Senior benefits in Trego 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 Trego 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

Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital in WaKeeney has a Financial Assistance Program with a sliding-scale discount based on household income. Household income must be less than 300% of the federal poverty level to qualify. Financial assistance is used after all other coverage, such as insurance and government programs, and applies only to the self-pay part of your bill. You can apply in person at the business office, by phone at 785-743-2182, by mail to 312 N 13th St, WaKeeney, KS 67672, or through the hospital website. If you do not qualify, a prompt-pay discount may be available.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Trego County Transportation, run by the City of WaKeeney, gives rides to older adults, people with disabilities and the general public, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday by appointment. One vehicle serves the county and one serves in-town trips, to places within 60 miles of WaKeeney. The fare is $1.75 one way; 20 round trips cost $40 and 20 one-way trips cost $35. Out-of-town trips are $10 a ride. Call 785-743-5791.

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