Senior benefits in Clark County, Ohio

Clark County emergency aid: (1) Clark County Job and Family Services for Ohio Works First (TANF), Prevention, Retention and Contingency (PRC) emergency assistance (TANF-funded; usually requires a minor child in the home), and Ohio Medicaid; (2) OIC of Clark County (Opportunities for Individual Change) for HEAP/PIPP+/Winter Crisis utility help; (3) Area Agency on Aging PSA 2 for senior case management, Title III meals, and PASSPORT enrollment (937-223-4357); (4) the county hospital FAP + Ohio HCAP for healthcare safety-net; (5) Catholic Social Services / Salvation Army / St. Vincent de Paul; (6) regional food bank; (7) Ohio 2-1-1 for general referrals.

Estimated bill savings: $200–$3,000 a year

Ohio HEAP for Clark County residents: OIC of Clark County (Opportunities for Individual Change, Springfield) is the designated Community Action Agency and HEAP/PIPP+/Winter Crisis administering agency for Clark County. Income limit: 175% FPL (~$27,930 single). Apply via energyhelp.ohio.gov, by calling 1-800-282-0880, or at the local administering agency. PIPP+ (ongoing 6%-of-income utility plan) + Winter Crisis Program (Nov-March emergency tier) layer on top.

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

Clark County hospital safety net: Clark = Mercy Health Springfield Regional (Bon Secours Mercy) + Kettering Health Springfield — the Springfield two-system market. Ohio's Hospital Care Assurance Program (HCAP) requires hospitals receiving HCAP funds (essentially all Ohio acute-care hospitals) to provide basic, medically necessary hospital-level services free of charge to Ohio residents at or below 100% FPL; each hospital's own Financial Assistance Program (typically sliding to 200-400% FPL) layers above HCAP. Apply at the hospital financial counseling office or at https://www.mercy.com/patient-resources/billing-insurance/financial-assistance. Phone: 937-523-1000.

Estimated bill savings: $500–$30,000 a year

In this county: Clark: Clark = Mercy Health Springfield Regional (Bon Secours Mercy) + Kettering Health Springfield — the Springfield two-system market. Ohio HCAP guarantees free basic hospital-level care at or below 100% FPL; each hospital's own FAP slides above that.

Clark County AAA = Area Agency on Aging, PSA 2. Services include: Title III Congregate + Home-Delivered Meals; OSHIIP (Medicare counseling); PASSPORT Medicaid Waiver enrollment + assessment; National Family Caregiver Support Program; Ohio Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program; Long-Term Care Options Counseling. Apply by calling the AAA at 937-223-4357.

Estimated service value: $1,500–$6,000 a year

Springfield City Area Transit (SCAT, City of Springfield) — fixed-route bus service in Springfield (transitioning to on-demand micro-transit). Reduced fare for riders 65+, Medicare cardholders, and riders with disabilities. The Clark County Transportation Coordination Committee coordinates county-wide options. Ohio counties operate independent transit systems — fare structure varies. Apply for a SCAT reduced-fare ID with proof of age 65+, a Medicare card, or proof of disability.

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