Senior benefits in Johnson County, Kansas

The Johnson County Area Agency on Aging is the single point of entry for services for older adults in Johnson County and supports caregivers. Its Information and Assistance Line is answered by specialists who help you find in-home services, congregate and home-delivered meals, transportation, legal help, insurance, housing and more. Services include housekeeping, attendant personal care, home-delivered meals, caregiver support, legal assistance, options counseling, and meals at neighborhood senior centers. Call 913-715-8861, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or use the online Aging Services Intake Form.

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

Kansas DCF (the Department for Children and Families) has a service center in Johnson County, in Lenexa at 7905 Quivira Road, Lenexa, KS 66215. Phone: 913-826-7300. 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

Saint Luke's South Hospital in Overland Park is part of Saint Luke's, a member of BJC Health, and offers BJC financial assistance. Patients who do not have health insurance or need help paying their bills may qualify for help with full or partial payment of the bill. If you qualify, you cannot be charged more than the amounts generally billed to people with health insurance. The financial assistance policy, income and discount schedule, and application are posted on the Saint Luke's financial assistance page. To get an application or more information, call a Patient Services representative at 816-932-5678 (toll free 888-581-9401).

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Johnson County Transit runs RideKC buses, microtransit and RideKC Freedom in Johnson County. On local RideKC buses, adults 65 and older, Medicare cardholders and people with disabilities may get free or reduced fares: $1 a ride, $2 a day, $10 a week or $31.25 for 30 days, after applying to the regional free and reduced fare program. RideKC Freedom is a shared, curb-to-curb paratransit service for people who cannot use buses or microtransit on their own because of a disability or health condition, or who are 65 or older and have a mobility limitation. Everyone must complete the eligibility process; apply online or call for a paper application. Freedom runs Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and remains free until new fares are announced. Call 913-362-3500 (option 2, then option 2).

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