Senior benefits in Douglas County, Oregon

Douglas County Senior Services is the Area Agency on Aging for Douglas County. It supports social, protective and health services for people 60 and over across the county, including Meals on Wheels and senior dining sites, family caregiver support, in-home care, Oregon Project Independence, and health and wellness programs. The office is in the Douglas County Courthouse in Roseburg (1036 SE Douglas Ave., Room CH221). Call 541-440-3677. Medicaid long-term care is handled by the state Aging and People with Disabilities office in Roseburg.

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

United Community Action Network (UCAN) runs utility assistance for people who live in Douglas or Josephine County and meet income guidelines. It can help pay energy bills and buy wood, oil, propane or pellets for home heating, and payments go straight to the utility. Funds are only available at certain times of the year. Call 1-800-301-8226 (800-301-UCAN) to schedule an appointment; UCAN meets in Roseburg and Grants Pass and at outreach sites.

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

Mercy Medical Center in Roseburg, part of CommonSpirit (CHI), offers financial assistance for medically necessary care. Patients with annual family income at or below 400% of the federal poverty level may get free or discounted care; people whose medical bills would impoverish them (medically indigent) may also qualify. Uninsured patients who do not qualify can get a discounted rate, and payment plans are available. Call a Patient Financial Counselor at 866-221-0461.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

SSVF helps veteran households in Douglas County who have lost their housing or are at risk of losing it. A UCAN case worker meets with you one-on-one to look at your needs, make a plan, and help you get VA, Social Security and other benefits. Some households can get short-term money help to find or keep housing, depending on need. Single veterans can get help too. Call 541-492-3526 to make an appointment. Walk in at 251 NE Garden Valley Blvd., Suite 111, Roseburg: Monday 1–4 p.m., Tuesday 9 a.m.–noon, Wednesday 1–4 p.m., or Thursday 9 a.m.–noon.

Umpqua Public Transportation District (UPTD) serves Douglas County. Its Dial-A-Ride is a shared-ride, advance-reservation service open to the general public, with priority for seniors 60 and older and people with disabilities. Rides can be for any purpose, Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., for $3.00 per ride, on a space-available basis. Riders must complete an application first. Call dispatch at 888-232-8121 to schedule; for an application or general information, call 541-440-6500.

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