Senior benefits in Mississippi County, Arkansas

The East Arkansas Area Agency on Aging (EAAAA) in Jonesboro serves Mississippi 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 with home energy bills. In Mississippi County, the Mississippi County, Arkansas Economic Opportunity Commission (MCAEOC) takes LIHEAP applications. Winter Regular and Crisis help opens in January, and Summer Regular and Crisis help opens the first Monday after the July 4 holiday. You can apply online or download an application for an in-person visit. Payments go directly to the home energy supplier. Call the central office at 1400 N. Division Street, Blytheville, at 870-776-1054.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of County Operations serves Mississippi County at the Mississippi County office at 1104 Byrum Road, Blytheville (phone 870-763-7093). 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

Mississippi County Hospital System runs Great River Medical Center in Blytheville and SMC Regional Medical Center in Osceola. Its Patient Financial Assistance policy helps low-income uninsured and underinsured patients with charity care and discounted hospital charges. You may qualify if you are uninsured, or if you have trouble paying an insurance co-payment or deductible for hospital services. Fill out the online Financial Application on the hospital system's website, or call (870) 838-7300 and ask for help with financial assistance.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

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