Senior benefits in Costilla County, Colorado

South-Central Colorado Seniors, Inc. is the Area Agency on Aging for the San Luis Valley, including Costilla 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 Costilla County can get a LEAP application or help applying from the Costilla County Department of Social Services. The state LEAP page says applications are taken November 1 through April 30. Call 719-672-4131, or apply online through Colorado PEAK.

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

Costilla County has no hospital; the nearest one residents use is San Luis Valley Health Regional Medical Center (Alamosa), where uninsured and underinsured patients can apply for financial assistance (charity care) 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

The San Luis Valley Area Agency on Aging does not run its own buses, but it can issue consumer-directed transportation vouchers: an older adult who needs rides in a private vehicle (for example, from a family member or friend) can have the driver's mileage reimbursed at the agency's current rate. Call the Administration Office at 719-589-4511 to ask about eligibility.

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