Senior benefits in Republic 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 Republic 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 Republic County. DCF lists Republic County in its Northwest Region; the nearest Northwest Region service centers are in Concordia (Cloud 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

Republic County Hospital in Belleville has a Financial Assistance Program for emergency and medically necessary care for people who are uninsured, underinsured or have low income. If your household income is less than 200% of the federal poverty level, you may get 100% financial assistance. You can apply in person at admissions or patient financial services, by phone at 785-527-2254, by mail or on the hospital website. You have at least 240 days after your first bill to apply.

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 Republic 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