Senior benefits in Union County, Oregon

Community Connection of Northeast Oregon (CCNO) is the Area Agency on Aging that serves Union County. Its services include family caregiver support, in-home caregivers through Oregon Project Independence (OPI), meal sites and home-delivered meals, medical rides, regular check-in phone calls for seniors who live alone, options counseling, legal help referrals for people over 60, and free short-term loans of medical equipment such as wheelchairs. Call the Union County community center at 1504 N Albany St in La Grande at 541-963-7532.

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

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) gives qualified low-income households a once-a-year payment to help with home heating, no matter the heat source (wood, natural gas, electric, propane, oil or pellets). In Union County, Community Connection of Northeast Oregon takes applications and has a priority system for seniors and households with a disabled member. After you apply, a coordinator calls to set up an energy appointment, which can take up to 45 days. If you have a shut-off notice, call your local office right away. Call the Union County community center at 1504 N Albany St in La Grande at 541-963-7532. Funding is limited.

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

Grande Ronde Hospital in La Grande is a not-for-profit hospital that does not deny care because someone cannot pay. Its Financial Assistance Program uses a sliding fee scale based on family size and income; under its policy, discounts of 40%, 60% or 100% apply for household income up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Financial counselors in the hospital lobby and Pavilion can also help you find out if you qualify for health coverage. Call the Financial Assistance Program at 541-963-2845.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Community Connection of Northeast Oregon runs Union County's public transit. Three deviated fixed-route buses serve La Grande and Island City: the Blue and Yellow routes on weekdays and the Green route on Saturdays. A deviated route keeps to a timetable but can leave its route to pick you up at a nearby spot if you schedule it. To schedule a pickup off the route, call 541-963-2877, Monday to Friday before 4 p.m., one business day before your ride.

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