Senior benefits in Independence County, Arkansas

White River Area Agency on Aging (WRAAA), based in Batesville, is the Area Agency on Aging for Independence County. It offers in-home care by trained Home Care Assistants working under a Registered Nurse (bathing and personal care, meal help, medication reminders, light housekeeping, laundry, errands and rides to appointments, and relief for caregivers), care management, a Family Caregiver Program, a personal emergency response system, and veteran programs. Through senior centers in Independence County and the rest of its area it offers noon meals, home-delivered meals for people who cannot leave home, wellness classes and rides to the center, grocery stores and pharmacies. Some help may be limited by funding. The Independence County office is at 541 Barnett Drive, Batesville. Call 870-793-5358 or toll-free 1-877-612-3652. The main office line is 870-612-3000 (toll-free 1-800-382-3205).

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

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps households with home energy bills: heating costs in the winter and cooling costs in the summer. In Independence County, Northcentral Arkansas Development Council (NADC) takes LIHEAP applications. Its office is at 1900 Lyon St., Batesville; call 870-793-5765. Arkansas LIHEAP pays a regular benefit based on household income, household size and the type of energy used, and a crisis benefit that can prevent a shut-off, restore service, or provide fuel when it has run out. Applications are taken first-come, first-served, typically from January to April 30 and from July to September 30 each year. Apply through this agency, not the Arkansas Energy Office. LIHEAP never charges a fee to apply.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) county office for Independence County is at 100 Weaver Avenue, Batesville, AR 72501-7393. It is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 870-698-1876. DHS county offices are run by the Division of County Operations, which processes applications for public assistance. You can apply for health care (Medicaid) and SNAP food benefits at your local county office, or apply and manage benefits online at Access.Arkansas.gov.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

White River Medical Center in Batesville is part of White River Health, which gives financial assistance for emergency or medically necessary care. Eligibility is based on household income and family size, not insurance status or citizenship. If your family income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you may qualify for free care (a 100% discount). If it is between 151% and 300%, you may qualify for a partial discount. You, a family member, or your provider can ask for help at any time during your care. For free help applying, call the Financial Advocates at 870-262-1253, or visit a Financial Counselor Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at White River Medical Center (1st Floor, West Entrance). If you do not qualify, payment plans may be arranged.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year