Senior benefits in Johnson County, Arkansas

The Area Agency on Aging of West Central Arkansas serves Johnson County from its Russellville office at 915 S. Arkansas Avenue. Its services include case management, Medicare counseling, in-home care, family caregiver support, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Senior Companion Program, senior centers, transportation, Meals on Wheels, information and assistance, and veteran assistance. Senior centers are free for people 60 and older (some ask for a donation) and serve a hot lunch; home-delivered meals are available for people who cannot leave home. Senior center in Johnson County: Johnson County Senior Center, 1421 W Oakland St., Clarksville, 479-754-6148. Call the Russellville office at 800-467-2171.

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

The Economic Opportunity Agency of Washington County (EOA), based in Springdale, is the interim LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) provider for Johnson County. Its LIHEAP area covers Conway, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Perry, Polk, Pope, Scott, Yell and Washington Counties. LIHEAP helps low-income households with energy costs in winter and summer. Ways to apply: online, in person with an appointment, or by drop box at the EOA LIHEAP office at 614 E. Emma in Springdale. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. to noon. Call 479-872-7479 for an appointment, or email liheap@eoawc.org. The summer program is closed for now. LIHEAP never charges a fee to apply.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) office for Johnson County is at 900 South Rogers Avenue, Clarksville, AR 72830-1636. It is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 479-754-2355. DHS county office staff process applications for assistance. You can apply for Health Care (Medicaid), SNAP food benefits and TEA, and manage your benefits, online at Access.Arkansas.gov. For people 65 and older, DHS Health Care programs include full Medicaid coverage for those who meet income and resource rules, the Medicare Savings Program, nursing home care, Living Choices assisted living and ARChoices in-home care.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Johnson Regional Medical Center in Clarksville offers financial assistance and charity care for emergency and other medically necessary hospital care. Under its policy, applicants with household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines qualify for free care, and those between 201% and 300% may get partial charity on a sliding scale; assets under $8,000 (individual) or $12,000 (household) qualify for full charity. Uninsured patients automatically get a 45% discount. You must have lived in Arkansas for six months. Complete a Financial Assistance Application and return it to the Financial Counselor in the Admissions Department at 1100 E. Poplar St., Clarksville, or call the JRMC Business Office Financial Counselor at 479-754-5404. Approval lasts 90 days. The policy covers hospital charges only, not outside physicians.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Western Transit System (W.T.S.), run by the Area Agency on Aging of Western Arkansas, is a rural public transportation program for all residents of Johnson County who need rides, including trips for shopping, personal needs, nutrition centers and work. Vans include wheelchair-accessible vans with ramps or lifts. Rides are shared and first come, first served. Schedule at least 48 business hours ahead, and up to one month in advance. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 479-424-2098 or toll free 855-642-0060. Rides cannot be scheduled by email.

Estimated service value: $150–$1,500 a year