Senior benefits in Union County, Pennsylvania

Union CAO delivers PA LIHEAP (Cash + Crisis + Crisis Interface) for Union County residents. Same eligibility as the state program (~150% FPL). Apply through the Union CAO office, at COMPASS (compass.dhs.pa.gov), or by calling 570-522-5274. Application window typically November-April. Central PA winter heating demand is high.

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

Union County emergency aid: (1) Union CAO for Cash Assistance / Emergency LIHEAP / Medicaid (570-524-2201); (2) Union AAA for senior-specific case management (570-524-2100); (3) Union hospital safety net (570-522-2000); (4) rabbittransit Shared Ride for transportation (1-800-632-9063); (5) Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Harrisburg; (6) Central Pennsylvania Food Bank (27-county central PA regional food bank); (7) Dollar Energy Fund. Dial 211 for general referrals.

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

Union County's principal community hospital safety net is Evangelical Community Hospital (Lewisburg, Union, INDEPENDENT) is Union's principal community hospital. Distinctive — one of central PA's remaining independent hospitals. Each system operates a Financial Assistance Program (sliding scale typically to 300-400% FPL). Note: PA Medicaid ABD is STRICT (~$989/month), so many low-income seniors fall above Medicaid and rely on hospital FAPs. Central PA hospital landscape is dominated by Geisinger Health System (anchored at Geisinger Medical Center Danville, Montour County) with UPMC and Guthrie expansions. Apply at the hospital's financial counseling office or at https://www.wellspan.org/patient-resources/billing-and-insurance/financial-assistance. Phone: 570-522-2000.

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

In this county: Union: Evangelical Community Hospital (Lewisburg, Union, INDEPENDENT) is Union's principal community hospital. Distinctive — one of central PA's remaining independent hospitals. Central PA = Geisinger heartland + UPMC/Guthrie/Conemaugh-LifePoint expansion.

SHARE (Shared Housing and Resource Exchange) is a Pennsylvania Department of Aging program, run through the local Area Agency on Aging, that matches homeowners who want to share their home with people looking for housing. In return the home seeker helps with living expenses, household tasks, or both. At least one person in the match must be over 60, and everyone must be 18 or older. A SHARE Housing Counselor does reference and background checks, introduces matches, writes the home-sharing agreement, and stays in touch after the move. Call the Union County SHARE Housing Counselor at 570-238-2868.

Union 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. NOTE: Union/Snyder/Northumberland share a single multi-county AAA — Union-Snyder-Northumberland Area Agency on Aging (USN Aging), headquartered in Sunbury. Apply by calling AAA at 570-524-2100 or emailing aging@usaaa17.org.

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

In this county: Union: County AAA. APPRISE = PA's SHIP.NOTE: Union/Snyder/Northumberland share a single multi-county AAA — Union-Snyder-Northumberland Area Agency on Aging (USN Aging), headquartered in Sunbury.

rabbittransit runs door-to-door Shared Ride service in Union County, including Lewisburg and Mifflinburg. In the Senior Shared Ride program, seniors 65+ pay 15% of the fare and the Pennsylvania Lottery pays the other 85%. The Union-Snyder Area Agency on Aging may sponsor part of some trips. To sign up or book a ride, call rabbittransit Customer Service at 1-800-632-9063. Union-Snyder AAA: 570-524-2100.

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

rabbittransit gives Union County veterans free rides to VA medical care, including the Lebanon VA Medical Center and the Williamsport VA CBOC. Service runs Tuesdays (Lebanon) and Monday through Friday (Williamsport). Reservations should be made by 1:30pm the day before (Friday for Monday appointments). Escorts are permitted and all vehicles are ADA-accessible. Complete a basic Shared Ride application in advance, then call 1-800-632-9063 (option 3) to schedule a trip.

Estimated service value: about $0 a year