Senior benefits in Mahaska County, Iowa

Milestones Area Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Mahaska 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) helps pay part of your winter heating costs if you meet income guidelines. In Mahaska County, Sieda Community Action takes LIHEAP applications. Households with a member over age 60 or a disabled member can apply starting October 1; all others can apply starting November 1, and applications end on the last working day of April. If you are found eligible, your heating and electric service is protected from shut-off through April 1. Crisis help for utility bills is available all year. Call or visit the Sieda Neighborhood Resource Center at 114 North Market, Oskaloosa, phone 641-673-8609.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has an office for Mahaska County at 410 S 11th Street, Oskaloosa. Phone: 641-673-3496 or toll free 800-407-6250. 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

Mahaska Health in Oskaloosa gives medically necessary care to all patients, no matter their ability to pay. Financial assistance is based on financial need, household size and income under the HHS Poverty Guidelines, and is available on a sliding scale of up to 90% of charges for medically necessary services. Uninsured patients must first use other payment sources such as Medicaid or county relief. Approved discounts apply to balances within the calendar year of approval. For financial assistance questions, call the Mahaska Health Financial Counselors at 641-672-3297, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

10-15 Transit is the public transit system for Mahaska County and nine other southern Iowa counties. Rides are open to anyone, including people with disabilities, for nearly any purpose, such as grocery shopping, medical and dental visits, meal sites, work or personal business. Demand-response rides run about 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. based on driver availability. In Oskaloosa, rides and paratransit run 9:00 a.m. to 5:25 p.m. Fares are $2 within city limits, $4 in the county, and $25 county to county. Call 641-683-2024 or toll-free 800-227-6390 to set up a ride.

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

Mahaska County Veterans Affairs helps veterans get the federal, state and local benefits they and their families have earned, such as VA disability compensation, pension, health care, home loans, education and burial benefits, the Iowa Veterans Home and the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund. The Mahaska County Veterans Affairs Commission has limited funds to help county veterans in need with emergency help for utilities, rent, food and transportation, decided case by case for resident veterans. Call 641-673-7727.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year