Senior benefits in Montgomery County, Kansas

The Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging (SEKAAA), based in Chanute, serves Montgomery County. Staff look at what help a person needs to stay at home and help them reach services such as in-home help, medical equipment, transportation and meals. Meals are for people 60 and older, their spouses and disabled dependents, at meal sites or delivered to the home, after a short assessment. Other help includes case management, caregiver services, in-home supports like housekeeping, laundry, bathing and dressing, Medicare counseling with trained SHICK volunteers, CARE assessments for anyone thinking about a nursing home, and legal help through Kansas Legal Services. Call 620-431-2980 or toll free 1-800-794-2440.

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

The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) lists a service center in Independence at 2219 W. Laurel St., phone 620-331-0350. DCF runs Food Assistance (SNAP), cash assistance and the winter LIEAP energy program. You can apply online at any time through the DCF Self-Service Portal. Paper Food Assistance applications are available at your local DCF Service Center, or call toll free 1-888-369-4777. During the LIEAP application period, you can apply online or ask your local DCF Service Center for a paper application for help with home heating costs.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Coffeyville Regional Medical Center (CRMC) gives care for free or at a lower charge to people who qualify. Uninsured and underinsured people who live in Montgomery County, Kansas, or within 50 miles of CRMC can apply. CRMC Financial Advisors check whether you can get Medicaid and help you apply. They also help you apply for CRMC's Financial Assistance Programs, which may lower or forgive part or all of your CRMC bills. To qualify, you must be found not eligible for Medicaid (or be denied), fill out the application with supporting papers, and have household income at or below the federal poverty guidelines for your family size. To get the policy or an application, call a Financial Advisor at 620-252-1549 or visit Admissions at 1400 West 4th, Coffeyville.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Connections, run by Four County Mental Health Center, gives rides to the public in Montgomery County on a first-come, first-served basis. Call the Connections office at 620-332-1976 at least 2 business days ahead; the office takes calls from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The public rate is a $2 pickup charge plus 20 cents per mile, paid when you ride. CLASS LTD also offers public transportation in Montgomery County; call 888-657-2107 to ask about service areas.

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