Senior benefits in Washington County, Colorado

The Northeastern Colorado Association of Local Governments (NECALG) is the Area Agency on Aging for Region 1, which includes Washington County. It funds and provides services for adults 60 and over and their caregivers — help staying independent at home, nutrition programs, Medicare counseling, long-term care ombudsman help, and information and referral. Call 970-867-9409 (Area Agency on Aging, ext. 3001) to get started.

$200–$2,000/yr

Colorado's Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) helps pay part of winter heating costs. Residents of Washington County can get a LEAP application or help applying from the Washington County Department of Human Services. The state LEAP page says applications are taken November 1 through April 30. Call 970-345-2238, or apply online through Colorado PEAK.

$200–$1,000/yr

Washington County has no hospital. Yuma Hospital & Clinics in Yuma, which also runs the Akron Clinic in Washington County, offers financial assistance to uninsured and underinsured patients for emergency and medically necessary care. Under Colorado's Hospital Discounted Care law, patients with household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines can have their hospital bills limited and get an income-based payment plan. Call 970-848-4815 for help applying.

County Express, run by the Northeastern Colorado Association of Local Governments, gives curb-to-curb rides to the general public in northeastern Colorado, including Washington County — older adults, people with disabilities, and Medicaid trips. Seniors pay a reduced rate, and the Area Agency on Aging may help with fares for medical trips. Call the Washington County dispatcher at 970-848-0300 before 5 pm, at least 24 hours ahead for local rides and 72 hours ahead for out-of-town rides.

$150–$1,500/yr