Senior benefits in Norton County, Kansas

The Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging in Hays runs Older Americans Act programs for older adults and caregivers in the 18 counties of northwest Kansas, including Norton County. Call its Information and Assistance line at 1-800-432-7422, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staff can tell you about in-home help, such as housekeeping, laundry, cooking, bathing and dressing, and which in-home program fits you. A CARE assessor can talk with you about long-term care choices; there is no cost for the assessment. Trained SHICK volunteers explain Medicare, supplement policies and Medicaid, and the office can help you apply for Medicare Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs. The caregiver program offers information, support groups and respite care, and also helps grandparents raising grandchildren. Legal help for people 60 and older is offered through Kansas Legal Services.

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

Kansas DCF (Department for Children and Families) takes applications for Food Assistance (SNAP), cash assistance and the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), which helps with winter heating bills. DCF recommends applying online through the DCF Self-Service Portal. For a paper application, visit a DCF service center or call 1-888-369-4777. DCF service centers in northwest Kansas are in Hays (2250 E. 22nd St., 785-628-1066), Colby (1135 S. Country Club Drive, Suite 1, 785-462-6760), Phillipsburg (111 E. Highway 36, 785-543-5258) and Goodland (812 Broadway Ave., open every Wednesday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.). LIEAP is only open in the winter months, typically December through March. KanCare health coverage is not handled by DCF; apply for it through KanCare.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Norton County Hospital has a financial assistance program for medically necessary inpatient, outpatient and emergency services billed by the hospital. If your gross yearly income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, or your medical bills are more than 150% of your yearly income, you get a 100% discount. Income above 150% up to 175% gets a 75% discount, and above 175% up to 200% gets a 50% discount. Include your prior-year federal tax return and 12 months of earnings records, such as W-2s or pay stubs. For questions, call the Business Office at 785-877-3351, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Norton County Senior Citizens + Community Center gives rides in Norton County to older adults, people with disabilities and the general public, with one wheelchair-accessible van and one accessible bus, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Suggested donations are $2 in town or $10 in the county. Call 785-877-5352.

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