Senior benefits in Cross County, Arkansas

The East Arkansas Area Agency on Aging (EAAAA) in Jonesboro serves Cross 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 Cross 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 Cross County office, 325 Magnolia Street, Wynne, on Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:30–11:30 and 1:00–3:00, or call 870-238-2726.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of County Operations serves Cross County at the Cross County office at 803 East Highway 64, Wynne (phone 870-238-8553). 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

CrossRidge Community Hospital in Wynne, 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 #1506) and application from the St. Bernards website, and mail the completed application to CrossRidge Community Hospital P.O. Box 1713 Jonesboro, AR 72403-1713. For help, ask an admissions representative or call a financial counselor at 888.339.2904.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

North East Arkansas Transit (NEAT), run by Crowley's Ridge Development Council, provides affordable rural transportation in Cross 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