Senior benefits in Page County, Iowa

Connections Area Agency on Aging serves older adults and family caregivers in 20 counties in southwest and western Iowa, including Page 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 Page 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 Page County Outreach Office at 301 Maple Street, Suite 3, Shenandoah (phone 712-246-2585). 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 Page County at 615 Northwest Rd, Shenandoah. This office is by appointment only and is served by the Montgomery County office in Red Oak. Phone: 712-623-4838 or toll free 888-623-4838. 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

Page County has two hospitals. Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) does not deny anyone services because they cannot pay, and it has a discounted, sliding fee schedule based on family size and income; staff can explain payment plans and other help. Download the CRHC Financial Assistance Application or call the CRHC Billing Office at (712) 542-2176. In Shenandoah, Shenandoah Medical Center's Patient Financial Counselor helps with billing, insurance and financial assistance; mail its Financial Assistance Application to Shenandoah Medical Center, Attn: Business Office, 300 Pershing Avenue, Shenandoah, IA 51601, or fax it to (712) 266-3508. Call the Shenandoah Medical Center business office at (712) 246-7201.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Southwest Iowa Transit Agency (SWITA) is the public transportation system for all residents of Page 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 Shenandoah (8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday). In Clarinda, call Clarinda Area Volunteers at 712-542-7950. 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 Page County Commission of Veteran Affairs is the county veterans office. The Commission of Veterans Affairs helps Page County veterans discharged under honorable conditions (with 90 days in a row of active federal service) and their families review benefits, file claims, plan for end of life, and get grave markers. It helps all veterans apply for federal benefits such as disability compensation, pension, surviving spouse pension, aid and attendance, VA health care and Iowa Veterans Home admission. Visit the office at 615 Northwest Road, Shenandoah (Monday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; closed Friday (call for an appointment)), or call 712-246-4254.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year