Senior benefits in Alamosa County, Colorado

South-Central Colorado Seniors, Inc. is the Area Agency on Aging for the San Luis Valley, including Alamosa County. It helps adults 60 and over (and disabled adults 18 and over who live with an eligible adult) keep living on their own at home — meals, homemaker and respite help, Medicare counseling, and long-term care ombudsman help. Services have no set cost and are not income-based; an assessment is needed first. Call 719-589-4511 to get started.

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

Colorado's Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) helps pay part of winter heating costs. Residents of Alamosa County can get a LEAP application or help applying from the Alamosa County Department of Human Services. The county page says LEAP runs from November 1 through April 30 each year, and eligible households get one benefit per season. Call 719-589-2581, or apply online through Colorado PEAK.

Estimated bill savings: $200–$1,000 a year

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Alamosa County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at San Luis Valley Health Regional Medical Center (Alamosa) for emergency and medically necessary care. Free or discounted care is based on household income and size. Patient Financial Counselors help with applications for financial assistance, Hospital Discounted Care, and Medicaid — call 719-587-6364 (option 1).

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Mountain Valley Transit, a nonprofit rural transit agency, runs free door-to-door rides between the Antonito area and Alamosa on Mondays and Fridays — usable for medical visits, shopping, and errands (donations appreciated). Call dispatch at 719-530-8980 at least 2 business days ahead, or by 3 p.m. the business day before. No same-day rides.

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