Senior benefits in Chariton County, Missouri

Care Connection for Aging Services is the Area Agency on Aging for Chariton 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 Chariton County pay heating and cooling bills and resolve utility emergencies. The DSS Family Support Division funds the program, and Missouri Valley Community Action Agency (MVCAA) takes applications for this county. Winter and summer components run on their own seasons while funds last. Call 1-660-886-7476 to apply.

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

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Chariton County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Fitzgibbon Hospital for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. Nearest hospital: Chariton County has no hospital. Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall (Saline County) is the nearest, roughly 25 miles from Keytesville; Moberly Regional Medical Center (Randolph County) is a comparable alternative to the east and is on OATS' Moberly route. Fitzgibbon uses "Federal Poverty Guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to determine a person's eligibility for financial assistance" and will "Not deny services based on a person's" inability to pay. Financial Services 660-831-3730; billing 660-886-7431.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

OATS Transit serves Chariton County. Note that Chariton County uses a different OATS office number. Service to Chillicothe 2nd Wednesday, Moberly 4th Wednesday, Columbia and/or Moberly 1st and 3rd Thursday. The page also references the Chariton County Senior Citizens Services Fund for route scheduling. Fares $2.50 in-town / $5.00 county. Rides must be booked 24 hours in advance, first-come first-served. Toll-free 800-831-9219. 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 1-816-279-3131 for schedules, fares, or to book a ride.

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