Senior benefits in Howard County, Missouri

Aging Best is the Area Agency on Aging for Howard County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Area Agency on Aging for 19 mid-Missouri counties including Howard (verbatim in the health.mo.gov county list). Congregate and home-delivered meals, transportation coordination, case management, homemaker services, home repair/modification, legal assistance, wellness programs, respite, Medicare/Medicaid counseling, ombudsman. Toll-free 800-369-5211. No minimum age stated on the fetched pages. 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 Howard County pay heating and cooling bills and resolve utility emergencies. The DSS Family Support Division funds the program, and Central Missouri Community Action (CMCA) takes applications for this county. Winter and summer components run on their own seasons while funds last. Call 1-573-200-6655 to apply.

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

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Howard County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at MU Health Care - University Hospital (Columbia); no hospital operates in Howard County for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. Howard County (Fayette) has no in-county hospital; the nearest full-service hospitals are in Columbia, Boone County (~25 miles from Fayette) — MU Health Care's University Hospital and Boone Health. MU Health Care financial assistance: 'Eligibility is based on income as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level.' Moberly Regional Medical Center is the alternative to the northeast.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

OATS Transit (Mid-MO Region) serves Howard County with General-public demand-response; service operates on-demand depending on driver and vehicle availability, so OATS recommends calling to confirm before scheduling. No fares or senior age tier stated on the Howard County page. Toll-free scheduling 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