Senior benefits in Mitchell County, Georgia

The Sowega Council on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Mitchell County (Camilla). As an Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) one-call access point, it links older adults, caregivers, and people with disabilities to in-home care, home-delivered and group meals, transportation, caregiver support, wellness programs, 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 Sowega ADRC at 1-800-282-6612.

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

The Southwest Georgia Community Action Council (SWGACAC), based in Moultrie, delivers the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for Mitchell County. LIHEAP makes a payment (up to about $400) toward a household's primary heating or cooling bill for income-eligible households, with crisis help when a shutoff is imminent. Households qualify with income at or below 60% of the state median income; residents who are 65 or older or medically homebound are a priority and can apply starting in December each year. Call SWGACAC at 229-985-3610 for an appointment; help is first-come, first-served until funds run out.

Estimated bill savings: $400–$810 a year

Mitchell County Hospital (Archbold) in Camilla serves Mitchell County (Camilla). Archbold Medical Center's Financial Assistance Program covers all four Archbold hospitals (Memorial, Brooks, Grady, and Mitchell). Indigent or uninsured Georgia residents with household income below 200% of the federal poverty level get a complete write-off of charges through the Indigent Care Trust Fund program. Uninsured residents of Brooks, Grady, Mitchell, or Thomas County with income between 200% and 325% of the poverty level (and assets under $50,000, not counting the home) are charged no more than the amounts generally billed to insured patients. Apply within 240 days of the bill; Patient Financial Services (229-228-8840, 920 Cairo Rd., Thomasville) can help.

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

The Sowega Council on Aging, the Area Agency on Aging for 14 southwest Georgia counties, helps older adults and people with disabilities in Mitchell County (Camilla) find affordable or free rides through its transportation service partners — to medical appointments, the pharmacy, grocery shopping, adult day care, worship, and visits with family. Program details and eligibility vary by provider, so call the Sowega Aging & Disability Resource Connection at 1-800-282-6612 to find the best option.

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