Senior benefits in Ottawa 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 Ottawa 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

There is no Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) service center in Ottawa County. DCF lists Ottawa County in its Northwest Region; the nearest Northwest Region service centers are in Salina (Saline County). 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

Ottawa County Health Center in Minneapolis says no one will be denied access to services due to inability to pay. A discounted sliding fee schedule based on family size and income is available; ask for the Sliding Fee Discount Application. Call the hospital at 785-392-2122.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

OCCK Transportation runs Regional Paratransit, a door-to-door ride for the general public, including seniors and people with disabilities, anywhere in Ottawa County and the rest of its North Central Kansas service area. Regional rides run 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Outside Saline County the fare is 10 cents per mile, and personal assistants ride free. Book by 4 p.m. the business day before; rides can be booked up to two weeks ahead. Call 785-826-1583 or toll free 1-855-577-4337.

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