Senior benefits in Woods County, Oklahoma

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

Share Medical Center in Alva lets patients apply for financial assistance with their medical bills based on government poverty guidelines; ask the registration clerk for information. Patients without insurance may also get a 20% discount by paying in full when services are given or when the bill arrives. For billing questions, call 580-430-3379.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

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