Senior benefits in Pulaski County, Missouri

Aging Best (Region 6 Area Agency on Aging) is the Area Agency on Aging for Pulaski 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 Pulaski County pay heating and cooling bills and resolve utility emergencies. The DSS Family Support Division funds the program, and Missouri Ozarks Community Action, Inc. (MOCA) takes applications for this county. Winter and summer components run on their own seasons while funds last. Call 1-573-765-3263 to apply.

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

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Pulaski County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Phelps Health for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. Nearest civilian hospital with a published financial-assistance policy; Pulaski County is named in Phelps Health's primary service area: 'Phelps, Dent, Texas, Pulaski, Maries, Crawford, Osage, Gasconade, Laclede, Camden and Miller'. Eligibility: 'household income is at or below 225% of the federal poverty level.' General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital at Fort Leonard Wood is in-county but serves military beneficiaries, not the general public, and has no civilian charity-care policy.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

OATS Transit serves Pulaski County with Service for Waynesville and St. Robert on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month; service for Richland, Dixon and Crocker on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month. Fare $2.00 one-way, prepaid to a rider account ($10.00 minimum to add funds). Office hours Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. NO separate city bus service was found for Waynesville or St. Robert: waynesvillemo.org and saintrobert.com both return placeholder pages with no transit content, and neither Pulaski County nor its cities appear on the SMTS service-area list. OATS is the only verified public transit here. 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