Senior benefits in Ida County, Iowa

Connections Area Agency on Aging serves older adults and family caregivers in 20 counties in southwest and western Iowa, including Ida 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 Ida County, Mid-Sioux Opportunity takes applications for LIHEAP, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. LIHEAP makes a one-time payment to your heating company to help with home heating costs, no matter what fuel you use. Households with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines can qualify; both owners and renters can apply. The program runs November 1 to April 30, and elderly and disabled households can apply starting October 1. A qualified head of household is also protected from natural gas or electric shut-off during the winter moratorium, normally November 1 through April 1. Apply online or at the Mid-Sioux office at 401 Moorehead, Ida Grove (phone 712-364-2175), or call the main office toll free at 800-859-2025.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) lists an office for Ida County at 401 Moorehead Street, Ida Grove. This office is by appointment only. Phone: 712-749-2536 or toll free 800-205-8893. Income Maintenance for Ida County is handled by the Buena Vista County office (712-749-2536 or 800-205-8893), and social services by the Woodbury County office (712-255-0833 or 888-732-4397). 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

Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove does not deny anyone services because they cannot pay. A discounted, sliding fee schedule based on family size and income is available, and staff can help you get financial assistance or set up a payment plan. To apply, send a signed Financial Assistance Application, a copy of your current federal tax return, and copies of your last 3 pay stubs or Social Security income statements. Call the Financial Counselor at 712-364-7219, Monday to Friday during business hours.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS), run by SIMPCO, is the regional public transit system for Ida County. It gives demand-response rides to the general public, including people with disabilities, on ADA-accessible buses with wheelchair lifts. Rides run Monday to Saturday, 5:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (closed on major holidays). Reserve at least 24 hours ahead by calling 712-279-6919 or toll free 800-881-2076. Within city limits, fares are $4 one way for curb-to-curb service or $7 one way for door-to-door service; outside city limits, add $0.50 per mile. Children under 5 ride free with an adult. SRTS is also an approved Medicaid and Medicare transportation provider.

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

The Ida County Commission of Veteran Affairs is the county veterans office. The Ida County Commission's trained director helps veterans, dependents and surviving spouses with VA benefits such as disability, compensation, pension, health care, education, home loans and burial benefits. Visit the office at the basement of the Ida County Courthouse, 401 Moorehead Street, Ida Grove (Monday to Friday, 8 to 4:30), or call 712-364-4176.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year