Senior benefits in Howell County, Missouri

SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Howell County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Region 1 AAA in Springfield. Care coordination, senior centers and meals, Medicare/CLAIM navigator, legal services, tax assistance, wellness classes, veterans assistance. Toll free 800-497-0822. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-417-862-0762 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 Howell County pay heating and cooling bills and resolve utility emergencies. The DSS Family Support Division funds the program, and Ozark Action, Inc. (OAI) takes applications for this county. Winter and summer components run on their own seasons while funds last. Call 1-417-256-6147 to apply.

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

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Howell County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Ozarks Healthcare (OZH) for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. 1100 Kentucky Ave., West Plains, MO 65775; main line 417-256-9111. Page states 'OZH has a financial assistance program to support the uninsured or underinsured. You may receive assistance up to 100 percent based on your income and assets' and 'No one will be denied access to services due to inability to pay.' Financial counselors Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Parkway Center; toll free 1-888-257-8389. Cost-of-care questions: 417-257-6701. Separate 2026 Charity Levels / CCBHO sliding fee scale applies to the affiliated rural clinics (Alton, Gainesville, Mountain View, Mountain Grove, Winona, Thayer, Willow Springs, Walk-in).

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

West Plains Transit (City of West Plains) serves Howell County with Curb-to-curb demand response with three 16-passenger buses, 7:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m. Monday-Friday, WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF WEST PLAINS ONLY — there is no countywide rural transit in Howell County. Fares: $1.50 per ride, $1.00/person for groups of 5-9, $0.75/person for groups of 10+, $15.00 for a 10-ride pass. Vehicles are wheelchair accessible. The Area Agency on Aging distributes a limited number of 10-ride passes for seniors at the Senior Center, 416 E. Main. Older adults and people with disabilities can use these services for medical appointments, shopping, and other essential trips. Rides are free or low-cost depending on the service. Call 1-417-256-7176 for schedules, eligibility, or to book a ride.

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