Senior benefits in Mineral County, Colorado

South-Central Colorado Seniors, Inc. is the Area Agency on Aging for the San Luis Valley, including Mineral 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 Mineral County can get a LEAP application or help applying from the Rio Grande/Mineral County Department of Social Services, which serves both Rio Grande and Mineral counties from its Del Norte office. Call 719-657-3381, or apply online through Colorado PEAK.

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

Mineral County has no hospital; the nearest one residents use is Rio Grande Hospital (Del Norte), 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. The hospital offers a sliding fee scale, Hospital Discounted Care, and Medicaid application help. Its Public Benefits Advocates can help at 719-657-4063.

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