Senior benefits in Sampson County, North Carolina

The Mid-Carolina Area Agency on Aging serves adults age 60 and older and their caregivers in Sampson 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 links to in-home and adult day services. Call the Area Agency on Aging to find out 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 Sampson 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

Sampson Regional Medical Center in Clinton is the community non-profit hospital serving Sampson County. It screens patients for financial assistance and charity care based on the federal poverty guidelines, and gives presumptive charity care to patients who are homeless, enrolled in Medicaid, or enrolled in WIC or SNAP. Financial counselors can help patients understand their options and complete an application. Ask for a financial assistance application or call the Patient Financial Services team.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Sampson: Sampson Regional Medical Center screens for charity care based on the federal poverty guidelines and gives presumptive charity care to certain patients (homeless, Medicaid, WIC/SNAP). Award depends on household income and the hospital's published policy.

Sampson County Public Transportation gives curb-to-curb rides to anyone who lives in or is visiting Sampson County, Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Riders who use a walker or wheelchair can be served. A one-way ride within the county costs $4.00. Limited out-of-county rides go to medical appointments; that fare is $20.00 round trip, and people who are elderly, disabled, or military veterans may qualify for a reduced fare. Call 910-299-0127 at least two business days ahead to book a ride or ask about reduced fares.

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

In this county: Anyone in Sampson County can ride for the regular fare. The age and disability screen reflects the reduced out-of-county medical fare for elderly and disabled riders; the county does not publish an exact senior age, so call to confirm. Book at least two business days ahead.