Beyond Medicare: the verified local programs, services, and organizations that support Lawrence and Douglas County seniors. Every address, phone number, and hour below was checked against the official source linked under each listing.
Last verified: April 2026. Hours and contact info change, so please call ahead.
Medicare information reviewed and updated July 2026 · 2026 Part B premium: $202.90/month
Medicare-Specific Resources
SHICK: Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas
Phone: 1-800-860-5260
Kansas's federally-funded State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Free, unbiased, confidential Medicare counseling delivered by trained volunteers, not insurance agents. Statewide hotline above; in Lawrence, schedule directly through the Douglas County Senior Resource Center.
Douglas County Senior Resource Center: Medicare & Insurance Help
745 Vermont St, Lawrence, KS 66044
Phone: (785) 842-0543
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Local home base for SHICK Medicare counseling appointments, especially during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 - Dec 7). Also coordinates Senior Wheels transportation, activities, and connections to in-home support.
The official federal Medicare site. The Plan Finder at medicare.gov/plan-compare lets you compare Medicare Advantage and Part D plans available in your Lawrence ZIP code (66044, 66045, 66046, 66047, or 66049).
Where most Lawrence residents enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B, sign up for Extra Help / Low Income Subsidy, and manage Social Security retirement benefits. Appointments strongly recommended. Walk-ins are limited.
The 174-bed community hospital serving Douglas County, with the area's primary 24/7 Emergency Department. Original Medicare is broadly accepted. Medicare Advantage participation varies by plan and product line, so verify with both LMH and the plan before enrolling.
LMH Health's West Campus in Lawrence is operated jointly with The University of Kansas Health System, bringing KU specialty services closer to home for Lawrence seniors.
Regional academic medical center based in Kansas City with a Lawrence presence via the LMH West Campus. Many Lawrence seniors travel to KU for advanced cardiology, oncology, and transplant care, so KU network access is a key factor when comparing Medicare Advantage plans.
Non-profit home health agency serving Douglas County. Skilled nursing, therapy, and home health aide services for seniors managing chronic conditions or recovering from a hospital stay, typically billed under Medicare Part A or Part B home-health benefits.
200 Maine St, Suite A, Lawrence, KS 66044. Treatment & Recovery Center: 1000 W 2nd St
The community mental health center for Douglas County. Walk-in admissions during business hours at the Maine St location; the Treatment & Recovery Center on W 2nd St is open 24/7, 365 days a year for crisis care. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: dial 988.
Senior Wheels: Douglas County Senior Resource Center
Phone: (785) 842-0543
Door-to-door transportation for Douglas County residents 60+ who can no longer drive. Used heavily for medical appointments at LMH and the West Campus, grocery runs, and Senior Resource Center activities.
The City of Lawrence operates fixed-route Lawrence Transit buses and the T Lift complementary ADA paratransit service for riders unable to use fixed-route service. Eligibility application required for T Lift.
Independence, Inc. (Center for Independent Living)
Lawrence-based independent transportation and disability services provider. One of the three accessible transportation options the County formally lists for Douglas County residents.
Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS)
State agency overseeing senior services in Kansas. KDADS administers SHICK Medicare counseling and many of the long-term services and supports Lawrence seniors rely on.
Kansas's Medicaid program. Some Medicare beneficiaries qualify for both (dual-eligible), which can unlock additional benefits and Special Needs Plans. Apply through KanCare; SHICK and the Senior Resource Center can help walk you through eligibility.
Federal program that helps lower-income seniors pay Part D drug premiums, deductibles, and copays. Apply through Social Security at ssa.gov/extrahelp or by visiting the Lawrence SSA office on Wakarusa Dr.
Several Lawrence law firms specialize in elder law: estate planning, durable powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and Medicaid planning. The Kansas Bar Association lawyer referral service is a good starting point.
Daily classes, fitness, games, lunch programs, and special events for Douglas County seniors. The full activity calendar is published online and updated monthly.
One block from the Senior Resource Center. Free programming, technology help (useful for navigating Medicare.gov Plan Finder), and accessible computer lab.
Free helpline for seniors who suspect a Medicare scam, identity theft, or phone fraud. Lawrence-area scams targeting seniors spike during Open Enrollment (Oct 15 - Dec 7). When in doubt, hang up and call AARP or your trusted local agent.
Dial 911 for any true medical, fire, or safety emergency. For non-emergency police matters in Lawrence, contact Lawrence Police Department non-emergency dispatch via lawrenceks.org/police.
Adam specializes in Medicare and senior insurance for Lawrence and Douglas County. A good consultation also points you toward the right community resources for needs that go beyond insurance. And if something doesn't fit our wheelhouse, we'll connect you with someone local who can help.
Adam
Licensed Kansas Agent · AHIP Certified
Lawrence native · Free State HS · BS Finance, KU
Talk With Adam. No Pressure, No Cost.
I grew up in Lawrence, graduated from Free State High School, and earned a BS in Finance from the University of Kansas. Most of the people I help are turning 65 or reviewing their current Medicare coverage.
No pressure, no sales pitch. Just clear answers when you're ready to talk.