Senior benefits in Marion County, Ohio

Marion County emergency aid: (1) Marion 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) Ohio Heartland Community Action Commission (OHCAC) for HEAP/PIPP+/Winter Crisis utility help; (3) Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging for senior case management, Title III meals, and PASSPORT enrollment (419-524-4144); (4) the county hospital FAP + Ohio HCAP for healthcare safety-net; (5) Catholic Charities / 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 Marion County residents: Ohio Heartland Community Action Commission (OHCAC) (headquartered in Marion) is the HEAP/PIPP+/Winter Crisis administering agency for Marion 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

Marion County hospital safety net: Marion = OhioHealth Marion General Hospital — OhioHealth's Marion County anchor. 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.ohiohealth.com/billing-insurance/pay-your-bill/financial-assistance. Phone: 614-566-1505.

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

In this county: Marion: Marion = OhioHealth Marion General Hospital — OhioHealth's Marion County anchor. Ohio HCAP guarantees free basic hospital-level care at or below 100% FPL; each hospital's own FAP slides above that.

Self-directed home care for veterans with complex, chronic medical needs who are at risk of nursing home placement. The veteran is approved for an annual budget and directs their own care: who provides services, what services are needed, and when. The budget can cover personal care, meals, respite care, care coordination, home modifications, safety goods, monitoring, nutrition, and transportation. Family caregivers — including family or friends the veteran chooses — can be paid for the care they provide. Apply through the Area Agency on Aging at 419-524-4144 (toll-free 800-860-5799).

Minor home repairs and modifications for older adults with mobility or safety concerns, to support staying in the home. Services can include furnace repairs, roof repairs, wheelchair ramps, and bathroom accessibility modifications. Apply through the Area Agency on Aging at 419-524-4144 (toll-free 800-860-5799).

Marion County AAA = Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging (PSA 5, Ontario/Mansfield). 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 419-524-4144.

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

Marion Area Transit (MAT) offers reduced fares for riders 65 and older, riders with disabilities, and students: $1.00 demand-service rides in town (regular $2.00), half-price enhanced service, and a $21 monthly pass (regular $42). Apply for the reduced-fare card through the dispatchers at the Transit Transfer facility — the card is good for two years. Call dispatch at 740-382-9850.

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