Senior benefits in Marion County, Oregon

NorthWest Senior and Disability Services (NWSDS) is the Area Agency on Aging for Marion County. It helps older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers with Medicaid and Oregon Health Plan, Medicare Savings Programs, Medicare counseling, in-home help and Oregon Project Independence, meals, family caregiver support, and options counseling. Call the Salem office at 503-304-3400 (toll-free 800-469-8772) or visit 3410 Cherry Ave NE, Salem. NWSDS also has a Woodburn office.

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

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action's Energy Services helps low-income residents of Marion and Polk Counties pay home energy and heating bills through LIHEAP and the Oregon Energy Assistance Program, plus NW Natural gas assistance. A past-due notice is not needed to apply. Applications are first-come, first-served; online applications are closed until December 2026, but mail or in-person applications may be available. Call Energy Services at 503-588-9016 or visit 4700 Silverton Rd NE, Salem.

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

Salem Health, which runs Salem Hospital in Salem, offers free and discounted care to eligible patients based on family size and income, even if they have health insurance. Salem Health also gives a 47% discount to patients without health insurance and a 100% discount on balances greater than 20% of gross family income. Call a financial counselor at 503-562-4357 for a phone screening or paper forms.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Cherriots Shop and Ride is a dial-a-ride service for seniors 60 and over and people with disabilities, with no application required. It picks you up at home and goes anywhere in the Salem-Keizer urban growth boundary, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. (final drop-offs by 5 p.m.). The fare is $3.20 per ride. Call the Cherriots call center at 503-315-5544 (toll-free 888-315-5544) up to 14 days ahead, by 4:30 p.m. the day before.

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