Senior benefits in Marshall County, Oklahoma

The SODA Area Agency on Aging helps adults 60 and over, caregivers and people with disabilities in Marshall 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

AllianceHealth Madill 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 580-795-3384 and ask for Customer Service, the Patient Access Director or a Financial Counselor.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

JAMM Transit provides public transportation in Johnston, Atoka, Marshall and Murray Counties, including Marshall County. All services are open to the public. Call the JAMM Transit office in Tishomingo at 580-371-2352 to ask about routes, times and fares and to schedule a ride.

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