Senior benefits in Boone County, Indiana

Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for Boone County residents is delivered through Area IV Agency on Aging and Community Action Programs, Inc. EAP provides a one-time annual heating credit ($100–$625 for PY2026, plus up to $800 in winter crisis help) plus winter disconnection protection for households at or below 60% of the State Median Income (~$33,556/year for one person for program year 2027, which opens October 1, 2026). Apply online through IHCDA's LITT portal (opens October 1, 2026; linked from in.gov/ihcda) or Area IV's Boone County EAP office (1600 W Main St., Lebanon; 765-447-7683 ext. 232).

Estimated bill savings: $100–$625 a year

Boone County emergency aid: (1) DISTINCTIVE to Indiana — each elected Township Trustee provides 'poor relief' (township assistance): emergency help with rent / eviction prevention, utility shutoff, food, clothing, medical needs, and burial expenses for residents of that township. Boone County has 12 townships; find your trustee through the county offices. (2) CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions for senior case management, meals, and PathWays/CHOICE (317-803-6131). (3) The county EAP Local Service Provider for utility help. (4) The county hospital Financial Assistance Programs for healthcare. (5) Salvation Army / St. Vincent de Paul / Catholic Charities Indianapolis. (6) Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana. (7) Dial 211 (Connect2Help) for general referrals.

Estimated bill savings: $200–$3,000 a year

Boone County hospital safety net: Boone = Witham Health Services (Lebanon, INDEPENDENT 52-bed) — the county anchor, with IU Health / Ascension reaching Zionsville. Indiana hospitals do not have a single state-mandated charity-care law (unlike New Jersey); each runs its own Financial Assistance Program, typically a sliding scale to 200-300% of the Federal Poverty Level, and non-profit hospitals must offer one. Apply at the hospital financial counseling office or at https://www.witham.org/. Phone: 765-485-8000.

Estimated bill savings: $500–$30,000 a year

In this county: Boone: Boone = Witham Health Services (Lebanon, INDEPENDENT 52-bed) — the county anchor, with IU Health / Ascension reaching Zionsville. Each hospital runs its own Financial Assistance Program (no Indiana state-mandated charity-care law).

Boone County's Area Agency on Aging is CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions — Area 8 Agency on Aging. Services: Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) options counseling; enrollment/assessment for the Medicaid PathWays for Aging waiver and the state CHOICE program; home-delivered and congregate meals; caregiver support (NFCSP); transportation; and home modifications. One of Indiana's 16 AAAs. Apply by calling 317-803-6131.

Estimated service value: $1,500–$6,000 a year

CICOA Dine Dollars lets adults age 60 and over eat at participating hospital cafeterias and restaurants. For a suggested contribution of $3 per meal, you get a reusable meal card good for up to eight meals a month — breakfast, lunch or dinner. Enrollment is required. Enroll through Boone County Senior Services (765-482-5220, Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.). Participating location: Witham Hospital (breakfast and lunch, Monday–Friday). Questions: CICOA Meals & More, 317-803-6042.

Estimated service value: $100–$600 a year

In this county: Boone: for adults 60+. Suggested contribution $3 per meal, up to eight meals a month; enrollment required. Call 765-482-5220.

CICOA's Community Health Workers give up to 90 days of free, one-on-one support in Boone County, at home or in the community. A trained worker helps you understand your health and medicines, get ready for and follow up after doctor visits, and find food, housing and transportation help. You may qualify if you had a hospital or ER visit in the last 30 days, a fall in the past 3 months, lost your main caregiver in the past 6 months, have not seen a primary care doctor in 12 months, have a chronic health condition, or need help with food, housing or transportation. Caregivers of someone who meets one of these can join too. Sign up with the online form or call CICOA's Resource Center at 317-803-6131.

The Boone Area Transit System (BATS) provides demand-response rides in Boone County. Anyone can ride: the general-public fare is $4.00 per stop within your town or city and $6.00 per stop outside it, while riders over 60 ride on a suggested-donation basis instead. Call 765-482-5220 or 317-873-8939 to schedule.

Estimated service value: $500–$2,500 a year

In this county: Boone: open to everyone; riders over 60 pay a suggested donation instead of the set fare. Call 765-482-5220 to schedule.

CICOA's My Freedom program gives adults age 60 and older, and people of any age with a disability, discounted rides around central Indiana, including Boone County. Riders pay 25% of the trip cost. Rides can be for any purpose — work, medical visits, church, groceries, the pharmacy or seeing friends — and run 24 hours a day, every day, through zTrip, with wheelchair-accessible minivans (book those 48 hours ahead). An escort or personal care assistant rides at no extra cost. Apply online or call CICOA's Way2Go line at 317-803-6153 (option 4).

Estimated service value: $500–$2,500 a year