Senior benefits in Monroe County, Georgia

The Middle Georgia Regional Commission (MGRC) is the Area Agency on Aging for Monroe County. As an Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) 'one-call connection,' it links 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 Middle Georgia Area Agency on Aging at 888-548-1456.

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

Middle Georgia Community Action Agency (MGCAA) delivers the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for Monroe County. LIHEAP makes a one-time payment to a household's primary heating or cooling vendor to help income-eligible households, with crisis help when a shutoff is imminent. Households qualify with income at or below 60% of the state median income, and residents who are 65 or older or medically homebound are a priority and may apply early each season. Apply through MGCAA; help is first-come, first-served until funds run out.

Estimated bill savings: $400–$810 a year

Monroe County Hospital in Forsyth, operated by the Hospital Authority of Monroe County, is the community hospital serving Monroe County. Its Financial Assistance Program helps uninsured or underinsured patients who come for emergency or other medically necessary care, providing relief based on a comparison of household income and resources to the federal poverty guidelines. Financial assistance staff can help you apply.

Estimated bill savings: $500–$15,000 a year

In this county: Monroe County Hospital provides financial assistance to uninsured/underinsured patients based on income and resources vs the federal poverty guidelines; eligibility is reviewed individually, so this shows as a may-qualify result. Financial assistance staff: 478-394-6224.

The Middle Georgia Regional Commission administers the regional coordinated public transportation program serving Monroe County (Forsyth), providing demand-response, curb-to-curb rides for medical appointments, shopping, senior centers, and essential errands. There are no fixed routes — trips are scheduled in advance. Contact MGRC at 478-751-6160 for the local transportation contact and to arrange service.

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