Senior benefits in Thomas 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 Thomas 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 has a service center in Colby, in Thomas County. 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

Citizens Medical Center in Colby (Citizens Health) offers financial assistance for emergency, urgent and medically necessary care at Citizens Medical Center, Family Center for Health Care and NWKS Surgical Associates. If your household income is at or below 137% of the federal poverty level, you may get a 100% discount. With income from 138% to 300%, you may get a 60% to 80% discount. Help may also be available if large medical bills make you medically indigent. Get an application at Admissions or the Family Center for Health Care front office, or call the Patient Financial Advisor at 785-460-5640 to have one mailed or emailed.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Thomas County Transportation in Colby gives general public rides in Thomas County, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., to medical visits, shopping, work, meal sites, church, the library and other errands. The fare is $1 per trip. Call 785-460-4500.

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