Senior benefits in Moore County, North Carolina

The Central Pines Regional Council Area Agency on Aging serves adults age 60 and older, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers in Moore County. Most of its work is funding and supporting the local organisations that actually deliver congregate and home-delivered meals, family caregiver support and respite, and SHIIP Medicare counselling — call the Area Agency on Aging and it will point you to the provider for your county. Four services come straight from the agency itself: the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, for people living in nursing homes, adult care homes and family care homes; information and referral; options counselling for long-term care, which is private pay; and the Veteran-Directed Service Program, currently a pilot.

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 Moore 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.

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

FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst is the main hospital serving Moore County. FirstHealth provides financial assistance based on financial need, applying discounts for uninsured patients and offering a financial aid program for those who cannot afford their care. Ask a FirstHealth financial counselor for a financial assistance application or call the billing office.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Moore: FirstHealth provides financial assistance based on need and its published policy; uninsured patients may receive discounts or a financial aid award depending on household income.

Moore County Transportation Services provides rides for Moore County residents, including the Moore County Department of Aging and Department of Social Services. It runs a token-based program for medical, education, and work trips and a deviated fixed route in the Southern Pines and Aberdeen area. Older adults and people with disabilities can arrange accessible rides. Call Transportation Services to schedule a trip or ask about senior and disability fares.

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

In this county: Moore: Moore County Transportation Services coordinates rides through the Department of Aging and Social Services; fares and the token program can change, so confirm with the office.