To learn about the symptoms of COVID-19, how to stay safe, and what to do if you get sick, visit CDC’s COVID-19 info page at https://bit.ly/2JPsMkb
You can now receive up to 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests per residential address. Visit COVIDtests.gov to have the tests delivered to you by the U.S. Postal Service.
You can get a free COVID-19 PCR test even if you don’t have symptoms.There are testing sites across the state. You can also have a test kit shipped to your home. Learn more about how to get tested for COVID-19 by clicking here.
FreedomCare
Feeling sick and need to speak with a doctor? Just tap on the Speak To a Doctor Now button on the home screen of the FreedomCare app to talk with a medical professional for free 24/7. If you don’t have the app, use this link to speak with a doctor: www.FreedomCareNY.com/Telehealth1
Read FreedomCare’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guide for caregivers and patients: https://bit.ly/2R6Qs7C
Local Resources
Community Resources
Good Samaritan Center-Excelsior Springs
Homelessness and hunger prevention by providing basic life needs and access to life skills. Call 816-630-2718 or visit www.goodsamaritancenter.com
Jackson County Resource Guide
Budget and Financial Management assistance for disabled, homeless, and elderly persons. www.bfmakc.org
United Way of Kansas City
United Way is a nonprofit organization that can help with fundraising and social support. Contact the United Way of The Greater Kansas City area by calling 816-472-4289 or by visiting www.unitedwaygkc.org
Missouri Department of Social Services
For help with food stamps, health care, child care, child support, and other needs, visit https://mydss.mo.gov
For Medicare Health Insurance Counseling (CLAIM), call 800-390-3330 or visit www.missouriclaim.org
MO HealthNet Division
The MO HealthNet Division offers health care coverage for eligible Missourians. If you do not currently have health care coverage through MO HealthNet, the Family Support Division can assist you with your application. Click here or call 573-751-3425.
For home delivered meals in Kearney, call 816-903-6533 or 816-517-8633
For home delivered meals in Excelsior Springs, call 816-630-5955
Metropolitan Community College List of Food Pantries & Resources
MCCKC’s website has a published list of food pantries and local resources within the Kansas City Metro Area in both Missouri and Kansas State. You can view it here: https://mcckc.edu/student-resources/food-pantries.aspx
National Hunger Hotline
To reach the USDA National Hunger Hotline, dial 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE from 7:00 AM-10:00 PM ET
Southern Platte Emergency Assistance Center Pantry
For a list of food pantries and soup kitchens in and around Kansas City, click here.
Missouri Food Pantries by County
For a list of food pantries in your county, click here.
Utility Assistance
Bishop Sullivan Center
For household assistance, free AC unit programs, and help with food, clothes, and medical assistance, call the Bishop Sullivan Center at 816-231-0984 or visit www.bishopsullivan.org
Community Action Agency of Greater Kansas City
For weatherization assistance in the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan area, contact CAAGKC by calling 816-459-9615 or visiting www.caagkc.org
Phone Purchase Option for Consumers & Caregivers
Eligible caregivers and patients can receive a free Smartphone or SIM Card with free minutes, texts, and data through SafeLink Wireless. You must be enrolled in Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Section 8, TANF, or another Missouri assistance program to qualify. To find out more, click here.
Emergency Broadband Benefit
The FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit is designed to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The benefit provides a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service and a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. To find out if you’re eligible, click here or call 833-511-0311.
Missouri Low Income Weatherization Assistance Program
The Low Income Weatherization Assistance Program provides cost-effective, energy-efficient home improvements to Missouri’s low income households, especially for the elderly, children, and those with disabilities. Income eligible homeowners, and tenants with their landlord’s permission, are eligible. Typical weatherization measures include
air sealing to reduce infiltration,
attic, sidewall, floor, foundation, pipe, and duct insulation,
You may be able to get help paying your heating/cooling bills through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). You may be eligible for help if you:
Are responsible for paying the utilities for your home (including if you rent)
Are a United States citizen (or have been legally admitted for permanent residence)
Have $3,000 or less in your bank accounts, retirement accounts, or investments
Meet specific income guidelines
Click here to learn more about this service and apply.
Caregiver Support
Accessibility
KC Lift & Elevator
If you need accessibility and mobility equipment, KC Lift & Elevator has new and recycled options. To reach them, call 913-327-5557 or visit www.kclift.com
Missouri Assistive Technology
MoAT works to make accessible devices for Missourians with visual or hearing disabilities. Call 816-655-6700 or 800-647-8557, or visit www.at.mo.gov
Find assistive technology devices, adaptive equipment, and durable medical equipment like refurbished walkers, shower chairs, wheelchairs, and wheelchair parts by reviewing the Recycle and Reuse programs listed here.
Accessibility Medical Equipment LLC
Accessibility Medical Equipment sells refurbished and low-cost mobility equipment, bathroom safety equipment, hospital beds & furniture, lifts & transfer aids, and more. Click here or call 866-201-3829.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Alzheimer’s Association
You can connect with a live person at the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 by calling their support number at 800-272-3900
Connect with others who care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s through free support groups, online message boards and forums, education programs, and blog posts at https://bit.ly/3hF5j4P
As Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia progress, your loved one’s behaviors may change. Behavior change can be hard to handle, but here are some resources to guide you through each stage of the disease: https://bit.ly/2zHrjLx
Autism
Autism Speaks
You can connect with a live person at Autism Speaks 9 am – 5 pm for support by calling 1-888-288-4762 (1-888-288-4762) or visiting https://bit.ly/2ADPbAe
Cancer
American Cancer Society
Cancer Information Specialists are available 24/7 to answer your question about:
Specific cancers and coping with cancer
Treatment options and side effects
Medicines and pain control
Clinical trials
Prevention and screening
Quitting tobacco
There are many local and national resources available to cancer patients that they can refer you to including:patient services, support groups, social services, medical equipment, wigs and prostheses, transportation, lodging, and financial programs. Call 1-800-227-2345 or visit https://bit.ly/2N3QkU6
Cancer Support Community
Connect with English and Spanish speaking counselors and resource specialists available to chat with you and support you (M-F 9 am – 9 pm) by calling 1-888-793-9355 or visiting https://bit.ly/3d9V5Gj
Diabetes
American Diabetes Association
Connect with a live person at American Diabetes Association (M-F, 8:30 am – 8 pm) for support: 1-800-DIABETES or https://community.diabetes.org/home
Check out these stress-free recipes, prep tips, and shopping lists to make and enjoy making healthy food that tastes great: https://www.diabetesfoodhub.org
National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP (4357)) is a free, confidential, 24/7/365 treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for people and families facing mental or substance use disorders
SAMHSA provides referrals to local treatment centers, support groups, and community organizations. Learn more here: https://www.samhsa.gov
Senior Health
Area Agency on Aging
To find an Aging Services Agency near you, click here.
MO Department of Health and Senior Services
For information on topics like self-care, reducing stress, and caring for patients with Alzhiemer’s, click here. For information about independent living, finding an advocate, nursing homes, and other long-term care, click here or call 816-387-2104 (Region 4).
Clay County Senior Services
If you live in Clay County and need assistance with senior support, call 877-452-3297 or visit https://bit.ly/37IjAte
Mid-America Regional Council (MARC)
For aging and adult services in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, call 816-421-4980 or visit https://www.marc.org
Northland Shepherd’s Center
For insurance assistance, aging support, transportation, and more senior services in Clay and Platte counties, call 816-452-4536 or visit http://northlandsc.org
Platte County Seniors
For help with transportation, home repair, and independent living support for seniors in Platte County, call 816-270-2800 or visit https://platteseniors.org
Missouri Seniors’ Legal Helpline
The Missouri Senior Legal Helpline can connect you to local attorneys who provide legal assistance for seniors and their caregivers. The Legal Helpline provides information and assistance on
power of attorney,
guardianship,
living wills,
advance directives,
wills,
trusts, and
other civil legal issues.
Call 800-235-5503.
Report Fraud & Abuse
Fraud & Abuse Hotline (Missouri)
Missouri’s Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline responds to reports of abuse, bullying, neglect, and financial exploitation of vulnerable individuals 60 and older and people with disabilities between 18 and 59.If you suspect someone is being abused, bullied, neglected or exploited, call the hotline at 800-392-0210 between 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. or use the online reporting system between 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may utilize Relay Missouri by calling (800)-735-2466.
Falsification of Timesheets (Missouri)
If you suspect a caregiver is falsifying their timesheets, you can report them by calling 573-751-3285. Click here to learn more.
