Senior benefits in Lamar County, Alabama

The West Alabama Regional Commission runs the Area Agency on Aging for Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Pickens and Tuscaloosa counties, including Lamar County. Help starts with its Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). Depending on need, older adults can get advice on health insurance, legal counseling, home-delivered meals, help with household chores, discounted prescription medicines, and other services. Other programs include caregiver assistance, Medicare counseling, senior activity centers, and the long-term care ombudsman. Call 205-333-2990 or 1-800-AGELINE.

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

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay home heating and cooling bills. In Lamar County, LIHEAP applications are taken by Community Service Programs of West Alabama, the Community Action Agency the state lists for the county. The state agency, ADECA, does not take applications. Applicants 60 and older can call the agency's senior line at 205-469-0386; others can use the call center at 833-836-7817. Older adults and people with disabilities are among the priority groups. Help depends on available funds.

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

Lamar County has no hospital. Fayette Medical Center in neighboring Fayette County, part of DCH Health System, is a nearby Alabama hospital. Under DCH Health System's policy, patients with income below 250% of the federal poverty level can get a charity discount of 100% of the amount owed. Uninsured patients can get a 50% reduction of gross charges for emergency and medically necessary care. Call the hospital financial assistance representative at 205-750-5004.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year