Senior benefits in Kay County, Oklahoma

The Long Term Care Authority (LTCA) of Enid has been the Area Agency on Aging for Alfalfa, Blaine, Garfield, Grant, Kay, Kingfisher, Major and Noble counties since 2016. Its Older Americans Act services include transportation, information and assistance, legal assistance, senior nutrition, the long-term care ombudsman, and family caregiver services. It also offers senior Medicare counseling, ADvantage long-term care program information, caregiver support groups and respite help for grandparents raising children. Call 580-234-7475 or toll free 888-858-9628.

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

Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS, often called "DHS") serves Kay County at the Ponca City office at 215 E. Grand Ave., Ponca City. Offices are open Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, and EBT cards are available there. You can apply for, renew, or manage SNAP food benefits, TANF, child care, or energy assistance online, or get help in person at the office. For help applying, call 405-522-5050. For the ADvantage program, which offers an alternative to nursing home care, call 1-800-435-4711. To report abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult, call the Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-522-3511.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

INTEGRIS Health Ponca City Hospital is part of INTEGRIS Health, which offers financial assistance to patients who have trouble paying for medically necessary care. Patients with family incomes at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level are eligible for a 100% charity care write-off of the part of the bill they owe, and incomes from 201% to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level are eligible for discounted rates on a sliding scale. Fill out a written application with supporting documents; you can apply before or after care, or request help through the INTEGRIS Health MyChart portal. For help or a free copy of the policy and application, call the INTEGRIS Business Office at 855-409-5458.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Cimarron Public Transit System, a division of United Community Action Program, Inc., has given demand-response public transportation in Creek, Kay, Pawnee and Osage counties since 1999. Service is open to the public, with demand-response service in Ponca City. Call 918-762-3041 to ask about scheduling and fares. In Kay County, Cherokee Strip Transit also serves part of the county (580-863-2279).

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