Senior benefits in Lafayette County, Missouri

Care Connection for Aging Services is the Area Agency on Aging for Lafayette County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Region 3 Area Agency on Aging in Warrensburg. Services listed: nutrition, care management, family caregiver support, in-home services, health education, fitness and recreation, disease management, falls prevention, long-term care ombudsman program, benefits counseling, Medicare information and counseling, Health Insurance Marketplace enrollment assistance, senior transportation. 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 Lafayette County pay heating and cooling bills and resolve utility emergencies. The DSS Family Support Division funds the program, and Missouri Valley Community Action Agency (MVCAA) takes applications for this county. Winter and summer components run on their own seasons while funds last. Call 1-660-886-7476 to apply.

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

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Lafayette County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Lafayette Regional Health Center for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. 1500 State St, Lexington, MO 64067. Financial assistance is administered under the HCA Midwest Health policy: "Financial relief may be available to patients who have received non-elective care"; 0-200% of the Federal Poverty Level qualifies for a 100% charity discount with sufficient documentation, and 201-400% may qualify for expanded assistance on balances over $1,500. Self-pay patients receive an uninsured discount similar to managed care. Facility page: https://www.hcamidwest.com/locations/lafayette-regional-health-center

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Lafayette 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. The County Collector's page says the 2026 application period is closed and will be updated when the 2027 period opens; homeowners approved in a prior year do NOT need to submit a renewal application. Call the Collector at 660-259-6171 with questions. FAQ: https://lafayettecountymo.gov/SB190%20FAQ%20Version%202026%20.pdf Apply through the county's program office.

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

OATS Transit serves Lafayette County with Service to Kansas City 1st Wednesday, Warrensburg 3rd Wednesday, Richmond 2nd and 4th Wednesday. Senior center service (bus travels within 10 miles of city limits) at Concordia, Odessa, Lexington and Higginsville, Tuesday-Thursday with medical/business days Monday and/or Friday. Fares $2.50 in-town / $5.00 county. 24-hour advance scheduling. 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