Senior benefits in Decatur County, Kansas

The Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging in Hays runs Older Americans Act programs for older adults and caregivers in the 18 counties of northwest Kansas, including Decatur County. Call its Information and Assistance line at 1-800-432-7422, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staff can tell you about in-home help, such as housekeeping, laundry, cooking, bathing and dressing, and which in-home program fits you. A CARE assessor can talk with you about long-term care choices; there is no cost for the assessment. Trained SHICK volunteers explain Medicare, supplement policies and Medicaid, and the office can help you apply for Medicare Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs. The caregiver program offers information, support groups and respite care, and also helps grandparents raising grandchildren. Legal help for people 60 and older is offered through Kansas Legal Services.

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

Kansas DCF (Department for Children and Families) takes applications for Food Assistance (SNAP), cash assistance and the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), which helps with winter heating bills. DCF recommends applying online through the DCF Self-Service Portal. For a paper application, visit a DCF service center or call 1-888-369-4777. DCF service centers in northwest Kansas are in Hays (2250 E. 22nd St., 785-628-1066), Colby (1135 S. Country Club Drive, Suite 1, 785-462-6760), Phillipsburg (111 E. Highway 36, 785-543-5258) and Goodland (812 Broadway Ave., open every Wednesday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.). LIEAP is only open in the winter months, typically December through March. KanCare health coverage is not handled by DCF; apply for it through KanCare.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Decatur Health in Oberlin has financial assistance for medically necessary and emergency care at the hospital. If your household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, you may qualify as financially indigent and get 100% assistance. If your income is higher, you may still qualify as medically indigent when your medical bills are more than a set share of your income or net worth. Mail the application to Decatur Health, Attn: Business Office Director, PO Box 268, Oberlin, KS 67749. For help, call the Business Office Director or Billing Clerk at 785-475-2208, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Decatur County Transportation in Oberlin gives door-to-door rides in Decatur County to older adults, people with disabilities and the general public. Rides go to medical visits, shopping, work, meal sites and other errands, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by request. The suggested donation is $1. Call 785-475-8102.

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