Senior benefits in Pemiscot County, Missouri

Aging Matters (Southeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging) is the Area Agency on Aging for Pemiscot County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Congregate and home-delivered meals through county senior centers (Caruthersville, Portageville), family caregiver support, in-home services, long-term care ombudsman, Medicare/benefits information and assistance, and coordination of contracted transportation. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-800-392-8771 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 Pemiscot County pay heating and cooling bills and resolve utility emergencies. The DSS Family Support Division funds the program, and Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corporation (DAEOC) takes applications for this county. Winter and summer components run on their own seasons while funds last. Call 1-573-931-8400 to apply.

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

Pemiscot Memorial Hospital in Hayti is the county's publicly owned hospital. Its Charity Care Policy states: "It is the policy of Pemiscot Memorial Health Systems to render medical care to all patients regardless of their ability to pay. The Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, as updated on an annual basis from the Department of Health and Human Services, will be used in determining the level of obligation for each charity care patient." A Charity Evaluation Review Form is completed, annual income is verified from the prior-year tax return, most recent W-2, the last three pay stubs, or the Social Security check amount, and the patient receives a Determination of Eligibility letter with the account balance adjusted accordingly. Call the hospital at 573-359-1372 (billing department 573-359-3416) and ask for the Charity Evaluation Review Form.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Charity care is decided under the hospital's Charity Care Policy using the federal poverty guidelines; the policy does not publish the percentage cut-offs, and the hospital makes the final decision, so this shows as a may-qualify result. Not legal or financial advice.

Southeast Missouri Transportation Service (SMTS, Inc.) serves Pemiscot County with Door-to-door demand-response plus local and long-distance routes; office hours Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. Dispatched from the Dexter office (1010 Wildwood Drive), which covers Stoddard, New Madrid and Pemiscot counties. Older adults and people with disabilities can use these services for medical appointments, shopping, and other essential trips. Rides are free or low-cost depending on the service. Call 573-333-4466 or 573-624-8624 for schedules, eligibility, or to book a ride.

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