Senior benefits in Madison County, North Carolina

The Land of Sky Area Agency on Aging serves older adults age 60 and older and their caregivers in Madison 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 Madison 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

Madison County does not have its own acute-care hospital, so most hospital care is provided at Mission Hospital in Asheville. Mission Health offers charity (financial assistance) for emergency and medically necessary care to patients who cannot afford to pay. Self-pay patients receive an uninsured discount. Apply by asking for a financial assistance application or calling the billing office.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Madison: no in-county hospital; Mission Hospital in Asheville is the nearest acute-care hospital. Financial assistance covers emergency and medically necessary care based on the hospital's published policy.

The Madison County Transportation Authority provides door-to-door rides for Madison County residents, including older adults and people with disabilities, between Marshall, Mars Hill, and other communities. Rides are scheduled in advance, Monday through Friday. Call 828-649-0729 to register and reserve a trip. Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) is scheduled separately through Madison County DSS at 828-649-2711.

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

In this county: Madison: rides are demand-response and must be scheduled ahead; fares and senior discounts depend on the trip. Confirm current fare when registering.

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) provided by Madison County Transportation Authority through Medicaid. The program offers curb-to-curb medical transportation for eligible Medicaid recipients in Madison County, North Carolina. All NEMT trips must be scheduled through DSS by calling 828-649-2711.