Senior benefits in Poweshiek County, Iowa

Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A) is the Area Agency on Aging for Poweshiek County. It helps older adults stay independent at home. Its services include options counseling, case management, meal programs, caregiver support, respite services, health and wellness programs, advocacy, and recreation and education programs. NEI3A has offices in Decorah, Dubuque and Waterloo. Call toll-free 1-800-779-8707 to get started.

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

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a one-time payment that helps eligible low-income households pay part of their winter heating costs. You do not need to be behind on your bill to apply. Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA) takes LIHEAP applications for people who live in Poweshiek County. Applications start October 1 for seniors or people with disabilities and November 1 for all other families, and are accepted until April 30. Households must meet income guidelines and have an energy burden. Crisis help may be available if you have a disconnect notice or are shut off. Apply online, by mail, or in person at Poweshiek County Family Services, 609 4th Avenue in Grinnell. Call 641-752-7162 (the menu reaches all offices).

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) office for Poweshiek County (Poweshiek County DHS) is at 200 4th Avenue West, Grinnell, IA 50112. You can apply at a local HHS office for SNAP food benefits, Medicaid and Rent Reimbursement (up to $1000 back on rent for income-eligible older or disabled renters). You can also apply online through the Iowa HHS Benefits Portal. Call 641-682-8793 for food and medical benefits (income maintenance), or 641-792-1955 for social services.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

UnityPoint Health – Grinnell Regional Medical Center follows UnityPoint Health's financial assistance policy, which helps patients who cannot reasonably pay for some or all of their care, including uninsured and underinsured patients. You can apply online through MyUnityPoint, or download the policy and application. A patient financial counselor in Grinnell can explain the program and help with Medicaid applications: call 641-236-2362. To apply by phone or check on an application, call the Financial Assistance team at 1-833-874-4243.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Peoplerides is the low-cost public transit service for trips that start or end in Hardin, Marshall, Poweshiek and Tama counties, including Poweshiek County. Everyone qualifies to ride, regardless of age, income or disability, and vehicles are handicapped accessible. Peoplerides runs Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Schedule at least one day ahead for priority; same-day rides depend on driver availability. Call the dispatchers at 641-752-6202 or toll-free 1-888-616-4298. Medicaid-funded rides must be booked through the Medicaid transportation broker.

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

The Poweshiek County Veterans Affairs office at 200 4th Avenue W, Lower Level, Grinnell, IA 50112 helps veterans and their families. The office gives rides to the VA hospitals in Iowa City and Des Moines and to VA appointments in central Iowa; call at least one week ahead. Office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; call 641-236-5722 for an appointment. Call the office at 641-236-5722.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year