Senior benefits in Gove County, Kansas

The Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging in Hays runs Older Americans Act programs for older adults and caregivers in the 18 counties of northwest Kansas, including Gove County. Call its Information and Assistance line at 1-800-432-7422, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staff can tell you about in-home help, such as housekeeping, laundry, cooking, bathing and dressing, and which in-home program fits you. A CARE assessor can talk with you about long-term care choices; there is no cost for the assessment. Trained SHICK volunteers explain Medicare, supplement policies and Medicaid, and the office can help you apply for Medicare Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs. The caregiver program offers information, support groups and respite care, and also helps grandparents raising grandchildren. Legal help for people 60 and older is offered through Kansas Legal Services.

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

Kansas DCF (Department for Children and Families) takes applications for Food Assistance (SNAP), cash assistance and the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), which helps with winter heating bills. DCF recommends applying online through the DCF Self-Service Portal. For a paper application, visit a DCF service center or call 1-888-369-4777. DCF service centers in northwest Kansas are in Hays (2250 E. 22nd St., 785-628-1066), Colby (1135 S. Country Club Drive, Suite 1, 785-462-6760), Phillipsburg (111 E. Highway 36, 785-543-5258) and Goodland (812 Broadway Ave., open every Wednesday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.). LIEAP is only open in the winter months, typically December through March. KanCare health coverage is not handled by DCF; apply for it through KanCare.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Gove County Medical Center in Quinter has a Charity Care program. It is based on 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, which are updated each January 1. If you are approved, uncovered care is 100% forgiven, except for copays. You can also be approved if you get SSI, food stamps (SNAP), Medicaid or WIC. Approval lasts six months. If you are not on Medicaid, a Patient Financial Counselor can help you apply. For billing, insurance or payment questions, call 785-754-3341, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Gove County Medical Center in Quinter runs a general public transportation van that lists Gove County among the counties it serves. Its two wheelchair-accessible vans go anywhere within 90 miles of Quinter, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon, for a free-will donation, first come, first served. Call 785-754-5141.

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