Senior benefits in Columbia County, Oregon

Community Action Team (CAT) is the Columbia County Area Agency on Aging. Its senior case managers help older adults stay independent at home with options counseling, case management, home-delivered meals for people 60 and over, caregiver support and respite, Oregon Project Independence, money management, and the Aging and Disability Resource Connection. Call 503-366-6581 or 1-855-673-2372.

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

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay heating and electric bills for electricity, natural gas, oil, pellets, propane, and wood, and can help with furnace repair or replacement. Community Action Team (CAT) runs the program for Columbia, Clatsop, and Tillamook Counties. Households with income at or below 60% of Oregon's state median income can apply. Contact Community Action Team, 125 North 17th Street, St. Helens, at 503-397-3511. Help depends on available funds; CAT keeps a winter mailing list when regular LIHEAP is closed.

Estimated bill savings: $250–$1,750 a year

Columbia County has no hospital. The nearest large hospitals are in Portland, including Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. Legacy Health offers financial assistance on a sliding scale to patients with income below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level who have no insurance, not enough insurance, or a balance they cannot pay. In 2026, care is free for income up to 300% of poverty ($47,880 a year for one person), and 75% off from 301% to 400%. Apply online through MyHealth, by mail, by fax, or in person at any Legacy facility. Questions: call 503-413-4048.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Community Action Team's Healthy Homes program makes repairs and improvements for lower-income Columbia County residents whose health conditions are made worse by their home. Work can include ramps, grab bars, non-slip flooring, better lighting and wider doorways for mobility and safety; roof and wall repairs; mold removal, ventilation and air purification; carpet removal and allergen reduction; lead and radon mitigation; heating and cooling systems; smoke filtration; and electrical upgrades. The program is run with the Oregon Health Plan and Columbia Pacific CCO, so OHP members are a priority. Call CAT's Family Resource Center at 503-397-3511 (125 N. 17th Street, St. Helens; Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., closed 12:30–1:30) to ask whether your situation qualifies.

Estimated service value: about $0 a year

In this county: The page describes the program for lower-income residents whose health is affected by their home and names the Oregon Health Plan / Columbia Pacific CCO partnership, but publishes no income limit or dollar cap; CAT decides eligibility and the scope of work. Not legal or financial advice.

Columbia County Rider (CC Rider), Columbia County's public transit system, runs a curb-to-curb Dial-a-Ride service. Call the dispatch office at 503-366-0159 to schedule a pickup time, date, and place; dispatch must confirm each trip. New riders fill out a registration form and acknowledge the rider's guide. The registration form has options for seniors (65+) and people with disabilities.

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