Senior benefits in Lamar County, Georgia

The Three Rivers Regional Commission (TRRC) is the Area Agency on Aging for Lamar County. As an Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) access point, it connects older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers to in-home care, home-delivered and group meals, transportation, caregiver support, benefits counseling, and the Medicaid Community Care Services Program waiver. Services are for adults 60 and older, with priority for those in greatest need. Call the Three Rivers Area Agency on Aging at 1-866-854-5652.

Estimated service value: $500–$6,000 a year

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps Lamar County households pay home heating and cooling bills, with a seasonal payment and crisis help when a shutoff is imminent. Households qualify with income at or below 60% of the state median income, and seniors 65 and older and the medically homebound can apply early each season. In this area LIHEAP is delivered locally through the Middle Georgia Community Action Agency. Apply through the local Community Action Agency; help is first-come, first-served until funds run out.

Estimated bill savings: $400–$810 a year

Lamar County (Barnesville) residents most often use Wellstar Spalding Medical Center in nearby Griffin, along with Upson Regional in Thomaston. Wellstar's Financial Assistance Program provides free or discounted care based on household income compared to the federal poverty guidelines. Care is free for households at or below 125% of the poverty level; households between 126% and 200% receive a deep discount on the amount generally billed; and households between 201% and 300% may receive additional help depending on income and an assets test. Financial counselors can help you apply.

Estimated bill savings: $500–$18,000 a year

In this county: Wellstar care is free at or below 125% of the federal poverty level, deeply discounted from 126%–200%, and partially discounted from 201%–300% (with an assets test). Because the level of help is set by individual review, this shows as a may-qualify result. Lamar (Barnesville) has no in-county hospital; nearest are Wellstar Spalding (Griffin) and Upson Regional (Thomaston).

The Three Rivers Regional Commission administers a demand-response public transportation program serving Lamar County. There are no fixed routes or set stops — riders schedule curb-to-curb trips at least 24 hours in advance for medical appointments, shopping, and essential errands. Call the Three Rivers transit office to register and book a ride.

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