Senior benefits in Pinal County, Arizona

Central Arizona Aging, the designated Area Agency on Aging for Pinal and Gila counties, serves adults age 60 and older and adults age 18+ with disabilities who live in Pinal County. Services include congregate and home-delivered meals, in-home care (housekeeping, personal care, respite), case management, transportation help, benefits and Medicare counseling, legal aid, family caregiver support, and the long-term care ombudsman. Senior centers operate across Pinal County (including Casa Grande, Coolidge, Florence, Apache Junction, and Eloy). Most services are free or offered on a suggested-donation basis. Call 1-800-293-9393 or contact the agency in Casa Grande to be connected to services.

Estimated service value: about $0 a year

LIHEAP helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills and handle utility emergencies. In Pinal County it is delivered by the local Community Action Agency (CAHRA) under the Arizona Department of Economic Security. Apply through the local Community Action Agency; call 520-466-1112 (CAHRA) or visit the AZ DES website for more information.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: LIHEAP is income-based (federal poverty / state median income guidelines). Funds are limited and applications are handled through the local Community Action Agency.

Banner Health offers charity care and discounted care to uninsured, underinsured, and medically indigent patients at Banner Casa Grande Medical Center and other Banner hospitals serving Pinal County. Free (charity) care is available to patients at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, and discounted care extends up to 400% of the federal poverty level. Patient Financial Services staff help complete the application. Call 1-888-264-2127 to apply or ask questions.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Charity care is free at or below 200% of the federal poverty level; discounts apply up to 400%. Final approval is based on the hospital's review of income and household size.

The City of Coolidge Transit Department runs Central Arizona Regional Transit (CART), a weekday regional bus between Coolidge, Florence, Central Arizona College and Casa Grande, and Cotton Express, a local Coolidge bus with deviated-route and On Demand trips. All vehicles are wheelchair accessible, and buses have priority seating for seniors and people with disabilities. The city's posted fares do not include a senior or disability discount: CART is $2.00 one way for adults, Cotton Express is $1.00, and On Demand or deviated trips are $1.50. Book On Demand or deviated trips at least 24 hours ahead by calling 520-723-7195.

Estimated service value: about $0 a year

In this county: Service runs Monday through Friday only. CART serves Coolidge, Florence, Central Arizona College and Casa Grande; Cotton Express serves the City of Coolidge. Confirm fares and stops with the Transit Department before travel.