Senior benefits in Texas County, Oklahoma

Oklahoma Human Services lists the Eastern Oklahoma Development District (EODD) as the interim organization running the Area Agency on Aging for Texas 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

The Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS, often called DHS) Human Services Center for Texas County is at 1000 NE 4th St., Guymon, OK 73942, open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EBT cards are available there. Older adults and people with disabilities can get help applying for SNAP food benefits, SoonerCare (Medicaid for people 65 or older or with a disability), and energy help through LIHEAP. Many services can also be done online at okdhslive.org. For help with benefits applications, call 405-522-5050. To report abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult (Adult Protective Services), call 1-800-522-3511.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Memorial Hospital of Texas County in Guymon offers financial assistance and charity care for people who need medical services and cannot pay for them. Its Charity Care program uses the current Federal Poverty Guidelines: a patient or guarantor whose gross income is less than 400% of the guidelines is eligible for charity care. To see if you qualify, fill out an application and contact the Financial Counselor at 580-338-6515, who can also help set up payment arrangements.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

MAGB Transportation is a nonprofit rural public transit agency based in Fairview that serves Texas 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