Senior benefits in Gilpin County, Colorado

The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) Area Agency on Aging serves Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Gilpin, and Jefferson counties, including Gilpin County. It funds and runs Older Americans Act services for adults 60 and older and family caregivers — information and assistance, options counseling and case management, Medicare counseling (SHIP), caregiver support, the long-term care ombudsman, and no-cost rides. Call information and assistance at 303-480-6700.

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

Gilpin County Human Services takes applications for the Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), seasonal help with home heating bills for low-income Gilpin County residents. The program runs November 1 through April 30. Apply online at Colorado PEAK or download an application, and call Gilpin County Human Services at 303-582-5444 with questions. Income limits are on the statewide LEAP record.

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

Gilpin County has no hospital; the nearest full-service hospital is CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood. Uninsured and underinsured Gilpin County residents can apply there for financial assistance (charity care) for emergency and medically necessary care. CommonSpirit Health's Colorado financial assistance and Hospital Discounted Care program reduces charges for eligible patients based on household income compared with the federal poverty level. Call the St. Anthony financial counseling department at 720-321-0402.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Gilpin County's Senior Services & Transportation Program gives door-to-door rides to Gilpin County seniors (60 and older) and their spouses for scheduled senior luncheons, weekly grocery shopping, and medical and dental visits. There is a $2.50 participant contribution for each one-way trip. Call 303-515-4292 with questions or to request a ride.

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