Senior benefits in Greene County, North Carolina

The Eastern Carolina Council Area Agency on Aging (Region P) serves older adults age 60 and older and their caregivers in Greene 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 Greene 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

Greene County does not have its own hospital. Residents are served by nearby ECU Health hospitals — ECU Health Wayne in Goldsboro and ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville. 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: Greene: no in-county hospital; nearest care is ECU Health Wayne (Goldsboro) and ECU Health Medical Center (Greenville). ECU Health charity care provides free care to qualifying patients at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, subject to an asset test.

Greene County Transportation provides rides for county residents to medical appointments, the community college, work, shopping, and Health and Human Services trips. Out-of-county medical trips run to Greenville, Farmville, Goldsboro, and Kinston on set days. Older adults (60+) and people with disabilities can ride under the state Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance Program (EDTAP). Call at least 48 hours (two workdays) ahead to reserve a ride.

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

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