Senior benefits in Neosho County, Kansas

The Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging (SEKAAA), based in Chanute, serves Neosho 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 Chanute at 203 E. 21st St., phone 620-431-5000. 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

Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center (NMRMC) in Chanute has a financial assistance program for patients without insurance, people with limited income or large medical bills, and people facing hardship from health care costs. It can lower or remove the cost of care. NMRMC looks at your household income and family size. To apply, fill out the application and give proof of income, such as recent pay stubs or tax returns. If you qualify, the help is applied to your current unpaid bills; for new services, you need to apply again. To ask for an application, call 620-432-5324. Staff can also help you apply for public health care programs. For other questions, call Patient Financial Services at 620-432-5307.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

SEK-CAP runs a door-to-door public ride service in Neosho County that anyone can use, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. If the ride starts in Neosho County, you can travel to any bordering county. Call 620-724-6350 at least one day ahead (1 to 7 days is best) to schedule; same-day rides depend on space. SEK-CAP suggests a $1.00 donation per trip, but no one is turned away for not being able to pay.

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