Senior benefits in Bent County, Colorado

The Lower Arkansas Valley Area Agency on Aging (LAVAA) serves Baca, Bent, Crowley, Kiowa, Otero and Prowers counties, including Bent 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 Bent County can get a LEAP application or help applying from the Bent County Department of Social Services. The state LEAP page says applications are taken November 1 through April 30. Call 719-456-2620, or apply online through Colorado PEAK.

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

Bent County has no hospital. Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center in La Junta, the nearest hospital for Bent County residents, offers financial assistance for uninsured patients. 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 719-383-6441 for help applying.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Golden Age Transportation Service (GATS) provides rides throughout Bent County, Monday through Friday, 8:00 to 4:00. Riders 60 and older and people with disabilities give a voluntary donation; the general public pays $1.00 per trip. Bustang/Outrider also stops in Las Animas and at the Fort Lyon gate on its Lamar–Colorado Springs route. Call GATS at 719-469-0836.

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