County from its Morrilton office at 810 East Harding. Its services include case management, Medicare counseling, in-home care, family caregiver support, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Senior Companion Program, senior centers, transportation, Meals on Wheels, information and assistance, and veteran assistance. Senior centers are free for people 60 and older (some ask for a donation) and serve a hot lunch; home-delivered meals are available for people who cannot leave home. Senior center in Conway County: T.C. Vaughan Senior Center, 706 N. Division St., Morrilton, 501-354-0502. Call the Morrilton office at 800-467-2173.

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

The Economic Opportunity Agency of Washington County (EOA), based in Springdale, is the interim LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) provider for Conway County. Its LIHEAP area covers Conway, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Perry, Polk, Pope, Scott, Yell and Washington Counties. LIHEAP helps low-income households with energy costs in winter and summer. Ways to apply: online, in person with an appointment, or by drop box at the EOA LIHEAP office at 614 E. Emma in Springdale. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. to noon. Call 479-872-7479 for an appointment, or email liheap@eoawc.org. The summer program is closed for now. LIHEAP never charges a fee to apply.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) office for Conway County is at #2 Bruce Street, Morrilton, AR 72110-0228. It is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 501-354-2418. DHS county office staff process applications for assistance. You can apply for Health Care (Medicaid), SNAP food benefits and TEA, and manage your benefits, online at Access.Arkansas.gov. For people 65 and older, DHS Health Care programs include full Medicaid coverage for those who meet income and resource rules, the Medicare Savings Program, nursing home care, Living Choices assisted living and ARChoices in-home care.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

CHI St. Vincent Morrilton, part of CommonSpirit Health, offers financial assistance for medically necessary care to patients who are uninsured or underinsured. With family income up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, you may get a 100% discount on eligible hospital services; with income between 201% and 400%, your bill may be reduced to the Amount Generally Billed. You need a balance of $10 or more, must try other ways to pay first, and must complete a Financial Assistance Application with proof of income. Emergency care never requires advance payment. For help, contact Eligibility and Enrollment Services at 4 Hospital Dr, Morrilton, AR 72110, phone 844-286-5546.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Western Transit System (W.T.S.), run by the Area Agency on Aging of Western Arkansas, is a rural public transportation program for all residents of Conway County who need rides, including trips for shopping, personal needs, nutrition centers and work. Vans include wheelchair-accessible vans with ramps or lifts. Rides are shared and first come, first served. Schedule at least 48 business hours ahead, and up to one month in advance. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 479-424-2098 or toll free 855-642-0060. Rides cannot be scheduled by email.

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