Senior benefits in Morgan County, Missouri

Aging Best (Region 6 Area Agency on Aging) is the Area Agency on Aging for Morgan 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 Morgan County pay heating and cooling bills and resolve utility emergencies. The DSS Family Support Division funds the program, and West Central Missouri Community Action Agency (WCMCAA) takes applications for this county. Winter and summer components run on their own seasons while funds last. Call 1-660-476-2185 to apply.

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

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Morgan County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Lake Regional Health System for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. Nearest hospital; Morgan County (county seat Versailles) has no hospital. Financial assistance section: 'If you are financially unable to pay your Lake Regional bill, you may qualify for assistance under Lake Regional Health System's financial assistance program.' Lake Regional Clinic - Laurie (Morgan County) is a designated Rural Health Clinic on the sliding fee schedule. Self-pay patients who do not meet the poverty guidelines can receive a 70 percent discount. FETCH CAVEAT: lakeregional.com returns HTTP 403 to plain fetchers; a desktop-browser User-Agent is required.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

OATS Transit serves Morgan County with Laurie, Ivy Bend and Stover to Versailles on the 1st & 3rd Thursday; Barnett and Versailles to Versailles on the 2nd & 4th Thursday. Fare $2.00 one-way, prepaid to a rider account ($10.00 minimum to add funds). Office hours Monday-Friday 8 AM to 4 PM. 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