Senior benefits in Clinton County, Missouri

Young at Heart Resources (Area Agency on Aging Region 4) is the Area Agency on Aging for Clinton County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Benefits counseling (including Medicare and Medicaid counseling), congregate and home-delivered meals, active living/senior centers, in-home care, caregiving and respite support, healthy aging courses, legal assistance, long-term care ombudsman advocacy, transportation, information and assistance, community outreach, and grandparents-raising-grandchildren support. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 660-240-9400 (toll free 888-844-5626) 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 Clinton County pay heating and cooling bills and resolve utility emergencies. The DSS Family Support Division funds the program, and Community Action Partnership of Greater St. Joseph (CAPSTJOE) takes applications for this county. Winter and summer components run on their own seasons while funds last. Call 1-816-233-8281 to apply.

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

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Clinton County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Cameron Regional Medical Center for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. Cameron Regional Medical Center is the in-county hospital (Cameron sits on the Clinton/DeKalb county line; the hospital address is 1600 East Evergreen Street, Cameron, MO). Financial-assistance page states eligibility is based on "family income (using Federal Poverty Level guidelines), net worth, employment status, other financial obligations, the amount and frequency of medical bills, and your effort to pay." No numeric threshold is published on the page. Patient Accounts Department, 1600 East Evergreen Street, Cameron, MO.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

OATS Transit (Northwest Region) serves Clinton County with Cameron In-Town service Tuesday and Thursday; Cameron to St. Joseph 1st and 3rd Tuesdays each month; Clinton County to Liberty the last Thursday of the month. Fares $2.00 each way. 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; call ahead to book, as rides are scheduled in advance. Call 816-279-3131 or 800-831-9219 for schedules, fares, or to book a ride.

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