Senior benefits in Plymouth County, Iowa

Connections Area Agency on Aging serves older adults and family caregivers in 20 counties in southwest and western Iowa, including Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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 180 10th Street SE, LeMars (phone 712-546-6603), 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 Plymouth County at 19 2nd Ave NW, LeMars. This office is by appointment only and is served by the Sioux County office in Orange City. Phone: 712-737-2943 or toll free 800-337-2943. 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

Floyd Valley Healthcare in Le Mars helps patients who have no insurance, are underinsured, or cannot cover their health care costs. Review the Financial Assistance Policy, complete the Financial Assistance Application (in English or Spanish, or request help through MyChart), and return it to the Floyd Valley Business Office with the required documents. Some patients may qualify through presumptive eligibility before a full review. Call the Business Office at (712) 546-3343.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS), run by SIMPCO, is the regional public transit system for Plymouth 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 Le Mars city limits, fares are $3.50 one way for curb-to-curb service or $6 one way for door-to-door service; outside city limits, curb-to-curb is $4 plus $0.50 per mile and door-to-door is $7 plus $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 Plymouth County Commission of Veteran Affairs is the county veterans office. Plymouth County's VA-certified staff help veterans and dependents apply for disability compensation, pension, survivor pension, aid and attendance, VA appeals, Eligibility Verification Reports and Iowa Veterans Home admission, and help get military records and grave markers. Veterans must have been discharged under honorable conditions and served 90 days or more of federal active duty. Visit the office at the Plymouth County Courthouse, 215 4th Ave SE, Le Mars (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed 12:00 to 12:30)), or call 712-546-7090.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year