Senior benefits in Saline County, Missouri

Care Connection for Aging Services is the Area Agency on Aging for Saline 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 Saline 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 Saline County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Fitzgibbon Hospital for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. Marshall, MO. The hospital bases financial assistance on "annual income and family size" and uses "Federal Poverty Guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to determine a person's eligibility for financial assistance", offering "discounted fees for patients who qualify" and committing to "Not deny services based on a person's" inability to pay. Financial Services 660-831-3730; general billing 660-886-7431.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Saline 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: The Saline County Collector will accept applications from March 1st to August 31st. Collector Cindi A. Sims, 19 E Arrow St. Room 201, Marshall, MO 65340. Questions to seniortaxcredit@salinecountymo.gov or 660-886-5104. The application requires "Proof of Age (62 or older)" plus primary-residence identification and the parcel number from the paid tax receipt; applicants are notified by mail in about 30 days. FAQs: https://www.salinecountymo.gov/_files/ugd/7b400b_87489fd7d1ba4ceea3ae12654338fccf.pdf ; online renewal: https://forms-salinecountymo.mysquare9.com:5454/view/#!/form/697b5c22af38be12b40074ee Apply through the county's program office.

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

OATS Transit serves Saline County with City of Marshall in-town service Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (closed 11:30 - 12:30), $2.50 each way, including Fitzgibbon Hospital. Service to Marshall 1st and 3rd Wednesday, Sedalia 2nd Wednesday, Warrensburg 4th Wednesday. Marshall Senior Center service Tuesday-Thursday shopping 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Friday medical/business only. 24-hour advance scheduling. 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