Senior benefits in Nash County, North Carolina

The Upper Coastal Plain Area Agency on Aging serves older adults age 60 and older, their family caregivers, and people with disabilities in Nash 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 and long-term care help, the long-term care ombudsman, and links to local senior centers. Call the Area Agency on Aging to learn what is available in your county.

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 Nash 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

UNC Health Nash (Nash General Hospital) in Rocky Mount is the main hospital serving Nash County. It offers financial assistance (charity care) for emergency and medically necessary care to patients who cannot afford to pay, plus help understanding bills and setting up payment plans. Ask for a financial assistance application, or call customer service at 252-962-8030 or financial counseling at 252-962-4090.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Nash: UNC Health Nash financial assistance covers emergency and medically necessary care; the award depends on household income and the hospital's published policy.

Tar River Transit runs fixed-route buses in Rocky Mount and rural general-public, door-to-door paratransit across Nash County. Riders who hold a Senior Tarheel Card, a Medicare card, or who have a disability ride the fixed routes at a reduced fare, and all vehicles are wheelchair accessible. Call to learn about reduced fares, ADA paratransit, and how to schedule a ride.

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

In this county: Nash: reduced fixed-route fare for Senior Tarheel/Medicare card holders and riders with a disability; rural paratransit fares depend on the trip. The operator sets fares.