Senior benefits in Drew 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 110 East Gaines, Monticello (870-367-9873). Monticello Senior Citizens Center: 203 Henley Drive (870-367-2434). 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 Drew County is at 444 Highway 425 N, Monticello, AR 71657-1350. It is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Phone: 870-367-6835. 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

Baptist Health Medical Center-Drew County, at 778 Scogin Drive, Monticello, is part of Baptist Health and offers financial assistance (free or discounted care) for medically necessary care to patients who cannot pay. Under the Baptist Health financial assistance policy, households with income below 300% of the Federal Poverty Guideline can be considered for full financial assistance (no patient bill), and households above 300% but not over 400% get a sliding-scale discount. There is also an asset test: assets under $8,000 for one person or $12,000 for a household (not counting your home, one vehicle per person, retirement accounts, life insurance cash value or burial funds). People of all ages can apply, and patients who had Medicaid in the last 24 months may qualify without a full application. An approval covers charges for 60 days. Call a Baptist Health financial counselor at 870-460-3514, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

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