Senior benefits in Cedar County, Missouri

Care Connection for Aging Services is the Area Agency on Aging for Cedar 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 Cedar 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 Cedar County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Cedar County Memorial Hospital for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. 1401 S. Park Street, El Dorado Springs, MO 64744. Financial aid page states "To be eligible for a 100% reduction from charges (i.e., full write off) the patient's household income must be at or below 200% of the current Federal Poverty Guidelines." Main hospital line 417-876-2511; financial assistance coordinator 417-876-3215.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Cedar County has adopted Missouri's senior property tax credit (SB 190): homeowners 62 or older can freeze the real-estate tax bill on their primary home, so it stops rising in later years. The Cedar County Collector's page carries a "Senior Tax Credit" item linking to a county-published Senior Tax Credit document. Collector: Lisa Nelson, 113 South Street, PO Box 280, Stockton, MO 65785, Tel 417.276.6700 ext. 224. Apply through the county's program office.

Estimated bill savings: $100–$2,000 a year

OATS Transit serves Cedar County with Service to Bolivar (3rd Tuesday, 2nd Thursday, 4th Friday), Nevada (1st Friday), El Dorado Springs (2nd Wednesday). Senior Center service from El Dorado Springs and from Stockton (bus travels within 10 miles of city limits). 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