Senior benefits in Crittenden County, Arkansas

The East Arkansas Area Agency on Aging (EAAAA) in Jonesboro serves Crittenden 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 Crittenden 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 Crittenden County office, 2003 W. Broadway, West Memphis, on Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:30–11:30 and 1:00–3:00, or call 870-400-4023.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of County Operations serves Crittenden County at the Crittenden County office at 401 South College Boulevard, West Memphis (phone 870-732-5170). 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

Baptist Memorial Hospital-Crittenden in West Memphis takes part in the Baptist Hospital Financial Assistance Policy, which helps uninsured and underinsured patients pay for emergency or medically necessary care. For uninsured patients, discounts range from 50% to 100% on a sliding scale based on family size and income under the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Complete a Financial Assistance Application with the required personal and financial information and return it, with supporting documents, to the hospital's business office within 240 days of the first bill. Call 877-348-1281 or email FAP@BMHCC.org.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

North East Arkansas Transit (NEAT), run by Crowley's Ridge Development Council, provides affordable rural transportation in Crittenden County and other Northeast Arkansas counties. Rides can be for shopping, medical visits, socialization, work, school or public services. Hours are 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 48 hours ahead; rides are scheduled first come, first served. To schedule, call (870) 802-7105 or 1 (866) 336-3691.

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