Senior benefits in Bryan County, Oklahoma

The SODA Area Agency on Aging helps adults 60 and over, caregivers and people with disabilities in Bryan County and nine other southern Oklahoma counties. Services include free information and referral, hot meals at senior nutrition centers or delivered to homebound people, family caregiver support (education, respite care and support groups), a long-term care ombudsman for people in nursing homes and assisted living, and Medicare counseling (SHIP), fraud help (Senior Medicare Patrol) and help applying for Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs (MIPPA). The Masonic Grant Assistance Program helps low-income people 60 and older pay for eyeglasses, dental care, hearing aids and wheelchair ramps. Call SODA at 580-920-1388 or the Senior Information Line at 1-800-211-2116.

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

The Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS, often called DHS) office for Bryan County is at 350 Bryan Drive, Durant, OK 74701. It is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and EBT cards are available there. You can also apply online any time at OKDHSLive.org. Staff can help with SNAP food benefits, SoonerCare (Medicaid) for people 65 or older or disabled, and energy help (LIHEAP). You can drop off a printed SNAP Request for Benefits form at a local office, and LIHEAP applicants can turn in proof there. For help applying, call 405-522-5050. To report abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult, call the hotline at 1-800-522-3511.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

AllianceHealth Durant has a Financial Assistance Program for people who are uninsured, underinsured, not eligible for a government program, or otherwise unable to pay for medically necessary care. A Charity Care Discount is based on multiples of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Uninsured patients who do not qualify for charity care get an Uninsured Discount, and a Catastrophic Care Discount may apply when a bill is large compared with yearly income. Apply with the hospital's Financial Assistance Program application at the time of service or any time during billing. The hospital can also screen you for Medicaid. Call the hospital at 580-924-3080 and ask for Customer Service, the Patient Access Director or a Financial Counselor.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Southern Oklahoma Rural Transportation System (SORTS), run by Big Five Community Services, is public transit for Bryan, Carter, Coal and Love Counties, open to the public. Rides run inside city limits 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; towns outside city limits are served one day per week. Schedule 24 hours ahead if you can. The one-way fare inside city limits is $2.00 for seniors and people with disabilities; call for county ride prices. SORTS also offers Senior Medical Transportation: free rides to and from medical appointments for people 60 and older, with no income limit, after an intake process. All vehicles are wheelchair accessible. For Bryan County rides, call 580-924-1177.

Estimated service value: $150–$1,500 a year