Senior benefits in Clinton County, Iowa

Milestones Area Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Clinton County and 16 other counties in southeast Iowa. It helps older Iowans live safely and on their own at home. Services include information and assistance, options counseling, case management, nutrition programs such as home-delivered meals and Milestones Community Cafés, caregiver support (including respite care information and support groups), health and wellness classes, elder abuse prevention, and free SHIIP Medicare counseling. Home-delivered meals are for people age 60 and older (and their spouse of any age) who live where the meals are offered. Call the toll-free line at 855-410-6222. Offices are in Davenport (4440 Brady St., 563-324-9085), Burlington (509 Jefferson Street, 319-752-5433) and Ottumwa (635 E. Pennsylvania Ave.).

Estimated service value: $200–$2,000 a year

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help pay part of your winter heating costs if you meet income guidelines. In Clinton County, Community Action of Eastern Iowa takes LIHEAP applications. Starting October 1, households with someone 60 or older, someone living with a disability, a disconnection notice, power turned off, or a furnace not working properly may apply; the general public can apply from November 1 through April 30. You can apply by mail, by phone, online (from November 1), or in person at the Clinton office at 350 5th Ave N, Clinton. Call 563-324-3236.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has an office for Clinton County at 121 6th Ave S., Suite 200, Clinton. Phone: 563-242-0573. Iowa HHS says you can apply for SNAP food benefits and for Medicaid health coverage, including Medicaid for older adults and people with disabilities, at your local HHS office. You can also apply online through the Iowa HHS Benefits Portal, or apply for Medicaid by phone at 1-855-889-7985.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

MercyOne Clinton Medical Center offers financial assistance based on income. If you earn 200% or less of the Federal Poverty Level, you can get a full discount on medically necessary care; between 201% and 400%, you may get a partial discount. Patients with very high medical bills (over 20% of household income in the past 12 months) may also get discounts, and interest-free short-term payment plans are offered. Call Patient Financial Services at 563-244-5678.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

River Bend Transit is the regional public transit system for Clinton County. It gives weekday door-to-door rides to rural residents, including older adults and people with disabilities, in fully ADA-accessible vehicles. In Clinton County, service includes Monday to Iowa City, Tuesday to Davenport, Wednesday to DeWitt, Thursday to Camanche and Clinton, and Friday to Davenport. Seniors (60+) and people with disabilities pay a suggested round-trip donation: Iowa City $18.00, Davenport $6.50, in-town $1.50 and county service $3.00. The general public pays an established fare that is $5.00 more. Veterans ride free. Call 800-292-8959 for reservations. In the city of Clinton, the Clinton Municipal Transit Administration (MTA) runs fixed-route buses Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., plus door-to-door paratransit for people who are ADA eligible (call 563-242-3721).

Estimated service value: $150–$1,500 a year

Clinton County Veterans Services is the county's veterans affairs office, with nationally accredited veteran service officers who help veterans and their families. The office is at the Administration Building, 1900 N. 3rd Street, Clinton, open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A satellite office at 226 11th St. in DeWitt is open Wednesday mornings or by appointment. The county also offers VA van rides. Call 563-242-1151.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year