Senior benefits in Baca County, Colorado

The Lower Arkansas Valley Area Agency on Aging (LAVAA) serves Baca, Bent, Crowley, Kiowa, Otero and Prowers counties, including Baca County. It connects older adults and the people who care for them to information and services on a range of help for daily living. Call 719-383-3166 (13 West 3rd Street, La Junta).

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 Baca County can get a LEAP application or help applying from the Baca County Department of Human Services. The state LEAP page says applications are taken November 1 through April 30. Call 719-523-4131, or apply online through Colorado PEAK.

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

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Baca County can apply for financial assistance at Southeast Colorado Hospital in Springfield for emergency and medically necessary care. Under Colorado's Hospital Discounted Care law, patients with household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines can have their hospital bills limited and get an income-based payment plan. Call 719-523-2161 for help applying.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Baca County's Senior Bus gives older and disabled Baca County residents curb-to-curb rides for banking, doctor visits and shopping once a week, on a set day for each town (Monday through Thursday). Riders may give a voluntary donation. Call the Commissioner's Office at 719-523-6532 to schedule a pickup.

Estimated service value: $100–$800 a year