Senior benefits in Gates County, North Carolina

The Albemarle Commission Area Agency on Aging serves older adults age 60 and older and their family caregivers in Gates 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, health and wellness classes, and coordination of in-home aide and transportation 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 Gates 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

Gates County has no hospital of its own. Nearby hospitals include ECU Health Chowan Hospital in Edenton, Sentara Albemarle Medical Center in Elizabeth City, and ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital in Ahoskie. ECU Health offers charity care (financial assistance) for emergency and medically necessary care to patients who cannot afford to pay. Ask for a financial assistance application or call the business office.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Gates: no in-county hospital; nearest serving hospitals are ECU Health Chowan (Edenton), Sentara Albemarle (Elizabeth City), and ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan (Ahoskie). ECU Health charity care depends on household income and the system's published policy.

Gates County residents who are age 60 or older or who have a disability can get low-cost or free rides through the county's community transportation system. Service includes non-emergency medical trips, rides to the senior center and nutrition sites, shopping, and connections to neighboring Albemarle-region towns. Call to schedule a ride and ask about elderly and disabled (E&D) reduced fares.

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

In this county: Gates: county community transportation; elderly and disabled (E&D) reduced or no-cost fares follow the NCDOT program. Trips are by reservation.