Senior benefits in Harper County, Oklahoma

Oklahoma Human Services lists the Eastern Oklahoma Development District (EODD) as the interim organization running the Area Agency on Aging for Harper County and the rest of northwest Oklahoma (Beaver, Cimarron, Dewey, Ellis, Harper, Texas, Woods and Woodward counties). The Area Agency on Aging helps people 60 and older and their caregivers find Older Americans Act services in the area. Call EODD at 918-682-7891, or call the statewide Caring Assistance Line at 1-800-211-2116 to be connected to local help.

Estimated service value: $100–$1,500 a year

Harper County Community Hospital in Buffalo provides essential services regardless of a patient's ability to pay, with discounts based on family size and annual income. Free or reduced-cost care is limited to families with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines: at or below 150% pays a $10 nominal fee, 175% pays 50%, and 200% pays 80%. The discount covers services at the hospital but not outside services such as reference lab tests or a consulting radiologist. Fill out the Sliding Fee Discount Application (linked on the hospital's home page) and return it to the front desk; copies of tax returns, pay stubs, or other proof of income may be required. The form must be redone every 6 months or when your finances change. The Hospital Business Office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 580-735-2555.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

MAGB Transportation is a nonprofit rural public transit agency based in Fairview that serves Harper County and other parts of northwest Oklahoma and the Panhandle. It specializes in rides for older adults, people with disabilities, and people with low incomes to doctor visits, dialysis, and hospital releases, and its vehicles have ramps and can carry wheelchairs. The standard private-pay fare is $20 for local trips; out-of-town trips are $1.00 per mile round trip or $1.75 per mile one way, plus a $20 origination fee. People 60 and older can ask whether Older Americans Act funding is available to pay for rides. SoonerCare (Medicaid) members should schedule medical rides through SoonerRide at 1-877-404-4500. Call MAGB at 580-227-3374 during office hours (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at least 2 business days ahead.

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