Senior benefits in Josephine County, Oregon

Rogue Valley Council of Governments (RVCOG) Senior & Disability Services is the Area Agency on Aging for Jackson and Josephine counties. Its Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) helps older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers find services, including Food & Friends / Meals on Wheels, family caregiver support, behavioral health help, and information about Medicaid (Oregon Health Plan) long-term care and SNAP. Call the ADRC at 541-618-7572 or toll-free 855-673-2372 (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Medicaid long-term care applications go through the state Aging and People with Disabilities office in Grants Pass.

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

Asante Three Rivers Medical Center in Grants Pass is part of Asante. Asante gives free care to insured and uninsured families with income under 300% of the federal poverty level, and discounted care between 300% and 400%. Uninsured patients automatically get a 35% discount on medically necessary services with no application. You can apply up to 240 days after the first bill. Call Asante Patient Financial Services at 541-789-4111.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

SSVF helps veteran households in Josephine 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 541-956-4085 to make an appointment. Walk in at 900 SE 8th St., Grants Pass: Monday 9 a.m.–noon, Tuesday 1–4 p.m., Wednesday 9 a.m.–noon, or Thursday 1–4 p.m.

Josephine Community Transit (JCT) runs Dial-a-Ride, a mostly door-to-door service scheduled in advance, within 3/4 mile of JCT fixed routes in Grants Pass. People with a disability can apply under ADA rules, and people 62 and older can apply with the 62+ application (62+ rides may be limited when demand is high). The fare is $2.00 per one-way ride in Grants Pass. Call 541-474-5452 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday–Friday, to schedule.

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