Senior benefits in Woodward County, Oklahoma

Oklahoma Human Services lists the Eastern Oklahoma Development District (EODD) as the interim organization running the Area Agency on Aging for Woodward 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 Woodward County is at 1803 Oklahoma Ave., Woodward, 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

INTEGRIS Health Woodward Hospital (formerly AllianceHealth Woodward) is part of INTEGRIS Health, which offers financial assistance for medically necessary care to patients who do not qualify for state or federal assistance. Patients with family incomes at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level can get a 100% charity care write-off of the part of the bill they owe, and those between 201% and 400% can get discounted rates on a sliding scale. You can apply before or after care by completing a written application with the requested supporting documents, or request help through the INTEGRIS Health MyChart portal. For help with an application, call the INTEGRIS Health Business Office at 855-409-5458.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Red River Public Transportation Service, run by Community Action Development Corporation (CADC) in Frederick, provides rural public transportation in Woodward County and other western Oklahoma counties. Rides are open to the public and go to medical appointments, dialysis, work, shopping, and more; trips can also be scheduled to Oklahoma City and Lawton. All vehicles are lift- or ramp-equipped. Seniors 55 and older and people with disabilities pay lower rates on longer trips: for example $20.00 instead of $30.00 for 31–50 miles, and $30.00 instead of $45.00 for 51–100 miles (round-trip mileage). Call toll free 1-800-524-5552.

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