Senior benefits in Choctaw County, Mississippi

The Golden Triangle Planning and Development District (GTPDD) in Starkville is the Area Agency on Aging for Choctaw, Clay, Lowndes, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Webster and Winston counties, including Choctaw County. Its toll-free line gives older adults information and referral on health care, money problems, legal services, group meals at meal sites, home-delivered meals, personal care, long-term care ombudsman help and case management. Call toll-free 1-888-324-9000, or call the GTPDD Department of Aging at (662) 324-7860 and choose option 2.

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

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay home energy bills and energy crisis costs. In Choctaw County, LIHEAP is handled by Prairie Opportunity, Inc., the Community Action Agency (CAA) that serves Choctaw, Clay, Leake, Lowndes, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Webster and Winston counties. Its Eupora office (Webster County), which serves Choctaw County is at 129-B Dunn St., Eupora; call 662-258-8233. To apply, submit a pre-application on Access MS and mark "Community Services"; the CAA then mails or emails an appointment notice, and the full application is finished in person. A household typically qualifies with income at or below 60% of the state median income and an energy bill due. Households with elderly or disabled members get priority and should get an appointment within 30 business days. If approved, the CAA pays the energy company directly. Funding is limited.

Estimated bill savings: $200–$1,500 a year

The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) county office for Choctaw County is at 583 West Main St, Ackerman, MS 39735. Call 662-285-6269. County offices help with SNAP food benefits and can explain what documents to send with an application. Older adults can use the Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP), a simpler way to apply for SNAP, when everyone in the household is 65 or over and no one has earnings from work; the application is form MDHS EA 904. People who get SSI can apply for SNAP through the Mississippi Combined Application Project (MSCAP) at the Social Security office or the local county MDHS office. ESAP and MSCAP participants can call 800-948-4060 for help with a SNAP case.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Choctaw Regional Medical Center in Ackerman says no one will be denied access to services due to inability to pay. It has a discounted sliding fee schedule based on family size and income, which changes each year with federal poverty rules. A discount lasts six months, and patients must apply again every six months. Payment plans are also offered. Financial Counselors can help Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; call 662-285-4420.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Discounts are set by the hospital's sliding fee policy, and the hospital makes the final decision.