Senior benefits in Harrison County, Indiana

The Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP) pays a one-time credit toward the heat and electric bill and protects a household from winter disconnection. In Harrison County, EAP applications go to Lincoln Hills Development Corporation in Tell City, the local service provider IHCDA assigns to the county. Community Action of Southern Indiana is still the Community Action and weatherization agency here, but it no longer takes EAP applications. Call 800-467-1435, extension 275. The benefit is paid once per November-to-April heating season, for renters and homeowners alike.

Estimated bill savings: $100–$625 a year

Harrison 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. Harrison County has 12 townships; find your trustee through the county offices. (2) LifeSpan Resources for senior case management, meals, and PathWays/CHOICE (812-948-8330). (3) The regional Community Action agency for EAP utility help. (4) The county hospital Financial Assistance Programs for healthcare. (5) Salvation Army / St. Vincent de Paul / Catholic Charities. (6) Dare to Care Food Bank (Louisville metro, serving Southern Indiana). (7) Dial 211 for general referrals.

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

Harrison County hospital safety net: Harrison = Harrison County Hospital (Corydon, county-owned not-for-profit under Indiana County Hospital Law) — Community Care Application. 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.hchin.org/billing-financial-information/. Phone: 812-738-4251.

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

In this county: Harrison: Harrison = Harrison County Hospital (Corydon, county-owned not-for-profit under Indiana County Hospital Law) — Community Care Application. Each hospital runs its own Financial Assistance Program (no Indiana state-mandated charity-care law).

Harrison County's Area Agency on Aging is LifeSpan Resources (Area 14 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; Meals on Wheels and congregate meals; caregiver support (NFCSP); transportation; and home modifications. LifeSpan serves the 4-county Indiana side of the Louisville metro and is one of Indiana's 16 AAAs. Apply by calling 812-948-8330 or 888-948-8330.

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

Rides To Go!, from LifeSpan Resources, provides scheduled transportation in Clark, Floyd, Harrison, and Scott counties, including Harrison County. There is no age requirement. Social and errand trips run on a suggested donation of $3.00 each way. Medical trips are covered for Medicaid riders (booked through Verida, 1-855-325-7586) and for Pathways for Aging participants; private-pay medical trips are $30.00 each way. Register once for free by calling the Aging and Disability Resource Center at 812-948-8330, then schedule trips at 812-948-9701.

Estimated service value: $200–$1,000 a year