Senior benefits in Moniteau County, Missouri

Aging Best (Region 6 Area Agency on Aging) is the Area Agency on Aging for Moniteau 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 Moniteau 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 Moniteau County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Capital Region Medical Center (MU Health Care) for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. Nearest hospital; Moniteau County (county seat California, MO) has no hospital, and Jefferson City is roughly 20 miles east. Capital Region Medical Center is listed as one of MU Health Care's financial-counseling locations. Toll-free financial counseling 1-866-608-8025, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. No FPL threshold is published on the page; the application PDFs are linked from it. SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Jefferson City is a comparable alternative (SSM system FAP: https://www.ssmhealth.com/resources/pay-my-bill/Financial-Assistance, 888-918-3512).

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

OATS Transit serves Moniteau County with California, Tipton & Clarksburg in-town service Tuesdays 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; service to Jefferson City from all of Moniteau County on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. Fare $2.00 one-way, prepaid to a rider account ($10.00 minimum to add funds). Calls must be made between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, at least 24-48 hours in advance. 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