Senior benefits in Clarke County, Iowa

Connections Area Agency on Aging serves older adults and family caregivers in 20 counties in southwest and western Iowa, including Clarke County. Its Information and Assistance specialists and Options Counselors help people find and apply for benefits such as Medicare Extra Help, Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid, SNAP food help and LIHEAP energy help. Other services include case management for people age 60 or older who need help with at least two daily activities (such as bathing or dressing) so they can stay at home, senior center meals and home-delivered meals for people 60 and older, caregiver support and respite options, free Medicare counseling through SHIIP, and Solution Options for Seniors (S.O.S.), which helps pay for home repairs or changes for people 60 and older who own their home or live with a caregiver. Call toll free 1-800-432-9209. The Council Bluffs office (231 S. Main St.) and Sioux City office (2301 Pierce St.) take walk-ins Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; the Creston office (109 N. Elm St.) is by appointment.

Estimated service value: $200–$2,000 a year

In Clarke County, South Central Iowa Community Action Program (SCICAP) helps you apply for LIHEAP, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which can pay part of your winter heating costs if you meet income guidelines. The amount depends on income, family size, the type of fuel you heat with, and other factors. If you qualify, your heating and electric service is protected from disconnection through March 31. Households that heat with propane (LP) can get propane delivery. SCICAP takes applications starting October 1 for households with members age 60 or older or with disabilities; November 1 for all other income-eligible households. The regular application period ends April 30. Apply online, by mail, or at the Clarke County Outreach office at 114 S Fillmore, Ste 2, Osceola (open Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; phone 641-342-2101). If you have a disconnection notice, call right away.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) lists an office for Clarke County at 109 S Main, Suite 2, Osceola. Phone: 641-342-6516. This office also serves Decatur, Lucas and Wayne counties. Iowa HHS says you can apply for SNAP food benefits and for Medicaid health coverage, including Medicaid for older adults and people with disabilities, at your local HHS office. You can also apply online through the Iowa HHS Benefits Portal, or apply for Medicaid by phone at 1-855-889-7985.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Clarke County Hospital in Osceola has financial assistance policies to help patients who cannot pay for some or all of the care they receive. If you do not have insurance or think you will need help paying your bill, call (641) 342-5258. The Financial Counselor can also help you see whether you qualify for other coverage or benefits. For questions about a current bill, call (641) 342-5479.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Southern Iowa Trolley is the regional public transit system for Clarke County and six other south-central Iowa counties. It gives door-to-door weekday rides to the general public, including people with disabilities, and every vehicle is ADA accessible. In Clarke County, in-town rides are offered in Osceola. Main in-town service runs Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. (days and hours can change with driver availability). Seniors age 60 and older pay $3.00 per in-town ride (or $30.00 for a 12-ride ticket), and in-town rides on Fridays are $1.00. Before riding, seniors must fill out a Connections Area Agency on Aging intake form, which you can get from the driver or the office at 301 Industrial Parkway in Creston. Out-of-town trips start at $10.00 one way. To schedule a ride, call 641-782-6571 or toll free 866-782-6571.

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

The Clarke County Commission of Veteran Affairs is the county veterans office. The office helps with federal claims such as disability compensation, pension, survivor pension and DIC, aid and attendance, VA health care, burial benefits and military records, and with state benefits such as the Iowa Veterans Home, Iowa Veterans Trust Fund and the Military Property Tax Exemption. The director also helps veterans apply for county help with food, rent or mortgage payments and utilities, and grave markers are supplied to veterans buried in Clarke County. Visit the office at the Clarke County Courthouse, 100 Main St., Osceola (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. (appointments preferred)), or call 641-342-2933.

Estimated cash: $200–$1,500 a year