Senior benefits in Macon County, North Carolina

The Southwestern Commission Area Agency on Aging serves adults age 60 and older and family caregivers in Macon County and the rest of Region A. Help includes home-delivered and congregate meals, the Family Caregiver Support Program, SHIIP Medicare counseling, options counseling for long-term care, the long-term care ombudsman, and links to in-home aide and legal services. Call 828-586-1962 to find the local senior center or service provider.

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

Macon County DSS runs two energy programs for low-income households. LIEAP makes a one-time payment toward heating bills; households with someone age 60 or older, or a disabled person getting services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services, can apply starting December 1, and all other households starting January 1 until funds run out. The Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) helps households facing a heating or cooling emergency. Apply online at ePASS (https://epass.nc.gov) or in person at Macon County DSS; call 828-349-2124.

Estimated bill savings: $300–$600 a year

In this county: LIEAP and CIP are income- and resource-tested (reserves at or below the program limit) and funded each year until money runs out. The age-60/disabled priority window opens Dec 1; all other households apply Jan 1 - March 31. LIEAP/CIP applications are taken in person at Macon County DSS (no appointments); final eligibility is decided by the county.

Angel Medical Center in Franklin is the hospital for Macon County and offers financial assistance to patients who cannot afford their care. Uninsured patients receive an automatic uninsured discount, and Mission Health's charity-care policy can write off emergency-care charges for qualifying low-income patients, with added relief for moderate-income families. A financial counselor helps with the application. Visit the financial assistance page or ask hospital registration to apply.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Financial assistance is income-based and decided case by case. Mission Health/HCA charity care generally writes off emergency-care charges for patients under 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, with expanded relief between 200% and 400% FPL; an uninsured discount applies separately. Confirm exact thresholds and covered services with the hospital.

Home Care Independence lets Macon County residents age 60 and older hire a family member, friend or other person of their choice as a paid personal assistant. The assistant helps with personal care such as bathing and dressing, and with home tasks such as cooking, cleaning, laundry and shopping. A care advisor helps you plan and direct your own care, and a payroll service pays the assistant. Call Macon County Senior Services at 828-349-2058 to ask about openings.

Macon County Transit gives rides to older adults, people with disabilities, and the general public in Franklin, Highlands, Nantahala, and the rest of the county, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Buses are wheelchair accessible. The reduced fare for elderly or disabled riders is $2.50 per boarding, compared with the $3.00 local fare. Passes can be bought from the driver or at the transit office. Call 828-349-2222 to schedule a ride.

Estimated service value: about $0 a year

In this county: Anyone may ride. The reduced elderly/disabled local fare is $2.50 per boarding (vs. $3.00 standard local); out-of-county and longer trips may cost more. Confirm current fares and any reservation rules by phone.