Marion Co Dept on Aging

Mission:

To provide information, support and advocacy to our residents 60 years of age and older, their family and caregivers. To promote older adults independence and improve their quality of life.

Program Services:

Medicare Counseling

The staff and SHICK counselors provide FREE assistance to anyone getting ready to retire or already enrolled in Medicare. Staff provide consultation for those preparing to enroll in Medicare, Medicare supplemental plans and Prescription Drug Plan. Staff provide assistance in enrolling individuals in Prescription drug plans during open enrollment each year (October 15- December 7). We assist individuals in signing up for Social Security.

Transportation

We are providing transportation and have the following guidelines for riding: you must wear a mask and will sit in the back seat for social distancing. All of our drivers will wear masks. We will call the day before your ride and do a COVID19 screening questionnaire with you. The department operates a transportation program for any individual 60 + and living in the county, who needs transportation (in state) to any kind of appointment. You are required to give a 24-hour notice and there is a suggested contribution for the trip. Our vans are available to senior citizen's groups for trips to recreational events, tours of sights in Kansas, shopping, and eating out. Trips need to be scheduled during office operating hours.

Social Services

The department provides information and referrals to services and agencies, who work with 60 + individuals. Staff provide assistance in helping fill out paperwork for programs 60+ individuals are eligible for in the county and state. They assist with energy assistance (LIEAP Jan 1st-March 31), USDA grants and loans, housing vouchers and DPOA.

Wellness Program

The department staff provides various wellness programs periodically through out the year. Programs offered include: Kansas Optimizing Health program which is for individuals with chronic health condition and Tai Chi for Arthritis. Two classes for individuals with Diabetes: Lead Your Health Living with Diabetes and Tai Chi for Diabetes. Two fall prevention classes are Matter of Balance and Stepping on. The Department also offers a Caregiver Support and Education group. Call 620-382-3580 to inquiry about class information.

Tax Assistance

January 1st through April 15 staff help individuals to file their Homestead return. The staff assist individuals/families in filing Federal and State returns with incomes less than $60,000.

Commodities

The Department is in charge of allocating USDA Commodities to the following communities in the county: Burns, Florence, Goessel, Hillsboro, Lost Springs, Lincolnville, Marion, Peabody, Pilsen, Ramona, and Tampa. The commodities are distributed monthly on the third Wednesday of the month. The tentative dates for the remaining distributions in 2022: September 21 and November 16.The community distribution dates and times are as follows on the week they arrive: Wed-Burns Community Center: Morning, Goessel Mennonite Church: 5 pm, Lincolnville Community Building: 11 am-noon, Marion Senior Center: 10 am -1 pm, Peabody Senior Center: 10 am-11:30 am, Pilsen: 11:30 am, Ramona Community center: Morning, Tampa Senior Center: 3-4 pm. Thursday: Florence Senior Center: 9-11 am. Saturday: Hillsboro Main Street Ministries: 9am-noon (this is the pickup site for Lehigh and Durham residents) This program is a First Come/First Serve Program. Residents are to go to their community to pick up their commodities. If you missed or are unable to pick-up at your community site, contact Marion Co Dept on Aging at 620-382-3580. If you are not physically able to pick-up your commodities you can assign a proxy to pick them up for you. Contact the Marion Co Dept on Aging and we will send you the form that needs to be on file at your community distribution site.

  • 2022 Gross Monthly Income guidelines to receive USDA Commodities: Household of 1-$1,473, Household of 2-$1,984, Household of 3-$2,495, Household of 4-$3,007, Household of 5-$3,518, Household of 6-$4,029, Household of 7-$4,541, Household of 8-$5,052.

"In accordance with the Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this organization is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA Director, Office of Civil Rights, Rm 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call or (202) 720-5964 (voice & TDD) USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Staff Contacts

Name Title Phone
Lanell Hett Secretary/Transportation Coordinator
Luretta Turk Department on Aging Director 620-382-3580