Senior benefits in Bourbon County, Kansas

The Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging (SEKAAA), based in Chanute, serves Bourbon County. Staff look at what help a person needs to stay at home and help them reach services such as in-home help, medical equipment, transportation and meals. Meals are for people 60 and older, their spouses and disabled dependents, at meal sites or delivered to the home, after a short assessment. Other help includes case management, caregiver services, in-home supports like housekeeping, laundry, bathing and dressing, Medicare counseling with trained SHICK volunteers, CARE assessments for anyone thinking about a nursing home, and legal help through Kansas Legal Services. Call 620-431-2980 or toll free 1-800-794-2440.

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

The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) lists a service center in Fort Scott at 10 S. National Ave., phone 620-223-4010. DCF runs Food Assistance (SNAP), cash assistance and the winter LIEAP energy program. You can apply online at any time through the DCF Self-Service Portal. Paper Food Assistance applications are available at your local DCF Service Center, or call toll free 1-888-369-4777. During the LIEAP application period, you can apply online or ask your local DCF Service Center for a paper application for help with home heating costs.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. in Fort Scott, is a small hospital with an emergency department. It is part of Freeman Health System, and the Freeman financial assistance policy covers it. Freeman gives financial assistance based on income and financial need. Care can be free for people with household income up to 100% of the Federal Poverty Level. Care is free except for a set co-payment from above 100% up to 250%, and discounted from above 250% up to 350%. You must live in the Freeman service area, and you are asked to apply for other coverage first. For help, call a Freeman financial counselor at 417-347-6660, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

SEK-CAP runs BbGo Transportation, a door-to-door public ride service in Bourbon County that anyone can use. Rides run Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Call 620-724-6350 at least one day ahead (1 to 7 days is best) to schedule; same-day rides depend on space. SEK-CAP suggests a $1.00 donation per trip, but no one is turned away for not being able to pay.

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