Senior benefits in Rawlins 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 Rawlins 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

Rawlins County Health Center in Atwood, a county-owned critical access hospital, offers financial assistance to patients who are uninsured or under-insured, based on household income compared with the poverty level (up to 300%). Household assets do not need to be listed for outpatient or ER services. You will hear a decision within 30 days after the hospital gets a complete application. For help, call the Business Office at 785-626-3211, option 2. Patients without insurance can ask for a 15% self-pay discount.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Rawlins County runs a ride service from Atwood for older adults, people with disabilities and the general public in Rawlins County. Rides go to medical visits, shopping, work, meal sites and other errands, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rides are by donation only. Call 785-626-3351.

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