Senior benefits in Benton County, Missouri

Care Connection for Aging Services is the Area Agency on Aging for Benton County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Region 3 Area Agency on Aging in Warrensburg. Services listed: nutrition, care management, family caregiver support, in-home services, health education, fitness and recreation, disease management, falls prevention, long-term care ombudsman program, benefits counseling, Medicare information and counseling, Health Insurance Marketplace enrollment assistance, senior transportation. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-660-747-3107 to get started.

Estimated service value: $500–$6,000 a year

Missouri's Energy Assistance and Energy Crisis Intervention programs (LIHEAP) help income-eligible households in Benton County pay heating and cooling bills and resolve utility emergencies. The DSS Family Support Division funds the program, and West Central Missouri Community Action Agency (WCMCAA) takes applications for this county. Winter and summer components run on their own seasons while funds last. Call 1-660-476-2185 to apply.

Estimated bill savings: $300–$1,000 a year

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Benton County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Bothwell Regional Health Center for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. Nearest hospital: there is no hospital in Benton County; Bothwell Regional Health Center at 601 East 14th Street, Sedalia, MO 65301 is the nearest full-service hospital (OATS runs a Benton-to-Sedalia route). FAP page states "The Bothwell Regional Health Center Financial Assistance Policy (FAP) exists to provide eligible patients or other responsible parties partially or fully discounted emergency or medically-necessary care" and "No one will be denied access to services due to inability to pay." Discounts of 5%-100% up to 200% of the federal poverty level. Alternate FA line 660-827-9418. Golden Valley Memorial (Clinton) also serves parts of southern Benton County via the OATS Warsaw/Clinton route.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

OATS Transit serves Benton County with Service to Sedalia 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month; service to Warsaw first four Fridays of each month; Warsaw Senior Center service Tuesday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (bus travels within 10 miles of city limits) and Friday medical/business only. Fares $2.50 in-town / $5.00 county. 24-hour advance scheduling. Toll-free 800-276-6287. OATS Transit is open to riders of any age — the page for this county states it is 'available to anyone regardless of age, income, disability, race, gender, religion, or national origin'. Fares are listed above, but riders age 60 and older — and riders with disabilities — who travel under the Area Agency on Aging contract do not pay a set fare. They are asked to contribute what they can instead. Ask about the AAA contract when you book. Call ahead, as rides are scheduled in advance. Call 1-660-827-2611 for schedules, fares, or to book a ride.

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