Senior benefits in Cloud County, Kansas

The North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging (NC-FH AAA) serves older Kansans, people living with disabilities, and family caregivers in Cloud County and 17 other counties, with offices in Manhattan, Salina and Emporia. Friendship Meals are served at dining centers or delivered to homebound people age 60 and older, their spouses and disabled dependents, after a Kansas Uniform Assessment; the suggested voluntary contribution is $4.00 a meal. Other help includes long-term home care planning, free Medicare counseling (SHICK), help applying for Extra Help with drug costs, Senior Farmers Market coupons (a one-time $50 a year for people 60 and older who meet income limits), job help for people 55 and older, Section 8 housing vouchers, fall-prevention classes and a monthly caregiver call. Call 785-776-9294 or toll free 800-432-2703.

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

The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has a service center in Cloud County: the Concordia Service Center at 1501 E. 6th St., Concordia, KS 66901 Phone: 785-243-4671. Kansas DCF handles Food Assistance (SNAP), Cash Assistance, Child Care Assistance and Utilities & Energy Assistance. You can apply online through the DCF self-service portal or call the DCF Benefits Assistance line at 1-888-369-4777.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

North Central Kansas Medical Center (NCKMed) in Concordia and its Family Care Center offer financial assistance for emergency and other medically necessary care. If your household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, you may get a 100% charity care write-off of your share of the bill. Between 150% and 200%, you may get a 75% write-off. The program is for self-pay balances over $300. For help with the application, call Patient Financial Services at 785-243-1234 (155 W. College Drive, Concordia).

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

OCCK Transportation runs Regional Paratransit, a door-to-door ride for the general public, including seniors and people with disabilities, anywhere in Cloud County and the rest of its North Central Kansas service area. Regional rides run 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Outside Saline County the fare is 10 cents per mile, and personal assistants ride free. Book by 4 p.m. the business day before; rides can be booked up to two weeks ahead. Call 785-826-1583 or toll free 1-855-577-4337. In Concordia, OCCK also runs GoConcordia, a door-to-door ride inside the city limits, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, for $2.00 one way or $4.00 round trip.

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