Senior benefits in Geary County, Kansas

The North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging (NC-FH AAA) serves older Kansans, people living with disabilities, and family caregivers in Geary County and 17 other counties, with offices in Manhattan, Salina and Emporia. Friendship Meals are served at dining centers or delivered to homebound people age 60 and older, their spouses and disabled dependents, after a Kansas Uniform Assessment; the suggested voluntary contribution is $4.00 a meal. Other help includes long-term home care planning, free Medicare counseling (SHICK), help applying for Extra Help with drug costs, Senior Farmers Market coupons (a one-time $50 a year for people 60 and older who meet income limits), job help for people 55 and older, Section 8 housing vouchers, fall-prevention classes and a monthly caregiver call. Call 785-776-9294 or toll free 800-432-2703.

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

The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has a service center in Geary County: the Junction City Service Center at 1010 W. 6th St., Junction City, KS 66441 Phone: 785-762-5445. Kansas DCF handles Food Assistance (SNAP), Cash Assistance, Child Care Assistance and Utilities & Energy Assistance. You can apply online through the DCF self-service portal or call the DCF Benefits Assistance line at 1-888-369-4777.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Stormont Vail Health, which runs the Flint Hills Campus hospital in Junction City, has a Financial Assistance Program for patients who cannot afford emergency or other medically necessary care. With annual income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines and non-retirement liquid assets under $10,000, you may get a full (100%) discount. With income from 201% to 300%, you may get a partial discount. Call a Customer Service Representative at 785-354-1150 or 800-637-4716.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

ATA Bus (Flint Hills Area Transportation Agency) runs fixed bus routes in Junction City and a door-to-door Demand Response service. If you live in rural Geary County, including Milford and Grandview Plaza, ATA Bus will pick you up and take you anywhere within Geary County; call to schedule. The K18 Connect route links Junction City, Manhattan and Ogden for $1 a ride, Monday through Friday. Seniors 60 and older can get Half Fare on fixed routes and can use Demand Response after applying. Call 785-537-6345 or toll free 877-551-6345.

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