Senior benefits in Lyon 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 Lyon 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 Lyon County: the Emporia Service Center at 1701 Wheeler St., Emporia, KS 66801 Phone: 620-342-2505. 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

Newman Regional Health in Emporia serves all patients regardless of ability to pay, with discounts based on family size and income for residents of Lyon, Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Morris and Osage counties. On its sliding fee schedule, family income at 100% of the federal poverty guideline gets a 100% discount, falling to a 50% discount at 200%. A separate medical indigency discount helps when medical bills are high compared to income. All requests need an application with proof of income. Call Patient Accounts at 620-203-5171 or 620-343-6800, extension 25114.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Lyon County Area Transportation (LCAT) gives general public rides throughout Emporia and Lyon County, plus regional trips anywhere in Kansas and beyond. A one-way ride in Emporia is $2.00, a 10-ride pass is $15.00, and a round trip outside the city limits in Lyon County is $10.00. One caregiver rides free on all LCAT trips. Call 24 hours ahead for in-town rides, one week ahead for county trips, and two weeks ahead for regional trips. Call 620-343-4207.

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