Senior benefits in Hickory County, Missouri

Care Connection for Aging Services is the Area Agency on Aging for Hickory County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Region 3 (District III) AAA in Warrensburg serving 13 west-central Missouri counties. Services listed: 'nutrition, care management, family caregiver support, in-home services, health education, fitness, recreation, disease management, falls prevention, long-term care ombudsman program, benefits counseling, and Medicare information and counseling.' Toll free 800-748-7826. 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 Hickory 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 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 Hickory County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Citizens Memorial Hospital (CMH) for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. Hickory County (Hermitage) has no hospital; CMH in Bolivar is ~25 mi south. Discount schedule: up to 90% off at 100% FPL, 1-89% at 101-249% FPL, none at 250% FPL or above. Approved patients 'will not be required to pay more than what is generally billed to insurance payers.' Applications available at the Patient Accounts/Cashier Office, 1500 N. Oakland Ave., Bolivar.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

OATS Transit (Midwest Region, Sedalia) serves Hickory County with Rural demand-response: Bolivar on 1st and 3rd Thursdays; Warsaw on the first four Fridays of each month; Wheatland Senior Center (within 10 miles of city limits) Tuesdays 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., and Mondays and Fridays 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. for medical/business trips. Rides must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. 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