Senior benefits in Labette County, Kansas

The Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging (SEKAAA), based in Chanute, serves Labette 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 Parsons at 300 N. 17th St., phone 620-421-4500. 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

Labette Health in Parsons has a financial assistance policy that gives a discount on emergency and other medically necessary care for patients who qualify. Uninsured and underinsured people who live in Labette County or a county next to it can apply. After you send in a completed application, Labette Health looks at family income and net worth, job status, other bills you must pay, how much and how often you have medical bills, and your effort to pay. If you qualify, you will not pay more than people with insurance are billed. To ask for an application or get help filling it out, call the financial counselor at 620-820-5252. Help with other health care programs is also available.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

CLASS LTD, based in Columbus, offers public transportation in Labette County, as well as in Cherokee, Crawford and Montgomery counties. Call CLASS toll free at 888-657-2107 or 620-429-1212 to ask about service areas, times and cost.

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