Senior benefits in Pittsburg County, Oklahoma

The KEDDO Area Agency on Aging serves people age 60 and older in Pittsburg County and six other southeast Oklahoma counties. It funds meals (at nutrition centers and delivered to the homebound), rides, outreach, home repair, legal help, nutrition education and caregiver support services. It also offers free Information and Assistance to help older adults and caregivers find local services, plus long-term care ombudsman help and Medicare counseling. Senior meals in Pittsburg County are served at nutrition centers in McAlester, Hartshorne and Kiowa. Call Information and Assistance at 918-465-2367 or toll free 1-800-722-8180.

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

The Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS, often called DHS) office for Pittsburg County is at 1900 S Main St, McAlester, OK 74501. 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

McAlester Regional Health Center offers financial assistance and Charity Care for patients who meet federal poverty guidelines and whose needs go beyond their insurance, personal resources and government programs. Applications are reviewed based on income, assets and family size. Cosmetic and self-pay package accounts do not qualify. Pick up an application at the Patient Financial Services office in the hospital or download it, then return it within 30 days with the income information and a copy of your most recent federal tax return. The help covers bills from McAlester Regional Health Center and its own subsidiaries, not separate doctor or specialist bills. Call a patient financial counselor at 918-421-8022.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

KI BOIS Area Transit System (KATS) is a rural public transit system that serves Pittsburg County and other eastern Oklahoma counties. All of its services are open to the public. For people 60 and older, the KEDDO Area Agency on Aging also funds KATS rides to doctor visits, pharmacies, social service offices and senior activities, plus supplemental rides for caregivers. Call KATS in Stigler at 918-967-3365 or toll free 1-800-289-7228 to schedule a ride. In McAlester, a ride costs $2.00 per stop for adults.

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