Senior benefits in Ellis County, Oklahoma

Oklahoma Human Services lists the Eastern Oklahoma Development District (EODD) as the interim organization running the Area Agency on Aging for Ellis 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

Newman Memorial Hospital in Shattuck offers financial assistance through its Financial Assistance/Charity Care Policy to patients who cannot pay for emergency or medically necessary care, whether they are uninsured or underinsured. Help can be partial or full and is based on income (using Federal Poverty Level guidelines), family size, assets, insurance, and the care needed. Uninsured patients can also get a 20% prompt-pay discount if the balance is paid in full within 30 days of the first statement. To apply, fill out the financial assistance form and send it with last year's tax returns or your three most recent pay stubs, or apply in person at the Business Office. You must also apply for other help you may qualify for, such as Medicaid or Medicare. Call Patient Business Services at 580-938-2551, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Red River Public Transportation Service, run by Community Action Development Corporation (CADC) in Frederick, provides rural public transportation in Ellis County and other western Oklahoma counties. Rides are open to the public and go to medical appointments, dialysis, work, shopping, and more; trips can also be scheduled to Oklahoma City and Lawton. All vehicles are lift- or ramp-equipped. Seniors 55 and older and people with disabilities pay lower rates on longer trips: for example $20.00 instead of $30.00 for 31–50 miles, and $30.00 instead of $45.00 for 51–100 miles (round-trip mileage). Call toll free 1-800-524-5552.

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