Senior benefits in Osborne 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 Osborne 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

Osborne County Memorial Hospital provides essential medical services regardless of ability to pay. Discounts are based on household size and yearly income, using a sliding fee schedule updated each year with the federal poverty guidelines. Once approved, the discount lasts six months, then you must reapply. If you may qualify for Medicaid, a written Medicaid denial may be required. Return the Request for Financial Assistance to Osborne County Memorial Hospital/Goad Medical Clinic, P.O. Box 70, Osborne, KS 67473. Call the business office at 785-346-2121, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

OCCK Transportation, based in Salina, lists Osborne County in its service area and gives rides to older adults, people with disabilities and the general public, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The fare is $2 a ride or $35 for a monthly pass. Call 785-827-9383. Gove County Medical Center in Quinter also runs a general public transportation van that lists Osborne County among the counties it serves. Its two wheelchair-accessible vans go anywhere within 90 miles of Quinter, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon, for a free-will donation, first come, first served. Call 785-754-5141.

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