Senior benefits in Polk County, Missouri

SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Polk County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Missouri AAA Region 1 (Springfield). Five Older Americans Act core service lines: support services (information and assistance with home care, housing, adaptive equipment and public benefits); care coordination with in-home assessments; nutrition (congregate dining at area senior centers plus home-delivered meals for homebound seniors); health and wellness (falls prevention, fitness classes, chronic disease self-management); and advocacy (long-term care ombudsman, elder abuse prevention). Also tax counseling, property tax/renters rebate help, Medicare and insurance enrollment navigation, telephone reassurance and transportation arrangements. The services page states the Silver-Haired Legislature is for "seniors (age 60 or older)". Toll-free 1-800-497-0822. County list at https://senioragemo.org/counties-we-serve. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-417-862-0762 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 Polk County pay heating and cooling bills and resolve utility emergencies. The DSS Family Support Division funds the program, and Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) takes applications for this county. Winter and summer components run on their own seasons while funds last. Call 1-417-864-3460 to apply.

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

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Polk County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Citizens Memorial Hospital (CMH) for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. CMH is the in-county hospital at 1500 N. Oakland Ave., Bolivar. Its financial assistance program uses the federal poverty guidelines: households at 100% FPL receive a 90% discount, 101-249% FPL receive a sliding 89% down to 1% discount, and 250% FPL and above receive no discount. "Patients approved for Financial Assistance will not be required to pay more than what is generally billed to insurance payers." Customer service 417-328-6508 or 800-326-0508; financial counselors 417-328-7354 / 417-328-7355; financial.counselor@citizensmemorial.com.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

OATS Transit serves Polk County with Rural demand-response. To Springfield on Thursdays; to Bolivar from Halfway, Fair Play, Aldrich, Morrisville and Pleasant Hope on Mondays, from elsewhere in Polk County on Tuesdays, and from Dunnegan, Humansville and Huron on Wednesdays. Book at 417-887-9272 or 800-770-6287. Fares (one way): in-town rural communities $2.00, in-county $3.00, adjacent county $4.00, long distance $6.00; prepay to a rider account, $10.00 minimum. 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 1-417-887-9272 for schedules, fares, or to book a ride.

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