Senior benefits in Pettis County, Missouri

Care Connection for Aging Services is the Area Agency on Aging for Pettis 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 Pettis 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 Pettis County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Bothwell Regional Health Center for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. 601 East 14th Street, Sedalia, MO 65301. "The Bothwell Regional Health Center Financial Assistance Policy (FAP) exists to provide eligible patients or other responsible parties partially or fully discounted emergency or medically-necessary care" and "No one will be denied access to services due to inability to pay." Discounts of 5% to 100% up to 200% of the federal poverty level; at or below 200% may receive up to 100%. Applications available at any registration desk, by phone, or as a downloadable PDF. Alternate FA line 660-827-9418; main 660-826-8833.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Pettis 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. Applications: submitted to the Collector's Office between March 2 and May 29, 2026. Pettis County adopted an amended SB 190 ordinance (https://pettiscomo.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/03-2024-1878_Amended_SB190_Ordinance_1-15-25.pdf). The county homepage carries the section "Real Estate Tax Credit for Seniors (SB 190) - Apply for the senior real estate tax credit program adopted by Pettis County" linking the ordinance, application and FAQ. Unlike Carroll and Johnson, Pettis requires an annual renewal: failure to complete the annual renewal terminates the credit and forces a new base year. Collector Marsha Boeschen, 415 S Ohio Suite 216, Sedalia; 660-826-5000 Ext. 921. Apply through the county's program office.

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

OATS Transit serves Pettis County with Sedalia has real city bus service operated by OATS: a deviated fixed route Monday-Friday 6:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at $1.50 each way (demand-response $2.50 each way), with pickup/dropoff up to 3/4 mile off route by advance reservation. The loop stops at Bothwell Regional Medical Center, Senior Housing at 24th & Engineer, Buckner and Liberty Apartments, Walmart, Woods and the Amtrak Depot. Also Sedalia Senior Center service, service to Columbia 1st and 3rd Tuesday and express to Kansas City 2nd and 4th Wednesday. Office 660-827-2611; 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