Senior benefits in Harrison County, Missouri

Young at Heart Resources (Area Agency on Aging Region 4) is the Area Agency on Aging for Harrison 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 Harrison County pay heating and cooling bills and resolve utility emergencies. The DSS Family Support Division funds the program, and Green Hills Community Action Agency (GHCAA) takes applications for this county. Winter and summer components run on their own seasons while funds last. Call 1-660-359-6619 to apply.

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

Harrison County Community Hospital in Bethany is the county's own hospital district. Uninsured and underinsured residents can apply for help with a hospital bill through its Community Care programme. There are separate application forms for the hospital and for the HCCH Medical Clinic, and a Spanish form as well. The hospital also publishes its prices online. Call 660-425-2211 and ask for billing to request an application or ask what you may qualify for.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Charity care is income-based and set by the hospital's own financial assistance policy; the hospital makes the final award decision, so this shows as a may-qualify result. The hospital does not publish its income thresholds on the billing page, so ask when you request the application. Not legal or financial advice.

OATS Transit (Northwest Region) serves Harrison County with Bethany In-Town service Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., and service from Cainsville, Ridgeway, Martinsville, New Hampton or Blythedale to Bethany on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month; $2.00 each way. The Northwest Missouri to St. Joseph & Kansas City Intercity Route runs Trenton-Bethany-St. Joseph on the 2nd Friday of each month, $10.00 round trip. 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