Senior benefits in Rooks 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 Rooks 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

Rooks County Health Center in Plainville says financial assistance is available for those who qualify, and staff can point you to other resources. A discounted, sliding fee schedule based on family size and income is offered for the Rooks County Health Center Clinic, Doctors Without Delay and the Emergency Department, and no one is denied those services because they cannot pay. For hospital bills, call 785-434-4553 for payment arrangements. For clinic and Doctors Without Delay bills, call 785-434-2622.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Rooks County Transportation, run by Rooks County Health Center in Plainville, is curb-to-curb general public transportation for Rooks County residents, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rides go within the county or to Graham, Phillips, Osborne and Ellis counties. Suggested donations are $3 within the county and $5 out of the county. Call 785-688-4429.

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