Senior benefits in Carteret County, North Carolina

The Eastern Carolina Council Area Agency on Aging serves older adults age 60 and older and their caregivers in Carteret County. Services include congregate and home-delivered meals, family caregiver support and respite, the Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) for Medicare counseling, options counseling for long-term care, the long-term care ombudsman, and adult protective services coordination. Call the Area Agency on Aging to learn what is available locally.

Estimated service value: $1,000–$6,000 a year

North Carolina's Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) gives a one-time payment toward heating costs, and the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) helps when a household faces a heating or cooling emergency. Both are run by the Carteret County Department of Social Services. Households with an older adult (60+) or a person with a disability can apply starting December 1; other eligible households apply starting in January, until funds run out. Apply online through ePASS at epass.nc.gov, by phone, or at the county DSS office. Carteret County DSS also runs Energy Neighbor, a Duke Energy Progress-funded crisis fund for Duke Energy Progress customers with income at or below 150% of the poverty level: up to $300 per crisis and $600 per year toward a past-due balance, unpaid deposit, or reconnection charge.

Estimated bill savings: $300–$1,100 a year

Carteret Health Care in Morehead City is the main hospital serving Carteret County. Its Financial Assistance Program is open to patients with or without insurance who have outstanding balances at the hospital. The discount percentage is based on household income compared with the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Medicaid screenings are available. Every applicant must be screened for Medicaid first (phone screening with the hospital's Advocatia representative at 252-499-6570, or through the county DSS). Questions and completed applications go to the Financial Assistance Program Coordinator at 252-499-6517.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Carteret: the discount is based on household income against the Federal Poverty Guidelines; the program covers only Carteret Health Care bills, and accounts are not held during review.

The Carteret County Area Transportation System (CCATS) provides curb-to-curb rides for all Carteret County residents using wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Eligible older adults can ride the CCATS van from home to the Leon Mann, Jr. Enrichment Center senior center and back, Monday through Friday, at no fee. Other trips have a fare. Call CCATS to register and schedule rides in advance.

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

In this county: Carteret: CCATS rides to the Leon Mann, Jr. Enrichment Center are free for eligible older adults; other CCATS trips have a fare set by program and destination.