Senior benefits in Choctaw County, Alabama

The Alabama-Tombigbee Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging (ATRC Aging) serves Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Marengo, Monroe, Perry, Sumter, Washington, and Wilcox counties, including Choctaw County. It is the area's Aging and Disability Resource Center, the starting point for long-term services for seniors and people with disabilities and their caregivers. Programs include Medicaid waiver home care, Alabama CARES caregiver support, in-home services, legal services, a long-term care ombudsman, senior centers and meals, SenioRx prescription help, and Medicare counseling (State Health Insurance Program). Call 334-682-5206 or toll-free 888-617-0500, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

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

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay home heating and cooling bills. In Choctaw County, LIHEAP applications are taken by Community Service Programs of West Alabama, the Community Action Agency that the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) lists for Bibb, Choctaw, Dallas, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Perry, Sumter, and Tuscaloosa counties. ADECA does not take applications. Applicants 60 and older can call the agency's line for older clients at 205-469-0386 (the general call center is 833-836-7817). Bring proof of income, Social Security cards, a photo ID, and a recent energy bill. Help depends on available funds.

Estimated bill savings: $280–$1,100 a year

Ochsner Choctaw General in Butler is part of Ochsner Health and is covered by Ochsner's financial assistance policy. Help is for emergency and medically necessary care and applies to the patient's share of the bill, such as a deductible or copay. It is based on family income and the federal poverty guidelines; families with income at or below 200% of the guidelines may qualify for 100% assistance. To apply, call Ochsner's financial assistance line at 504-842-4190 or apply through MyOchsner. For the hospital itself, call 205-459-9100.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

West Alabama Public Transportation (WAPT), based in Demopolis, is the rural public transit provider for Choctaw County. It serves Choctaw, Dallas, Marengo, Perry and Sumter counties in this region. Rides are open to everyone, with no age or income limits, for doctor and dental visits, shopping, work, personal business, and other trips. Fares vary by trip. Call 334-289-5789 to ask about service in your area and to schedule a ride.

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