Senior benefits in Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri

Aging Matters (Southeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging) is the Area Agency on Aging for Ste. Genevieve County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Congregate and home-delivered meals through the Ste. Genevieve senior center, family caregiver support, in-home services, long-term care ombudsman, Medicare/benefits information and assistance, and coordination of contracted transportation. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-800-392-8771 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 Ste. Genevieve County pay heating and cooling bills and resolve utility emergencies. The DSS Family Support Division funds the program, and East Missouri Action Agency (EMAA) takes applications for this county. Winter and summer components run on their own seasons while funds last. Call 1-800-392-8663 to apply.

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

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Ste. Genevieve County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital, Ste. Genevieve for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. In-county hospital with its own patient financial-assistance page.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Ste. Genevieve 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: Applications will be available beginning February 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026. Ste. Genevieve County Senior Property Tax Relief Program. The county page states: 'Ste. Genevieve County has adopted an ordinance in compliance with SB 190, regarding the Senior Property Tax Freeze. The current tax year, 2025, will be the base year. Taxes, NOT VALUE, will be frozen on your principal residence and residential homesite, unless new construction is noted.' Applications can be picked up at the County Courthouse, Room 3, in the Recorder of Deeds Office, and the 2026 application (2025 base year) plus all required documents are due by June 30, 2026. Required documents: proof of identity and age (driver's license, birth certificate or passport), proof of primary residency (current Missouri driver's license or non-driver ID), and proof of ownership (deed book/page or document number; trust transfer deed or LLC operating agreement if applicable). Collector: Lisa Marschel, 55 S. 3rd Street, Room 6, Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670. Apply through the county's program office.

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

Southeast Missouri Transportation Service (SMTS, Inc.) serves Ste. Genevieve County with Door-to-door demand-response plus local and long-distance routes; office hours Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. Ste. Genevieve office at 21997 Hwy 32. Older adults and people with disabilities can use these services for medical appointments, shopping, and other essential trips. Rides are free or low-cost depending on the service. Call 1-573-883-3216 for schedules, eligibility, or to book a ride.

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