Senior benefits in Cimarron County, Oklahoma

Oklahoma Human Services lists the Eastern Oklahoma Development District (EODD) as the interim organization running the Area Agency on Aging for Cimarron County and the rest of northwest Oklahoma (Beaver, Cimarron, Dewey, Ellis, Harper, Texas, Woods and Woodward counties). The Area Agency on Aging helps people 60 and older and their caregivers find Older Americans Act services in the area. Call EODD at 918-682-7891, or call the statewide Caring Assistance Line at 1-800-211-2116 to be connected to local help.

Estimated service value: $100–$1,500 a year

Cimarron Memorial Hospital in Boise City offers free and discounted care based mainly on gross household income and household size, using the current Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG): at or below 100% FPG gets a 100% adjustment (free care); above 100% through 150% gets 75%; above 150% through 200% gets 50%; and above 200% through 250% gets 25%. Patients without insurance can also get a 50% self-pay discount when their share is paid in full on the day of service or within 30 days, and payment plans are available. To apply, complete the Financial Assistance Application and return it with proof of household income, such as a recent federal tax return, W-2, two recent pay stubs, or Social Security or retirement statements, to the Business Office at 100 South Ellis, Boise City, in person or by mail. Staff can help you fill it out at no charge. Call the Business Office at 580-544-2501.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

MAGB Transportation is a nonprofit rural public transit agency based in Fairview that serves northwest Oklahoma and the Panhandle, which includes Cimarron County. It specializes in rides for older adults, people with disabilities, and people with low incomes to doctor visits, dialysis, and hospital releases, and its vehicles have ramps and can carry wheelchairs. The standard private-pay fare is $20 for local trips; out-of-town trips are $1.00 per mile round trip or $1.75 per mile one way, plus a $20 origination fee. People 60 and older can ask whether Older Americans Act funding is available to pay for rides. SoonerCare (Medicaid) members should schedule medical rides through SoonerRide at 1-877-404-4500. Call MAGB at 580-227-3374 during office hours (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at least three business days ahead, and ask whether a ride can be scheduled from your town.

Estimated service value: about $0 a year

In this county: ODOT lists MAGB's core service area as Harper, Major, Woods and Texas Counties; MAGB says it serves all of northwest Oklahoma and the Panhandle, so call ahead to confirm a ride from Cimarron County. Fares are set by the provider. Older Americans Act ride funding for people 60 and older depends on availability.