Senior benefits in Coal County, Oklahoma

The SODA Area Agency on Aging helps adults 60 and over, caregivers and people with disabilities in Coal County and nine other southern Oklahoma counties. Services include free information and referral, hot meals at senior nutrition centers or delivered to homebound people, family caregiver support (education, respite care and support groups), a long-term care ombudsman for people in nursing homes and assisted living, and Medicare counseling (SHIP), fraud help (Senior Medicare Patrol) and help applying for Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs (MIPPA). The Masonic Grant Assistance Program helps low-income people 60 and older pay for eyeglasses, dental care, hearing aids and wheelchair ramps. Call SODA at 580-920-1388 or the Senior Information Line at 1-800-211-2116.

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

Coal County General Hospital in Coalgate offers a Financial Assistance Program to uninsured patients (people with no insurance or government coverage at all). You qualify if your yearly household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, you lack the assets to pay the full charges, and, if the hospital asks, you apply for Medicaid and are denied. If you qualify, emergency services are free, and other medically necessary care is charged at no more than the Amounts Generally Billed to insured patients. Bring a completed application, proof of income (tax return, W-2s, pay stubs) and any denial from other sources such as Medicaid. Call the Business Office at 580-927-2327, extension 266.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Charity care is income-based and set by the hospital's financial assistance policy; the hospital makes the final award decision. This program is for uninsured patients.

The Southern Oklahoma Rural Transportation System (SORTS), run by Big Five Community Services, is public transit for Bryan, Carter, Coal and Love Counties, open to the public. Rides run inside city limits 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; towns outside city limits are served one day per week. Schedule 24 hours ahead if you can. The one-way fare inside city limits is $2.00 for seniors and people with disabilities; call for county ride prices. SORTS also offers Senior Medical Transportation: free rides to and from medical appointments for people 60 and older, with no income limit, after an intake process. All vehicles are wheelchair accessible. For Coal County rides, call 580-927-2381.

Estimated service value: $150–$1,500 a year