Senior benefits in Sherman 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 Sherman 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 has a service center in Goodland, in Sherman County. 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

Goodland Regional Medical Center and Goodland Family Health Center offer care at a discounted price for people who meet income guidelines based on the federal poverty guidelines. The program is for patients who have no insurance, or who still owe a balance after insurance pays, but who do not qualify for public benefits. You will need to give financial statements and proof of all income, such as tax returns and check stubs, plus a written denial from Kansas DCF, to the Patient Accounts Representative within 30 days of asking for help. Call 785-890-3625.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The City of Goodland runs a ride-on-request service inside Goodland city limits for older adults, people with disabilities and the general public, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fare is $1.50 per destination. Call 785-890-4500.

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