Senior benefits in Brown County, Kansas

The Northeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging (NEKAAA) in Hiawatha serves Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Jackson, Marshall, Nemaha and Washington counties, including Brown County. It helps people live on their own in their homes and communities for as long as possible. Services include group (congregate) meals, home-delivered meals, transportation, case management, in-home services, information and assistance, health promotion programs and volunteer opportunities. The office is at 1803 Oregon, Hiawatha. Call 785-742-7152 (toll free 800-883-2549).

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

Kansas DCF (the Department for Children and Families) has a service center in Brown County, in Hiawatha at 912 S. Morrill Ave., Hiawatha, KS 66434. Phone: 785-742-7186. DCF runs Food Assistance (SNAP), cash assistance and the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). LIEAP pays part of winter home heating costs once a year for households with gross income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. You can apply online through the DCF Self-Service Portal, or call DCF Benefits Assistance at 1-888-369-4777 for food, cash and child care assistance. LIEAP is open only during its winter application period; during that time you can apply online or ask your local DCF Service Center for a paper application.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Amberwell Hiawatha, the hospital in Hiawatha, gives care to patients in its service area without regard to their ability to pay, and offers free or reduced-cost care to eligible people who cannot pay. Discounts are based on a percentage of the federal poverty guidelines, updated every year. Eligibility depends on where you live (you must be a permanent resident of the hospital's service area, which includes Hiawatha, Horton, Everest, Fairview, Morrill and other nearby towns), your gross income and your household size. The discount is applied only after all other payment sources are used. You can apply at the time of service or up to 240 days after your first statement. Applications are at the Financial Counselor's office, outpatient registration and Emergency Department registration. Call the Financial Counselor at 785-742-6397.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

NEKAAA General Public Transportation gives first-come, first-served, origin-to-destination rides to people of all ages and abilities in Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Jackson and Nemaha counties, including Brown County. Call 24 to 48 hours ahead if you can; same-day rides may be possible depending on cancellations. All rides are scheduled through dispatch at 785-742-7153. Have your name, address, birthdate, phone number, trip date and time, and pickup and drop-off places ready when you call.

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