Senior benefits in Alcorn County, Mississippi

The Northeast Mississippi Planning and Development District (NEMPDD) in Booneville houses the Area Agency on Aging for Alcorn County. It serves Alcorn, Benton, Marshall, Prentiss, Tippah, and Tishomingo counties. Through contracted local providers, its services include adult day care, congregate meals, home-delivered meals, transportation, homemaker help, respite care for caregivers, and legal services. Medicare counseling through the State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) is also offered; call 662-728-7038. The NEMPDD office is at 619 East Parker Drive in Booneville. Call 662-728-6248 to ask about services.

Estimated service value: $200–$2,000 a year

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay home energy bills and energy crisis costs. In Alcorn County, LIHEAP is handled by Northeast Mississippi Community Services, the Community Action Agency (CAA) that serves Alcorn, Benton, Marshall, Prentiss, Tippah and Tishomingo counties. Its Corinth office is at 3114 Shiloh Rd., Suite A, Corinth; call 662-286-9263. To apply, submit a pre-application on Access MS and mark "Community Services"; the CAA then mails or emails an appointment notice, and the full application is finished in person. A household typically qualifies with income at or below 60% of the state median income and an energy bill due. Households with elderly or disabled members get priority and should get an appointment within 30 business days. If approved, the CAA pays the energy company directly. Funding is limited.

Estimated bill savings: $200–$1,500 a year

The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) county office for Alcorn County is at 2690 S Harper Road, Corinth, MS 38834. Call 662-286-2205. County offices help with SNAP food benefits and can explain what documents to send with an application. Older adults can use the Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP), a simpler way to apply for SNAP, when everyone in the household is 65 or over and no one has earnings from work; the application is form MDHS EA 904. People who get SSI can apply for SNAP through the Mississippi Combined Application Project (MSCAP) at the Social Security office or the local county MDHS office. ESAP and MSCAP participants can call 800-948-4060 for help with a SNAP case.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Magnolia Regional Health Center in Corinth offers financial assistance, also called charity care, for hospital-based services. You may qualify for free or reduced-price care based on family size and income, even with health insurance. Financial assistance may not cover services from other organizations. The application asks for household size and gross monthly income, proof of income, a declaration of assets, and a copy of the most recent federal income tax return and W2 forms. A Social Security number is not required. Mail it to Magnolia Regional Health Center, Attention: Financial Counselors, 611 Alcorn Drive, Corinth, MS 38834, fax it to 662-293-6225, or bring it to Patient Financial Services, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A decision comes within 14 calendar days of a complete application. For help, call 662-293-1151.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Financial assistance is set by the hospital's own policy, and the hospital makes the final decision. Services from other organizations may not be covered. The hospital may ask applicants to apply for Medicaid first.

Northeast Mississippi Community Services, based in Booneville, runs rural public transit in Alcorn County. It is a demand-response service: riders call ahead to book a ride. The Mississippi Department of Transportation lists it as serving Alcorn, Benton, DeSoto, Itawamba, Marshall, Prentiss, Tippah and Tishomingo counties, with a focus on elderly, disabled and low-income residents. Seniors use public transit to get to doctor visits, the grocery store and other places. Call 662-728-2118 to ask about rides, days and fares.

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