Senior benefits in Craighead County, Arkansas

The East Arkansas Area Agency on Aging (EAAAA) in Jonesboro serves Craighead County and 11 other counties in Northeast Arkansas. Its senior services include care coordinators who help plan care, home care services, home care for veterans, private-pay care, wellness programs, senior centers, an ombudsman for people in long-term care, and personal emergency response systems (PERS). Its Family Caregiver Support Program offers respite, support groups, training, family mediation and legal assistance. Call 800-467-3278, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

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

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households pay utility bills. In Craighead County, Crowley's Ridge Development Council (CRDC) takes LIHEAP applications. Regular Assistance is a one-time payment per household per program season, and Crisis Assistance helps when a shut-off is near or service is already cut off. Payments generally go straight to the utility. Apply in person at the Craighead County office, 2114 N. Church Street, Jonesboro, on Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:30–11:30 and 1:00–3:00, or call 870-802-7100.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of County Operations serves Craighead County at the Craighead County office at 1600 Browns Lane Access Road, Jonesboro (phone 870-972-1732). Offices are open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. DHS county offices process applications for Health Care (Medicaid), SNAP food help and TEA. You can also apply and manage your benefits online at Access.Arkansas.gov. For questions about a case, the Division of County Operations line is 501-682-8375 or 855-372-1084.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, part of St. Bernards Healthcare, offers financial assistance to people who are uninsured, underinsured, not eligible for government programs, have low income, or otherwise cannot pay for medically necessary care. Download the financial assistance summary, policy (policy #1206) and application from the St. Bernards website, and mail the completed application to St. Bernards Medical Center P.O. Box 1713 Jonesboro, AR, 72403-1713. For help, ask an admissions representative or call a financial counselor at 870.207.7227.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

GOJO, the City of Jonesboro's public transit system (formerly Jonesboro Economical Transit, or JET), runs fixed-route buses and paratransit across Jonesboro, including service to Arkansas State University. Fixed-route fares are $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for senior citizens 65 and older and Medicare riders; paratransit is $2.50. Ask for the discounted fare and show valid identification when boarding. Paratransit is for riders with a functional mobility limitation who cannot use the fixed-route bus, and riders must qualify. Call GOJO at 870-935-5387. Rural riders elsewhere in Craighead County can also call North East Arkansas Transit (NEAT).

Estimated service value: $100–$1,000 a year