Senior benefits in Polk County, Arkansas

The Area Agency on Aging of Western Arkansas (AAAWA), based in Fort Smith, serves Polk County. Its services include caregiver programs, case management, elder housing, help for elder victims of crime, health promotion, home health, homemaker help, hospice, information and referral, the long-term care ombudsman program, personal care and transportation. Its 19 Senior Citizen Activity Centers offer group and home-delivered meals, social and recreation activities, rides, and information and assistance for people 60 and older or the spouse of someone 60 or older; there is no charge, and donations are welcome. AAAWA has offices in Fort Smith, Paris and Mena. Call the Fort Smith office at 479-783-4500 or toll free at 800-320-6667, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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 Polk 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 Polk County is at 1802 Hwy. 71 North, Mena, AR 71953. It is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 479-394-3100. 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

Mena Regional Health System, the city-owned hospital in Mena, offers financial assistance (charity care) for medically necessary services to patients who are uninsured or underinsured and cannot pay. Under its policy, patients with family income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines may have part or all of their bill written off, depending on savings and other assets, and those between 200% and 300% may qualify for reduced payments. You must apply for Medicaid first if you might qualify. Approval lasts 6 months. Uninsured patients can get up to a 40% discount when they pay in full. For help with the application, call the Patient Financial Counselor at 479-243-2333, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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 Polk 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