Senior benefits in Yuma County, Colorado

The Northeastern Colorado Association of Local Governments (NECALG) is the Area Agency on Aging for Region 1, which includes Yuma 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 Yuma County can get a LEAP application or help applying from the Yuma County Department of Social Services. The state LEAP page says applications are taken November 1 through April 30. Call 970-332-4877, or apply online through Colorado PEAK.

$200–$1,000/yr

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Yuma County can apply for financial assistance at Yuma Hospital & Clinics (Yuma District Hospital) 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 Yuma 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 Yuma 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