Senior benefits in Mercer County, Ohio

Mercer County emergency aid: (1) Mercer 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) the Mercer County HEAP administering agency (Celina) for HEAP/PIPP+/Winter Crisis utility help; (3) Area Agency on Aging 3 for senior case management, Title III meals, and PASSPORT enrollment (419-222-7723 / 800-653-7723); (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 Mercer County residents: The Mercer County HEAP/PIPP+/Winter Crisis administering agency (420 N. Brandon Ave., Celina) delivers Ohio HEAP for Mercer County residents. 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

Mercer County hospital safety net: Mercer = Mercer Health (Mercer County Community Hospital, Coldwater — a public county district hospital) anchoring the Grand Lake / Celina area. 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://mercer-health.com/. Phone: 419-678-2341.

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

In this county: Mercer: Mercer = Mercer Health (Mercer County Community Hospital, Coldwater — a public county district hospital) anchoring the Grand Lake / Celina area. Ohio HCAP guarantees free basic hospital-level care at or below 100% FPL; each hospital's own FAP slides above that.

DISH (Dining to Improve Socialization & Health) gives adults 60 and older a meal card to use at participating local restaurants, with menu choices that meet senior nutrition guidelines. Mercer County has participating restaurants. Space is limited: everyone must apply each year, and spots go first to people with the highest nutritional risk, not first come, first served. Applications for the 2027 program year are taken October 1–31, 2026, by phone, online or in person. People enrolled in PASSPORT or MyCare, or getting home-delivered meals from the agency, cannot join DISH. Apply by calling Area Agency on Aging 3 at 419-222-7723 or 1-800-653-7723.

Mercer County AAA = Area Agency on Aging 3 (Lima). 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 419-222-7723 or 800-653-7723.

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

Mercer County senior transportation is coordinated and funded through Area Agency on Aging 3, providing rides to medical appointments and essential errands for residents 60+ (Celina / Coldwater). Reduced senior fares. Ohio counties operate independent transit systems — fare structure varies. Call Area Agency on Aging 3 (419-222-7723) to arrange Mercer County senior transportation.

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