Senior benefits in Greene County, Ohio

Greene County emergency aid: (1) Greene County Job and Family Services (937-562-6000; apply at benefits.ohio.gov or Medicaid 1-844-640-6446) for Ohio Works First (TANF), Ohio Medicaid, SNAP, and Prevention, Retention and Contingency (PRC) emergency help with shelter, utilities and transportation — PRC requires a minor child in the home and family income under 200% FPL; (2) Miami Valley Community Action Partnership (MVCAP) 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 Greene County residents: Miami Valley Community Action Partnership (MVCAP) is the HEAP/PIPP+/Winter Crisis administering agency for Greene County (MVCAP Greene County office, 469 Dayton Ave., Xenia, 937-376-7747). 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

Greene County hospital safety net: Kettering Health Greene Memorial (Xenia) and Kettering Health Soin Medical Center (Beavercreek). Kettering Health's Financial Assistance Policy compares household income to the federal poverty guidelines. At or below 250% FPL, patients owe nothing for Kettering Health care; from 251% to 400% FPL, patients may get discounted rates. Uninsured or underinsured patients can also get help applying for Medicaid. Ohio's Hospital Care Assurance Program (HCAP) also requires Ohio hospitals to give basic, medically necessary hospital care free to Ohio residents at or below 100% FPL. For help with the application, call the Greene Memorial financial counseling line at 937-352-2201 (Soin Medical Center: 937-702-4875).

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

In this county: Greene: Greene = Kettering Health Greene Memorial (Xenia) + Soin Medical Center (Beavercreek) — Kettering's eastern anchor, with Wright-Patterson AFB nearby. Kettering Health's policy covers care in full at or below 250% FPL and discounts it up to 400% FPL; Ohio HCAP also guarantees free basic hospital care at or below 100% FPL.

Greene 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

Greene CATS Public Transit runs scheduled demand-response rides that pick up and drop off anywhere in Greene County, with limited service to nearby counties. Rides run Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and are open to the general public. All vehicles meet ADA accessibility rules. Fares are set by distance: $5 for 0 to 10 miles, $10 for 10 to 20 miles, and $15 for more than 20 miles (adults 14 and up). No separate senior fare is published. Book at least two business days ahead, up to two weeks out, by calling the scheduling office at 937-708-8322 or toll free 877-227-2287 (option 1), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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

In this county: Greene CATS rides are open to anyone. No senior fare discount is published; fares are set by trip distance.