Senior benefits in Le Flore County, Oklahoma

The KEDDO Area Agency on Aging serves people age 60 and older in Le Flore County and six other southeast Oklahoma counties. It funds meals (at nutrition centers and delivered to the homebound), rides, outreach, home repair, legal help, nutrition education and caregiver support services. It also offers free Information and Assistance to help older adults and caregivers find local services, plus long-term care ombudsman help and Medicare counseling. Senior meals in Le Flore County are served at nutrition centers in Poteau and Spiro. Call Information and Assistance at 918-465-2367 or toll free 1-800-722-8180.

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

The Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS, often called DHS) office for Le Flore County is at 204 S Wall St., Poteau, OK 74953. It is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and EBT cards are available there. You can also apply online any time at OKDHSLive.org. Staff can help with SNAP food benefits, SoonerCare (Medicaid) for people 65 or older or disabled, and energy help (LIHEAP). You can drop off a printed SNAP Request for Benefits form at a local office, and LIHEAP applicants can turn in proof there. For help applying, call 405-522-5050. To report abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult, call the hotline at 1-800-522-3511.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Eastern Oklahoma Medical Center in Poteau may give free or discounted care based on family size and income, even if you have health insurance. For emergent care services, it provides free care and financial assistance on a sliding fee scale to eligible patients, and eligible patients are not charged more than the amounts generally billed to insured patients. Any patient may apply by turning in an application with supporting documents; it is best to ask for help before treatment when possible. Staff can also help you see if Medicaid or other government programs can pay your bills. Call Patient Financial Services at 918-635-3402 or visit the Patient Financial Services Office at 105 Wall Street in Poteau.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

KI BOIS Area Transit System (KATS) is a rural public transit system that serves Le Flore County and other eastern Oklahoma counties. All of its services are open to the public. For people 60 and older, the KEDDO Area Agency on Aging also funds KATS rides to doctor visits, pharmacies, social service offices and senior activities, plus supplemental rides for caregivers. Call KATS in Stigler at 918-967-3365 or toll free 1-800-289-7228 to schedule a ride. In Poteau, a ride costs $2.00 per stop for adults.

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