Senior benefits in Washington County, Colorado

The Northeastern Colorado Association of Local Governments (NECALG) is the Area Agency on Aging for Region 1, which includes Washington County. It funds and provides services for adults 60 and over and their caregivers — help staying independent at home, nutrition programs, Medicare counseling, long-term care ombudsman help, and information and referral. Call 970-867-9409 (Area Agency on Aging, ext. 3001) 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 Washington County can get a LEAP application or help applying from the Washington County Department of Human Services. The state LEAP page says applications are taken November 1 through April 30. Call 970-345-2238, or apply online through Colorado PEAK.

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

Washington County has no hospital. Yuma Hospital & Clinics in Yuma, which also runs the Akron Clinic in Washington County, offers financial assistance to uninsured and underinsured patients 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 may qualify for free care (a 100% discount) on emergency and medically necessary services, and payment plans are capped at 4% of monthly household income. Call 970-848-4815 for help applying.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

NECALG's Community Dental Program helps people with lower incomes pay for needed dental care. Once your treatment is pre-approved, the program can pay up to $2,500 per person (or $2,750 per household) toward dental services with participating providers. Household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Download the application from NECALG's website and email it in, or call 970-867-9409 ext. 1001.

Estimated bill savings: $0–$2,500 a year

NECALG's Community Vision Program helps people with lower incomes get eye exams and glasses. It pays up to $75 toward a vision exam and up to $225 toward basic frames and lenses. Household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, and services must be pre-approved. Download the application from NECALG's website and email it in, or call 970-867-9409 ext. 1001.

Estimated bill savings: $0–$300 a year

Adults 60 and older who need help at home can get vouchers from the Northeastern Colorado Area Agency on Aging. You choose your own helper, and the agency reimburses what you paid them. Homemaker vouchers cover indoor help such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping and errands; chore vouchers cover outdoor help such as yard work, leaves and snow removal. Material Aid vouchers can help pay for home repairs, assistive technology, medical equipment, eyeglasses and hearing aids. Call 970-867-9409 ext. 3003.

County Express, run by the Northeastern Colorado Association of Local Governments, gives curb-to-curb rides to the general public in northeastern Colorado, including Washington County — older adults, people with disabilities, and Medicaid trips. Seniors pay a reduced rate, and the Area Agency on Aging may help with fares for medical trips. Call the Washington County dispatcher at 970-848-0300 before 5 pm, at least 24 hours ahead for local rides and 72 hours ahead for out-of-town rides.

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