Senior benefits in Somerset County, Pennsylvania

Somerset CAO delivers PA LIHEAP (Cash + Crisis + Crisis Interface) for Somerset County residents. Same eligibility as the state program (~150% FPL). Apply through the Somerset CAO office, at COMPASS (compass.dhs.pa.gov), or by calling 814-443-3683.

Estimated bill savings: $200–$1,500 a year

Somerset County emergency aid: (1) Somerset CAO for Cash Assistance / Emergency LIHEAP / Medicaid (814-443-3681); (2) Somerset AAA for senior-specific case management (814-443-2681); (3) Somerset hospital safety net (814-443-5000); (4) Somerset County Transportation System (SCTS) for transportation (814-701-3691); (5) Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Erie (covers NCPA counties — Clarion + Jefferson + Clearfield + Forest + Elk + Cameron) or Diocese of Pittsburgh (Greene/Fayette/Indiana/Somerset); (6) Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank or Second Harvest NW PA; (7) Dollar Energy Fund. Dial 211 for general referrals.

Estimated bill savings: $200–$3,000 a year

Somerset County's principal community hospital safety net is UPMC Somerset (Somerset, UPMC since 2019 Somerset Hospital acquisition) is Somerset's principal community hospital. Tertiary referrals route to UPMC Altoona or UPMC Pittsburgh. Each system operates a Financial Assistance Program (sliding scale typically to 300-400% FPL). Note: PA Medicaid ABD is STRICT (~$989/month). SW rural PA hospital landscape: Penn Highlands Healthcare anchors NCPA (DuBois academic flagship), UPMC has Somerset + Bedford, Independence Health has Clarion, WVU Medicine extends cross-border into Fayette + Greene. Apply at the hospital's financial counseling office or online at https://www.upmc.com/patients-visitors/paying-bill/services/apply. UPMC Financial Assistance Department: 1-800-371-8359 (option 2). Hospital main line: 814-443-5000.

Estimated bill savings: $500–$30,000 a year

In this county: Somerset: UPMC Somerset (Somerset, UPMC since 2019 Somerset Hospital acquisition) is Somerset's principal community hospital. Tertiary referrals route to UPMC Altoona or UPMC Pittsburgh. SW rural PA = Penn Highlands (NCPA) + UPMC (Somerset) + Independence Health (Clarion) + WVU Medicine cross-border (Fayette/Greene) + independent Indiana Regional.

Somerset County AAA serves seniors age 60+ and their caregivers. Services include: Title III Congregate Meals + Home-Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels); PA MEDI, formerly APPRISE (PA's SHIP — free Medicare counselling); PACE/PACENET enrollment assistance; PA Lottery-funded Senior Shared Ride enrollment; Caregiver Support; Protective Services; Aging Waiver Care Management. Apply by calling AAA at 814-443-2681 or emailing aging@co.somerset.pa.us.

Estimated service value: $1,500–$6,000 a year

Somerset County Transportation System (SCTS) gives door-to-door rides to the public in Somerset County. Tableland Services runs it for the county. You must book at least one day ahead. Seniors 65 and older ride through the Pennsylvania Lottery program, which pays 85% of the fare. The Area Agency on Aging helps pay the rest for trips to places like medical visits, the pharmacy and the grocery store. Call 814-701-3691 and press 1 to book (toll-free 1-800-452-0241), or call the Somerset County Area Agency on Aging at 814-443-2681.

Estimated service value: $300–$2,500 a year