Senior benefits in Transylvania County, North Carolina

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

Transylvania Regional Hospital in Brevard serves Transylvania County and is part of Mission Health. It follows the Mission Health financial assistance policy, which offers charity 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: Transylvania: Transylvania Regional Hospital follows Mission Health's financial assistance policy for emergency and medically necessary care; award depends on household income and the published policy.

Transylvania County Transit provides rides for county residents, including adults age 60 and older and people with disabilities. County vans take older adults to nutrition sites each weekday, and a fixed route serves Brevard and Rosman Monday through Friday with stops along the way. Fares are low (about one dollar per boarding on the fixed route). Call to register or plan a trip.

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

In this county: Transylvania: county vans serve adults 60+ to nutrition sites; the Brevard-Rosman fixed route charges a small per-boarding fare. Confirm current fare and senior options when registering.