Senior benefits in Montgomery County, Iowa

Connections Area Agency on Aging serves older adults and family caregivers in 20 counties in southwest and western Iowa, including Montgomery 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 Montgomery County, West Central Community Action (WCCA) takes applications for LIHEAP, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. LIHEAP helps qualifying low-income Iowa homeowners and renters pay part of their main heating costs for the winter heating season. The amount is based on household income, household size, type of fuel, and type of housing. Applications open November 1 and end April 30. Contact the WCCA Montgomery County Outreach Office at 1201 Highland Ave., Red Oak (phone 712-623-2339). Outreach offices also offer energy crisis help.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) lists an office for Montgomery County at 1109 Highland Ave, Suite A, Red Oak. Phone: 712-623-4838 or toll free 888-623-4838. This office also serves Page and Taylor 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

Montgomery County Memorial Hospital + Clinics (MCMH) in Red Oak offers financial assistance based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and no patient is turned away because they cannot pay. To get help, complete a Financial Assistance Application and include all the supporting documents it asks for. Other options include paying in full, a payment plan, or AblePay. Call the MCMH Resource Counselor at 712-623-7274 with questions.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Southwest Iowa Transit Agency (SWITA) is the public transportation system for all residents of Montgomery County and seven other southwest Iowa counties. On-demand rides are available Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. (not on holidays), and all vehicles are handicapped accessible. SWITA taxi service runs in Red Oak (7:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday). In-town taxi rides cost $3.00 one way for the general public, or $2.50 for riders 60 and older with a Connections Area Agency on Aging form. Medical transportation costs $35 per hour. Call 1-800-842-8065 to schedule a ride.

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

The Montgomery County Commission of Veteran Affairs is the county veterans office. The Montgomery County Veteran Affairs office gives services and support to veterans in and around Montgomery County, with links for disabled veterans, veterans' employment and returning veterans. Visit the office at 105 E. Coolbaugh St., Red Oak, or call 712-623-3180.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year