Senior benefits in Maries County, Missouri

Aging Best (Region 6 Area Agency on Aging) is the Area Agency on Aging for Maries County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Congregate meals at nutrition activity centers and home-delivered meals; in-home support (homemaker, minor home repair and modification, pet care); long-term care ombudsman; benefits counseling (Medicare/Medicaid, marketplace navigation, help applying for financial assistance); transportation coordination to nutrition centers, classes, shopping and medical appointments. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-800-369-5211 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 Maries 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 Maries County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Phelps Health for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. Nearest hospital; Maries County has no hospital. The Phelps Health plain-language summary states: 'You may be eligible for full or partial financial assistance if your household income is at or below 225% of the federal poverty level' and names its primary service area as 'Phelps, Dent, Texas, Pulaski, Maries, Crawford, Osage, Gasconade, Laclede, Camden and Miller'. Full policy: https://phelpshealth.org/patients-visitors/patient-financial-assistance/financial-assistance-policy

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

OATS Transit serves Maries County with Rural demand-response. County page: 'General Public service is available on demand and is subject to driver and vehicle availability at the time of your request. Please call us to check on availability.' Office hours Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. No fare is published on the Maries County page. 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 573-449-3789 or 800-269-6287 for schedules, fares, or to book a ride.

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