Senior assistance in Clark County
Find your situation below. Every programme here is run by a government agency or a local utility, every one of them is free to apply for, and none of them go through us.
“I can't afford my Medicare premium.”
Washington may be able to pay it. Medicare Savings Programs cover the Part B premium, and one category also covers deductibles and copays. Washington does not use an asset test for these, so savings alone should not stop you.
“My prescriptions are too expensive.”
Extra Help is the largest source of relief and it is free to apply for through Social Security. There are also manufacturer programmes, formulary exceptions and appeals, and a payment plan that spreads costs without lowering them.
“I think I might qualify for Medicaid.”
In Washington it is called Apple Health. There is a category for people 65 or older, blind or disabled — and if your income is above the standard, a separate spenddown pathway may still apply.
“I have Medicare and Medicaid. What am I supposed to do now?”
First, find out which kind of dual eligibility you actually have — full benefit or partial. They are different, people are told the wrong one constantly, and it affects what you are covered for and which plans you can join.
“I need help paying for food.”
Basic Food is Washington's SNAP. If someone in the household is elderly or disabled, medical expenses can affect the calculation in your favour — a rule most people are never told about. If you need food this week rather than next month, call 211.
“I can't pay the electric bill.”
If you have a shut-off notice, call your utility today before the date on it. Clark Public Utilities runs a senior rate credit alongside other assistance, and the state runs LIHEAP and SHEAP through local agencies.
“The property taxes are getting away from me.”
Clark County administers exemption and deferral programmes for older and disabled homeowners. They are different things — an exemption reduces what you owe, a deferral postpones it and creates a debt against the house.
“I can't get to my appointments.”
C-TRAN's reduced fares cover riders 65 and over, riders with Medicare at any age, riders with a qualifying disability and riders who meet the low-income criteria. C-VAN provides door-to-door service through a separate eligibility process.
“My parent needs help at home.”
Start with a phone call rather than a search. The Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington covers Clark and four neighbouring counties and does this daily, at no cost. Medicare does not pay for ongoing custodial care, which is the thing most families get wrong.
“My Social Security check isn't enough.”
SSI is a separate programme from Social Security retirement, and you can receive both. It also brings Extra Help with it automatically. Lifeline can reduce a phone or internet bill if you are on certain other assistance.
“I'm a veteran and don't know what I qualify for.”
Accredited Veterans Service Organizations and county Veteran Service Officers help with claims for free — check accreditation before paying anybody. And think carefully before dropping Medicare because you use the VA.
The local organisations
These four cover most of what people need in Clark County. If you only make one call, make it to the Area Agency on Aging or to 211 — both will listen to your situation and tell you where to go.
Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington
Older adults, people with disabilities and family caregivers in Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Skamania and Wahkiakum counties.
What it can help with
- Caregiver support
- Dementia resources
- In-home assistance
- Long-term care information
- Aging and disability services
- American Senior Choices is not affiliated with this agency.
- Clark County office: 201 NE 73rd St, Vancouver, WA 98665.
Official source: Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington · Last reviewed 2026-08-30
Washington 211
Anyone who is not sure which program they need.
What it can help with
- Referrals for food, housing, utilities, health care, elder care, transportation and more
Official source: Washington 211 · Last reviewed 2026-08-30
Clark Public Utilities Senior Citizen Rate Credit
Clark County residents 62 or older with limited income.
What it can help with
- A credit against qualifying winter electricity bills
Eligibility limits change periodically. Please verify the current limits with the program before applying.
- Baseline from resource-center brief, 2026-08-30. Not yet verified.
- Clark Public Utilities also runs Operation Warm Heart, limited-income weatherization and income-qualified rebates.
Official source: Clark Public Utilities · Last reviewed 2026-08-30
C-TRAN Honored Citizen Fares
Riders in Clark County who are 65 or older, have Medicare, have a qualifying disability, or meet the low-income criteria.
What it can help with
- Reduced fares on local and regional C-TRAN service
- A route to C-VAN paratransit for people whose disability prevents them using regular buses
- Having Medicare qualifies you regardless of age. People under 65 on Medicare routinely do not realise this.
- C-VAN paratransit has its own eligibility process. Qualifying for reduced fares does not automatically qualify you for C-VAN.
Official source: C-TRAN · Last reviewed 2026-09-08
One thing specific to living here
A great many people in Clark County see doctors across the river in Portland. For the assistance programmes on this page that makes no difference — they follow where you live.
For Medicare coverage it matters enormously. Plans handle cross-river care very differently from one another, and “the plan operates in this region” is not the same as “your Portland specialist is covered.” It is the single most common thing people here get wrong. More on crossing the river for care.
Questions people actually ask
I don't know which of these applies to me. Where do I start?
Use the questionnaire — six questions, about two minutes, and your answers stay on your device. If you would rather talk to a person, Washington 211 can point you at the right local programme, and SHIBA gives free unbiased Medicare counselling at 800-562-6900.
Do you handle these applications for me?
No. American Senior Choices does not process assistance applications and does not determine eligibility — the agencies do that, and they are free. What we can help with is the Medicare side once you know where you stand.
I see doctors in Portland. Does that change anything?
For the assistance programmes, no — those follow where you live. For Medicare coverage it matters a great deal. Plans handle cross-river care very differently, and 'the plan operates in this region' is not the same as 'your Portland specialist is covered.'
I live in Camas, Battle Ground or Ridgefield rather than Vancouver. Does this still apply?
Yes. The state programmes are statewide, and the county-level ones — the Assessor, Clark Public Utilities, C-TRAN, the Area Agency on Aging — serve all of Clark County.
American Senior Choices does not determine eligibility for government assistance programs and does not process applications. Eligibility is determined by the appropriate government agency. Never send documents containing your Social Security number, Medicare number, Medicaid number or bank details to us, or to anyone who contacts you first.
Once you know where you stand
Being approved for Extra Help, Apple Health or a Medicare Savings Program changes what your Medicare should cost and sometimes when you can change it. Tim is in Vancouver and can review the plans he represents against your doctors, prescriptions and hospital preferences.
Talk With Tim About Medicare: (360) 472-4261This line is recorded, as Medicare requires for plan conversations.
Last reviewed September 2026. Program rules, income limits, benefits and contact information can change. Confirm current details with each program using the official links above.
Disclaimer: American Senior Choices is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 5 organizations which offer 33 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.