Senior benefits in Fremont County, Iowa

Connections Area Agency on Aging serves older adults and family caregivers in 20 counties in southwest and western Iowa, including Fremont County. Its Information and Assistance specialists and Options Counselors help people find and apply for benefits such as Medicare Extra Help, Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid, SNAP food help and LIHEAP energy help. Other services include case management for people age 60 or older who need help with at least two daily activities (such as bathing or dressing) so they can stay at home, senior center meals and home-delivered meals for people 60 and older, caregiver support and respite options, free Medicare counseling through SHIIP, and Solution Options for Seniors (S.O.S.), which helps pay for home repairs or changes for people 60 and older who own their home or live with a caregiver. Call toll free 1-800-432-9209. The Council Bluffs office (231 S. Main St.) and Sioux City office (2301 Pierce St.) take walk-ins Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; the Creston office (109 N. Elm St.) is by appointment.

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

In Fremont County, West Central Community Action (WCCA) takes applications for LIHEAP, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. LIHEAP helps qualifying low-income Iowa homeowners and renters pay part of their main heating costs for the winter heating season. The amount is based on household income, household size, type of fuel, and type of housing. Applications open November 1 and end April 30. Contact the WCCA Fremont County Outreach Office at 705 Indiana Street, Sidney (phone 712-374-3367). Outreach offices also offer energy crisis help.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) lists an office for Fremont County at 414 Clay Street, Sidney. This office is by appointment only and is served by the Pottawattamie County office in Council Bluffs. Phone: 712-328-5661 or toll free 866-788-1805. 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

George C. Grape Community Hospital in Hamburg has a financial assistance program for patients with limited money. Patients with yearly family income less than four times the federal poverty level and limited assets can qualify. Free care is for patients with limited assets and family income at or below two times the poverty level; discounted care is for incomes between two and four times poverty. Patients with very high medical bills may qualify for medical hardship help. To get the application or help filling it out, call the Financial Counselor at 712-382-1515 ext. 8774 or email financialassistance@grapehospital.com.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Southwest Iowa Transit Agency (SWITA) is the public transportation system for all residents of Fremont County and seven other southwest Iowa counties. On-demand rides are available Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. (not on holidays), and all vehicles are handicapped accessible. In Fremont County, Faith in Action (712-313-0131) also gives rides through SWITA. In-town taxi rides cost $3.00 one way for the general public, or $2.50 for riders 60 and older with a Connections Area Agency on Aging form. Medical transportation costs $35 per hour. Call 1-800-842-8065 to schedule a ride.

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

The Fremont County Commission of Veteran Affairs is the county veterans office. Call the office for help with veterans benefits; appointments are recommended. Visit the office at 414 Clay Street (south side of the square), Sidney (Monday and Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday 1:00 to 4:30 p.m.), or call 712-374-2275.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year