Senior benefits in Clatsop County, Oregon

NorthWest Senior and Disability Services (NWSDS) is the Area Agency on Aging for Clatsop County. It helps older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers with Medicaid and Oregon Health Plan, Medicare Savings Programs, Medicare counseling, in-home help and Oregon Project Independence, meals, family caregiver support, and options counseling. Call the Warrenton office at 503-861-4200 (toll-free 800-442-8614) or visit 2002 SE 19th St., Warrenton.

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

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay heating and electric bills for electricity, natural gas, oil, pellets, propane, and wood, and can help with furnace repair or replacement. Community Action Team (CAT) runs the program for Columbia, Clatsop, and Tillamook Counties. Clatsop Community Action takes applications for Clatsop County. Households with income at or below 60% of Oregon's state median income can apply. Contact Clatsop Community Action (CCA), 364 9th St, Astoria, at 503-325-1400. Help depends on available funds; CAT keeps a winter mailing list when regular LIHEAP is closed.

Estimated bill savings: $250–$1,750 a year

Columbia Memorial Hospital in Astoria offers a partial or full discount to patients with no insurance or not enough insurance. Households earning 400% or less of the federal poverty guidelines may qualify, and the discount depends on income and family size. Fill out an application and provide proof of income; the hospital replies within 30 days. Call a financial counselor at 503-338-7530 or 800-962-2407.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Sunset Empire Transportation District runs RideAssist ADA paratransit in Clatsop County for people with disabilities who cannot use the fixed-route bus. Trips must start and end within 3/4 mile of a bus route, and the fare is twice the regular bus fare. An application is required. SETD also runs a Dial-a-Ride for the Jeffers Garden, Miles Crossing, John Day, Svensen, and Knappa areas. Call RideAssist at 503-861-7433 (option 2) by 4 p.m. the day before your trip.

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