Senior benefits in Jefferson County, Oregon

The Council on Aging of Central Oregon serves adults 60 and over in Jefferson, Crook, Deschutes and North Klamath counties. As Central Oregon's Aging and Disability Resource Center, its Help Desk connects older adults and their families with services such as Meals on Wheels and community dining, Medicare counseling, options counseling, family caregiver support, in-home help and Oregon Project Independence. Call 541-678-5483 or visit the Senior Services Center at 1036 NE 5th Street in Bend (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Medicaid long-term care is handled by the state Aging and People with Disabilities offices.

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

NeighborImpact runs energy assistance for Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Statewide, LIHEAP serves households with gross income at or below 60% of Oregon's median income. Applications open in short cycles. NeighborImpact lists the next LIHEAP heating openings as Monday, November 9 for select households (seniors 60 and older, people receiving disability benefits, and households with children) and Monday, December 14 for the general public. Call 541-504-2155 with questions.

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

St. Charles Madras is part of St. Charles Health System. Its Financial Assistance Program gives discounts to families at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline, or whose St. Charles bills total more than their yearly family income. Under Oregon law, St. Charles screens patients for financial assistance when they have Medicaid, have no insurance, or owe more than $1,500. Call the financial counselor at St. Charles Madras (470 NE A Street, Madras) at 541-460-4098.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Cascades East Transit (CET), run by the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council, runs Rural Dial-A-Ride in Madras: curb-to-curb, shared rides open to the general public, with no application needed. It runs Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and you can book up to 30 days ahead. The fare is $4.00 per ride. Call 541-385-8680, Monday–Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., to schedule.

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