Senior benefits in Laclede County, Missouri

Aging Best (Central Missouri Area Agency on Aging) is the Area Agency on Aging for Laclede County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Region 6 AAA at 201 W. Broadway, Suite 1E, Columbia, MO 65203. Services: friendly visitation, telephone reassurance, congregate and home-delivered meals, transportation, case management, homemaker services, home repair and modification, respite care, adult day care, support groups, legal assistance, health insurance navigation, wellness programs (Tai Chi, walking programs, Aging Mastery). Toll free 800-369-5211; Help4U@agingbest.org. 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 Laclede 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 Laclede County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Mercy Hospital Lebanon for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. Mercy's page states assistance is 'based on need, as determined by the Federal Poverty Guidelines which consider household income and family size,' and that approved patients 'pay no more than the amount generally billed to insured individuals.' Uninsured patients must first call the Medicaid Eligibility Screening team at 855-420-7900. Customer service Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. CT.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Laclede County has adopted Missouri's senior property tax credit (SB 190): homeowners 62 or older can freeze the real-estate tax bill on their primary home, so it stops rising in later years. Applications: Renew or apply before May 29. Laclede County Collector of Revenue Toni Morris, 200 North Adams Avenue, Lebanon, MO 65536; office hours 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. The Collector's home page carries a 'Senior Tax Freeze Information / Renew or Apply before May 29th' notice and directs applicants to the county site at https://lacledecountymissouri.org/. Apply through the county's program office.

Estimated bill savings: $100–$2,000 a year

OATS Transit (Mid MO Region, Columbia) serves Laclede County with In-Town Lebanon service Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., covering up to 5 miles outside the city limits; $2.00 one-way. Regional office hours Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 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