Senior benefits in Duplin County, North Carolina

The Eastern Carolina Council Area Agency on Aging (Region P) serves older adults age 60 and older and their caregivers in Duplin 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 coordination of in-home aide and adult day services. 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 Duplin 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

ECU Health Duplin Hospital in Kenansville is the hospital serving Duplin County. ECU Health offers charity care (financial assistance) for emergency and medically necessary care to patients who cannot afford to pay, plus an uninsured discount and payment plans. A financial counselor can also screen for Medicaid. Apply by asking for a financial assistance application or calling the financial counselor call center.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Duplin: ECU Health charity care covers emergency and medically necessary care; the published policy provides free care to qualifying patients at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, subject to an asset test.

Duplin County Public Transportation runs door-to-door rides for county residents to medical appointments, nutrition sites, work, shopping, and human-services trips. All vehicles are wheelchair accessible (ADA). Older adults (60+) and people with disabilities can ride under the state Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance Program (EDTAP). Trips must be booked in advance — call at least 48 business hours ahead to schedule a pickup.

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

In this county: Duplin: Duplin County Public Transportation is a demand-response rural system; EDTAP gives older and disabled riders priority and reduced or free fares. Book rides 48 business hours in advance.