Senior benefits in Yamhill County, Oregon

NorthWest Senior and Disability Services (NWSDS) is the Area Agency on Aging for Yamhill 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 McMinnville office at 503-472-9441 (toll-free 866-333-7218) or visit 300 SW Hill Rd S, McMinnville.

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

Yamhill Community Action Partnership (YCAP) takes LIHEAP energy assistance applications for Yamhill County. Application packets for households with a senior (60 or older) or disabled member are expected the first week of October; general public households go on a referral list starting in December. Help may be directed to the home's primary heat source, and applications are first-come, first-served while funds last. Call the energy assistance line at 503-687-1480 or use YCAP's online form to get an application mailed.

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

Patients without health insurance, or with insurance but unable to pay their out-of-pocket costs, can apply for free or low-cost care at Providence Newberg Medical Center in Newberg. Providence's Oregon policy says patients with family income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level will generally be eligible for a discount, and help can cover up to 100% of the cost of emergency and medically necessary care. Approval lasts up to 1 year. Call a financial counselor at 1-855-229-6466.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Yamhill County Transit runs ADA paratransit in McMinnville for people who cannot use the regular bus because of a disability. Pickup and drop-off must be within 3/4 mile of a local bus route. Riders must apply and be approved; the service is currently fareless. Rides can be booked up to two weeks ahead, and by 5 p.m. for next-day trips. Call the Dial-a-Ride line at 503-474-4900.

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