Senior benefits in Gasconade County, Missouri

Aging Best (Region 6 Area Agency on Aging) is the Area Agency on Aging for Gasconade County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Region 6 AAA covering Gasconade County. In-home and support services (homemaker/light housekeeping, home-delivered meals, minor home repair and modification, transportation coordination, case management), congregate meals and activities at county nutrition/activity centers, caregiver support (respite, adult day care coordination, grandparents raising grandchildren), benefits and legal help (Medicare/Medicaid counseling, health insurance navigation, application assistance for housing, SNAP and property tax credits, legal assistance, long-term care ombudsman), and evidence-based wellness programs. Toll-free 800-369-5211; Help4U@agingbest.org; 201 W. Broadway, Suite 1E, Columbia, MO 65203. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-573-443-5823 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 Gasconade County pay heating and cooling bills and resolve utility emergencies. The DSS Family Support Division funds the program, and Missouri Ozarks Community Action, Inc. (MOCA) takes applications for this county. Winter and summer components run on their own seasons while funds last. Call 1-573-765-3263 to apply.

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

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Gasconade County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Hermann Area District Hospital for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. In-county district hospital in Hermann. HADH and its Rural Health Clinics offer a 'Financial Assistance/Sliding Fee Discount Program based on family size and income to ensure that patients have access to primary care services regardless of their ability to pay.' Apply by phone or in person when receiving services: hospital 573-486-2169; Rural Health Clinics (Associated Medical Arts and Southwest Medical Associates) 573-486-1193. No FPL percentages or dollar thresholds are published on the page, so none are recorded.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

OATS Transit serves Gasconade County with Hermann In-Town / Hermann Express runs Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., same-day service available, within the Hermann city limits only. Fare $2.00 one-way, prepaid to a rider account (minimum $10.00 to add funds); drivers do not accept payment on the bus. Office hours Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; toll-free 800-269-6287. 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; call ahead to book, as rides are scheduled in advance. Call 1-573-449-3789 for schedules, fares, or to book a ride.

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