Senior benefits in Claiborne County, Tennessee

The East Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability, run by the East Tennessee Human Resource Agency (ETHRA), serves older adults age 60 and older, adults with disabilities, and caregivers in Claiborne County. It plans and funds local aging services such as congregate and home-delivered meals, the SHIP/SMP Medicare counseling program, family caregiver support and respite, options counseling for long-term care and home- and community-based services, the long-term care ombudsman, and public guardianship. Call the toll-free Information and Assistance line to find out what is offered locally.

Estimated service value: $1,000–$6,000 a year

Tennessee's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay home heating and cooling bills. In Claiborne County it is delivered by the East Tennessee Human Resource Agency (ETHRA). Households with an older adult, a person with a disability, or a young child get priority points. Assistance is paid once a year directly to the utility, with faster crisis help for shut-off situations. Apply online through the state THDA portal, call the local ETHRA county office, or dial 2-1-1 for referral.

Estimated bill savings: $174–$750 a year

Claiborne Medical Center (Covenant Health Claiborne) in Tazewell is the main hospital serving Claiborne County. As part of Covenant Health, it offers financial assistance (charity care) for emergency and medically necessary care to patients who cannot afford to pay. Eligibility is based on household income measured against the Federal Poverty Guidelines, plus a review of assets. Ask the Patient Accounting Office (423-526-2327) for a financial assistance application or call to request one by mail.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

ETHRA Public Transit runs door-to-door, demand-response vans across Claiborne County and the wider East Tennessee region. The service meets Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and is open to the general public, with priority help for older adults and riders with a disability getting to medical visits, shopping, senior centers, and other trips. Rides are shared and must be booked ahead, so call at least three business days before the trip to reserve a seat.

Estimated service value: $200–$1,500 a year