Senior benefits in Ford County, Kansas

The Southwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging (SWKAAA) serves older Kansans and people with disabilities in Ford County and 27 other counties in southwest Kansas. Its services include case management, help paying for in-home care (such as personal care, homemaker, respite and chore services), information and assistance, free Medicare counseling (SHICK), caregiver support, and Friendship Meals at meal sites or delivered to people who are homebound. Friendship Meals are for people 60 and older and their spouses. SWKAAA also does the CARE assessment that everyone must have before entering a nursing home. SWKAAA's resource list for Ford County names local senior centers such as Dodge City Senior Center and Bucklin Senior Center. Call the main office in Dodge City at 620-225-8230 (toll free 1-800-742-9531), Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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

Ford County is in the Southwest Region of the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). DCF has a service center in Dodge City, in Ford County. Through DCF you can apply for SNAP Food Assistance, TANF Cash Assistance and LIEAP Energy Assistance. Applying online through the DCF Self-Service Portal is recommended. For a paper application, visit your local DCF office or call 1-888-369-4777. LIEAP helps pay winter heating costs and is open only during its yearly application period. KanCare health coverage is not handled by DCF; apply for it through the KanCare Self-Service Portal.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

St. Catherine Hospital in Dodge City is part of CommonSpirit Health. Under the CommonSpirit Health Mountain Region financial assistance program for Kansas hospitals, patients whose household income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level pay reduced amounts. At or below 150%, you pay a $650 copay for a hospital stay, observation visit or same-day surgery, a $50 copay for recurring outpatient care, and 15% of charges for provider fees. From 151% to 200%, you pay 10% of hospital charges; from 201% to 250%, you pay 20% of hospital charges. Uninsured patients can be screened for financial assistance, and payment plans are offered. Emergency and urgent care is given regardless of ability to pay. For questions about your bill, call CommonSpirit billing toll free at 888-347-3295; if you cannot pay in full, ask to see a financial counselor.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The City of Dodge City runs D-TRAN, a bus service with three routes and 55 stops in Dodge City, Monday through Friday. A one-way ride costs $1. Seniors age 60 and older can apply for the Half-Fare Program, which lowers a ride to 50 cents and a monthly pass to $15; show your half-fare card with a photo ID when you board. Para-TRAN is door-to-door service for people who, because of a disability, cannot use the D-TRAN buses; riders must apply and be certified. R-TRAN gives door-to-door rides up to 2 miles beyond the city limits. Book Para-TRAN and R-TRAN rides 24 hours ahead. Call 620-225-8119.

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