Senior benefits in Harper County, Kansas

The South Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging (SCKAAA), based in Arkansas City, serves Harper County. Its local office is the Harper County Department on Aging in Anthony, phone 620-842-5104. SCKAAA offers case management, help at home such as personal care, homemaker, respite and chore services, information and referrals, and help for family caregivers and grandparents raising grandchildren. Friendship Meals are served at meal sites or delivered to people who are homebound, for people 60 and older and their spouses; call 24 hours ahead to reserve a meal. Call the county office or SCKAAA toll free at 1-800-362-0264.

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

There is no Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) service center in Harper County. DCF lists Harper County in its Wichita Region; the closest Wichita Region service centers are in Wichita and Pratt: Wichita (2601 S. Oliver St., Wichita, KS 67210, 1-316-337-7000); Pratt (400 S. Main St., Suite B, Pratt, KS 67124, 1-620-672-5955). 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

Patterson Health Center in Anthony (Hospital District No. 6 of Harper County) says no one will be denied care because they cannot pay. Its Uncompensated Care Policy gives a discount of up to 100% on hospital or clinic charges for emergency or medically necessary care. Care may be free if your household income is at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines, and discounted if it is above 125% but not more than 200%. Fill out the Application for Uncompensated Care (English or Spanish) and send the papers it asks for; missing items must be sent within 15 business days of a request. Call 620-914-1200 and ask for the business office.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Harper County Department on Aging runs public transportation for older adults, people with disabilities and the general public in Harper County. Rides run Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., in town, across the county, and out of the county up to 70 miles. Service is curb to curb and first come, first served. A round trip costs $4 in town, $7 in the county and $20 out of the county. Ride cards cost $25 for $31 in rides. Call 620-842-5104 to schedule a ride; reservations ahead of time are requested.

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