Senior benefits in Pope County, Arkansas

The Area Agency on Aging of West Central Arkansas serves Pope 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 Pope County: Pope County Senior Center, 1010 N. Rochester Ave, Russellville, 479-968-5039. 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 Pope 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 Pope County is at 701 North Denver, Russellville, AR 72801-3403. It is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 479-968-5596. 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

Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center in Russellville has a Financial Assistance Program for patients who are uninsured (no health insurance and not eligible for Medicare, Medicaid or public assistance) or under-insured (insurance that does not cover the current bill). You must complete a Financial Assistance Application with at least two income documents. If approved, you sign an agreement to pay the reduced part of your bill in monthly installments. You can apply before your date of service and up to four months after. Call the hospital business office at 479-968-2841, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Charity care is set by the hospital's financial assistance program; the hospital makes the final award decision.

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 Pope 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