Senior benefits in Putnam County, Missouri

Young at Heart Resources (Area Agency on Aging Region 4) is the Area Agency on Aging for Putnam County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Benefits counseling (including Medicare and Medicaid counseling), congregate and home-delivered meals, active living/senior centers, in-home care, caregiving and respite support, healthy aging courses, legal assistance, long-term care ombudsman advocacy, transportation, information and assistance, community outreach, and grandparents-raising-grandchildren support. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 660-240-9400 (toll free 888-844-5626) 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 Putnam County pay heating and cooling bills and resolve utility emergencies. The DSS Family Support Division funds the program, and Green Hills Community Action Agency (GHCAA) takes applications for this county. Winter and summer components run on their own seasons while funds last. Call 1-660-359-6619 to apply.

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

Putnam County Memorial Hospital in Unionville publishes a Financial Assistance sliding scale for the 2026-2027 federal poverty guidelines. Household income at or below 100 percent of the poverty level gets a 100 percent discount (a nominal $10 fee); 101 to 125 percent gets 80 percent off; 126 to 150 percent gets 60 percent off; 151 to 175 percent gets 40 percent off; 176 to 200 percent gets 20 percent off; above 200 percent is not eligible. For one person the 200 percent line is $31,920 a year; for two people it is $43,280. The hospital says: "Please call or stop by if you wish to discuss any of our financial assistance options." Call the Financial Advocate at 660-947-2411.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Discounts follow the hospital's published sliding scale (100% off at or below the poverty level, stepping down to 20% off at 176-200%); the hospital verifies income and makes the final decision, so this shows as a may-qualify result. The one-person 200% line is used as the screen; larger households have higher limits. Not legal or financial advice.

OATS Transit (Northwest Region) serves Putnam County with Service to Kirksville on the 1st Tuesday and 3rd Wednesday each month, and to Centerville on the 4th Wednesday every other month (February, April, June, August, October and December); $2.00 each way. 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 816-279-3131 or 800-831-9219 for schedules, fares, or to book a ride.

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