The City of Columbia is committed to providing public health services that prevent epidemics and the spread of disease, protect against environmental hazards, promote healthy behaviors, prevent injuries and illness, assure the quality and accessibility of health services, monitor the health of the population, provide social services and promote and protect civil rights.
Social Services
573-874-7356 (voice and TTY)
The Health Department clinic is staffed by social services specialists who perform a variety of functions. We welcome any questions or interest regarding Health Department programs and services listed below.
The Health Department administers two utility assistance
programs for Boone County residents:
H.E.L.P. (Heat Energy and Light Program)
provides one-time emergency assistance to low-income families with young children in the home
C.A.S.H. (Citizens Assisting Seniors and Handicapped)
provides emergency assistance
to low-income senior citizens and persons with disabilities
In order to be eligible for C.A.S.H. or H.E.L.P.,
recipients must:
be a Boone County resident
meet specific requirements of the applicable
program
meet the income guidelines as applied by the Health
Department
have an emergency situation which necessitates
assistance
All applicants are carefully screened and counseled
by social services specialists. A budget is completed
with each applicant in order to determine financial
resources and need. Appropriate referrals are made
to assist the applicant in preventing future emergencies.
If you would like to make a tax deductible donation
to the H.E.L.P. Program, contact City of Columbia Utility Customer Services or Boone Electric at 573-449-4181, or complete and sign the annual
donation card included in your bill. Monthly billings
will state your year-to-date contributions for tax
records. 100% of contributions go directly to utility
bill payments for persons in need. No administrative
costs are paid from your gift.
Clinic Eligibility
Reproductive health
services are provided on a sliding fee
scale. These services are also provided to Medicaid and MC+
recipients at no cost. Please call the social services
staff at 573- 874-7356 to discuss
eligibility for reproductive health services.
Health Insurance
MC+ for Kids gives Missouri's working parents an opportunity
to provide health insurance for their children at no-cost
or low-cost. Let us help you obtain this great benefit
for you and your kids! Certain qualifications apply. For further information, please visit the State MC+ for Kids site or call us at 573-874-7356 for assistance.
The state has expanded it's Uninsured Women's Health Services Program. Visit the state's website, view our flier or call us at 573-874-7356 for assistance.
Information and Referral
Social services staff provide information and referral
for a wide range of health and human services. Please
call or visit if you are in need of any information. Columbia/Boone County Resource and Referral Guide
Medication Assistance
The purpose of this program is to help individuals
who are unable to afford or obtain prescription medications
through other resources.
Eligibility for this program
is determined by a social services specialist who will review the
applicant’s resources and needs.
Medications are
limited to those currently covered by the Health Department.
Amounts and availability are subject to determination
by social services staff.
Pregnancy Testing
Reduced cost, confidential pregnancy testing is provided on
a walk-in basis.
For women who are pregnant, counseling
is provided regarding pregnancy, the client's financial
situation, help finding prenatal care, information
regarding the WIC program, and for other resources.
"Temp" Medicaid is designed to provide coverage until
a woman is approved for Medicaid for Pregnant Women (MPW).
Medicaid for Pregnant Women is a free, state-funded
insurance program for pregnant women which covers
prenatal and delivery services.
Applications for both
may be made at the Health Department by appointment.
Prenatal Case Management
If you would like help making prenatal care arrangements,
and/or need other assistance during pregnancy, a social
services specialist can assist.
Please call for an
appointment.
Eyeglasses Assistance
One- time assistance with eyeglasses is available
for permanent Columbia residents who meet the financial
eligibility criteria for the program.
Recipients must
be screened for eligibility by a social services specialist.
If found to be eligible to apply, the social worker
will schedule an appointment for the patient to visit
the Health Department in order to apply for assistance.
If found to be eligible, an appointment will then
be scheduled with a participating optician.
A $10
co-payment is required to schedule an exam with an
optician.
Dental Assistance
Assistance is limited to uninsured, permanent
Boone County residents.
Services are for emergency
pain relief only.
Services covered include x-rays,
non-surgical extractions, and simple restorations.
Recipients must be screened for eligibility by a social
services specialist.
Financial eligibility guidelines
apply.
If found to be eligible, patients must schedule
an appointment to be assessed by a Health Department
clinician.
A sliding fee applies to this appointment.
If the patient is determined to be in need of pain
relief they will be referred, by a social services
specialist, to a participating dentist.
A $10 co-payment
to schedule an appointment with a dentist.
Other Dental Service Available
Family Health Center Dental Clinic
573-777-8997
Medicaid, MC+, Medicare, and uninsured
Kings Daughters’ Dental Aide Program
Referrals are made through the Columbia Public Schools
City of Columbia Mobile
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