Senior benefits in Washington County, Ohio

Washington County emergency aid: (1) Washington 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) Washington-Morgan Community Action (WMCAP) for HEAP/PIPP+/Winter Crisis utility help; (3) Buckeye Hills Regional Council Area Agency on Aging for senior case management, Title III meals, and PASSPORT enrollment (800-331-2644 / 740-374-9436); (4) the county hospital FAP + Ohio HCAP for healthcare safety-net; (5) Catholic Charities / Salvation Army / St. Vincent de Paul; (6) the Southeast Ohio Food Bank (HAPCAP); (7) Ohio 2-1-1 for general referrals.

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

Ohio HEAP for Washington County residents: Washington-Morgan Community Action (WMCAP) is the HEAP/PIPP+/Winter Crisis administering agency for Washington 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

Washington County hospital safety net: Washington = Memorial Health System (Marietta, INDEPENDENT Mid-Ohio Valley) + WVU Medicine Camden Clark (Parkersburg WV across the river) — a bi-state 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.mhsystem.org/. Phone: 740-374-1400.

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

In this county: Washington: Washington = Memorial Health System (Marietta, INDEPENDENT Mid-Ohio Valley) + WVU Medicine Camden Clark (Parkersburg WV across the river) — a bi-state market. Ohio HCAP guarantees free basic hospital-level care at or below 100% FPL; each hospital's own FAP slides above that.

Buckeye Hills helps homeowners in Washington County stay safe at home. People 60 and older can get accessibility changes and small home repairs. People of any age with a disability can get accessibility changes. Work can include ramps, grab bars and handrails, swapping a tub for a shower, and wider doorways, plus small single-problem repairs to plumbing, electrical, or heating. A housing coordinator visits your home and makes a work plan, and contractors do the work. You must own your home. Call the Advice Line at 800-331-2644 to see if you qualify, or call the Housing Coordinator at 740-376-7647 for an application.

Washington County AAA = Buckeye Hills Regional Council Area Agency on Aging (PSA 8, Marietta). Services include: Title III Congregate + Home-Delivered Meals; OSHIIP (Medicare counseling); PASSPORT Medicaid Waiver enrollment + assessment; caregiver support and respite; Ohio Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program; information and referral through the Advice Line. Call the Buckeye Hills Advice Line at 800-331-2644 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

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

Community Action Bus Lines (CABL) provides curb-to-curb public transportation throughout Washington County: Zone 1 trips begin and end within Marietta city limits; Zone 2 trips reach anywhere in the county (formerly Dial-A-Ride). Eligible seniors and people with disabilities ride at half fare by presenting valid identification at boarding (CABL GO Card, Golden Buckeye Card, Paratransit Card, or Medicare Card). All CABL vehicles are wheelchair-accessible. Call 740-373-7671 to book a ride or apply for a CABL GO Card; reserve up to 2 weeks ahead (24 hours recommended, same-day as space allows).

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

In this county: Washington: CABL half fare for eligible seniors (Golden Buckeye Card, 60+, accepted at boarding) and riders with disabilities; general public rides at full fare. Out-of-county rides $4/mile, limited availability.