Senior benefits in Seminole County, Oklahoma

The Central Oklahoma Economic Development District (COEDD) Area Agency on Aging in Shawnee serves Seminole County. Its free Information and Assistance line links older adults to help with caregiver support, case management, home care, home repairs, housing, long-term care options, Medicaid (ADvantage program), Medicare, senior center programs, transportation and more. Many programs have no income guidelines. Caregiver Support Services gives respite vouchers, with no income limit, to caregivers of loved ones 55 and older who need help with daily activities like bathing or dressing. Outreach staff do free in-home needs assessments. Call 405-273-6410 ext. 128.

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

The SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – Shawnee, Seminole Campus at 2401 Wrangler Blvd. in Seminole has an emergency room open 24 hours, plus primary care, lab, X-ray and physical therapy. It is part of SSM Health St. Anthony Shawnee Hospital, which is covered by the SSM Health financial assistance policy. Help is on a sliding scale based on household income and size compared with the Federal Poverty Guidelines: at or below 200% gets a 100% discount (free care); 201% to 250% gets 80% off; 251% to 300% gets 60% off; 301% to 350% gets 50% off the amount over $2,000; and 351% to 400% gets 20% off the amount over $2,000. Emergency care is given regardless of ability to pay. Send the application with your last two months of income proof and last year's tax return (or a non-filing letter) by mail, fax or email. Call 888-918-3512 for an application or with questions.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Central Oklahoma Transit System (COTS), run by Central Oklahoma Community Action Agency, gives demand-response rides open to the public in Pottawatomie and Seminole counties, including trips to medical appointments and shopping. Vehicles are ADA-accessible. Book rides 48 hours ahead. Senior citizen and veteran rides are $4.00 one way inside the City of Shawnee and the City of Seminole, and senior ticket books are $40.00 for 10 rides. Rides outside city limits are priced by mileage; call for the discounted rate. An assistant who helps a rider rides free. Call 405-273-3000.

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