Senior benefits in Kearny County, Kansas

The Southwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging (SWKAAA) serves older Kansans and people with disabilities in Kearny 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 Kearny County names local senior centers such as Kearny County Senior Center in Lakin. 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

Kearny County is in the Southwest Region of the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). Service centers in DCF's Southwest Region include Dodge City, Garden City, Great Bend and Liberal. 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

Kearny County Hospital in Lakin discounts care for people and families who meet its rules, based on the federal poverty income guidelines for family size and household income. Insured people whose deductible or co-insurance is more than they can afford, people with a gap in insurance, and self-pay patients can apply. Turn in a completed application within 60 days of the date of service or discharge; a decision is normally made within 30 days after all documents are received. After approval, you have 30 days from the first bill to make payment arrangements with the Financial Counselor. Reapply every six months. No one is denied emergency care because of inability to pay. For billing questions or payment arrangements, call 620-355-7111 ext. 5403.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Southwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging lists Kearny County Council on Aging in Lakin as a local transportation provider for Kearny County. Call 620-355-6482 to ask about rides for older adults, how to schedule a trip, and any fare. Rides may need to be booked ahead, and service hours are set by the provider.

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