Senior benefits in Desha County, Arkansas

The Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas, based in Pine Bluff, serves older adults, caregivers and people with disabilities in this county. Its services include care coordination, home care, personal care, family caregiver support, in-home respite care, information and assistance, the long-term care ombudsman program, senior centers, transportation, Meals on Wheels, and help for veterans with personal care and health needs. Home Care and Care Management office at 900 W Oak St., McGehee (870-222-6960). McGehee Senior Citizens Center: 900 W Oak St. (870-222-3434). The main office number is 870-543-6300. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm. Most senior center and Meals on Wheels services are for people age 60 and older.

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

Southeast Arkansas Community Action Corporation (SEACAC) takes LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) applications for Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Desha and Drew Counties. LIHEAP helps pay heating bills in winter and cooling bills in summer for households that qualify by income. You can apply in person at any open SEACAC location during posted business hours. All 2026 applicants must fill out the long form application. People in subsidized housing whose utilities are included in the rent usually do not qualify. SEACAC's main office is at 1208 N. Myrtle St., Warren; phone 870-226-2668 (choose option 2), or call 800-679-4900 and leave a message. LIHEAP never charges a fee to apply.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) county office for Desha County is at 200 North First Street, McGehee, AR 71654-0111. It is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Phone: 870-222-4144. You can apply in person at a county office, or online, by mail or by phone, for SNAP food help, Medicaid and other health care programs, and TEA cash help. Online applications go through Access.Arkansas.gov. To get Medicaid help paying for nursing home care, send the application and needed documents to your local county office. To apply for programs that help seniors and adults with physical disabilities stay at home, such as ARChoices in Home Care, Independent Choices and Living Choices Assisted Living, contact your local county office. To talk with a counselor about these options, call the Choices in Living Resource Center at 1-866-801-3435.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

McGehee Hospital, at 900 S 3rd St. in McGehee, gives financial assistance to patients and families who meet its criteria. Anyone can apply, and each application is reviewed case by case. Financial assistance does not cover services provided outside the hospital. To apply, fill out the hospital's financial assistance application form (English or Spanish). The hospital also offers advocacy services that help patients apply for public medical benefits. For billing questions, call the Business Office at 870-690-4144.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Charity care is set by the hospital's financial assistance policy; McGehee Hospital makes the final award decision.

Southeast Arkansas Transportation (SEAT) is the rural public transit service run by the Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas, which serves this county. It offers door-to-door rides to medical appointments, pharmacies, grocery stores, work, places of worship and other community destinations. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available. Rides must be scheduled in advance; book at least 48 hours before your trip, as rides are usually first-come, first-served. Fares are generally based on the distance traveled. Call the agency at 870-543-6300 to schedule or ask about fares.

Estimated service value: about $0 a year