Senior benefits in Buncombe County, North Carolina

The Land of Sky Area Agency on Aging serves older adults age 60 and older and their caregivers in Buncombe County. Services include congregate and home-delivered meals, family caregiver support and respite, the Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) for Medicare counseling, options counseling for long-term care, the long-term care ombudsman, and adult protective services coordination. Call the Area Agency on Aging to learn what is available locally.

Estimated service value: $1,000–$6,000 a year

North Carolina's Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) gives a one-time payment toward heating costs, and the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) helps when a household faces a heating or cooling emergency. Both are run by the Buncombe County Department of Social Services. Households with an older adult (60+) or a person with a disability can apply starting December 1; other eligible households apply starting in January, until funds run out. Apply online through ePASS at epass.nc.gov, by phone, or at the county DSS office.

Estimated bill savings: $300–$1,500 a year

Mission Hospital in Asheville is the main hospital serving Buncombe County. It offers charity (financial assistance) for emergency and medically necessary care to patients who cannot afford to pay. Self-pay patients receive an uninsured discount, and a Patient Limited Plan helps patients with limited or high-deductible coverage. Apply by asking for a financial assistance application or calling the billing office.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Buncombe: Mission Health financial assistance covers emergency and medically necessary care; award depends on household income and the hospital's published policy.

Mountain Housing Opportunity makes minor repairs and safety improvements to the homes of Buncombe County residents age 60 and older who have no one able and willing to do the work for them. Depending on what the local provider offers, help can include security improvements, minor home repairs, ramps, grab bars and other accessibility changes, and repair or replacement of basic furnishings and appliances. Renters can qualify with written permission from the landlord. Help is limited to $7,000 per person each program year. Call Mountain Housing Opportunity at 828-254-4030 to apply.

Estimated service value: $0–$7,000 a year

Buncombe County residents who are age 65 or older or who have a disability can get low-cost or free rides. The Senior Bus Pass Program gives a free monthly pass to riders 65+ who use the ART fixed-route bus in Asheville. Mountain Mobility, the county's Community Transportation System, runs door-to-door rides and provides ADA complementary paratransit for ART, plus the RIDE voucher program for elderly and disabled residents. Call Mountain Mobility at 828-250-6750, option 5, to enroll or check fares.

Estimated service value: $200–$2,000 a year

In this county: Buncombe: ART Senior Bus Pass is free for riders 65+; Mountain Mobility paratransit fares and RIDE vouchers depend on the trip and ADA eligibility.