Senior benefits in Sevier County, Tennessee

The East Tennessee Area Agency on Aging & Disability, run by the East Tennessee Human Resource Agency (ETHRA), is the aging and disability resource point for Sevier County. It is a one-call entry point that connects older adults, caregivers, and people with disabilities to home-delivered and group meals, homemaker and personal-care help, limited transportation, family caregiver support, Medicare insurance counseling (SHIP), the long-term-care ombudsman, and information and assistance. Most services are for adults 60 and older in greatest need; adults 18 and older with disabilities may qualify for community-living options after a needs assessment. Reach information and assistance at 1-866-836-6678.

Estimated service value: $500–$6,000 a year

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible Sevier County households pay home heating and cooling bills, with emergency funds set aside for households facing a shut-off. Tennessee's Housing Development Agency (THDA) funds the program, and the East Tennessee Human Resource Agency (ETHRA) takes applications and delivers benefits for this county. Households generally qualify at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines; older adults and people with disabilities are prioritized. Assistance is usually available once a year while funds last. Apply through ETHRA, and call 2-1-1 Tennessee for referral help.

Estimated bill savings: $174–$750 a year

Nonprofit hospitals that serve Sevier County - including LeConte Medical Center in Sevierville, part of Covenant Health - must provide financial assistance (charity care) under federal law. Every nonprofit hospital is required by IRS Section 501(r) to have a written Financial Assistance Policy. Uninsured and underinsured patients with limited income can get free or discounted care, and those who qualify are never charged more than the amounts generally billed to insured patients. Covenant Health provides free or discounted care to patients at or below 300% of the federal poverty guidelines. Ask the hospital's financial-counseling office for its policy and application.

Estimated bill savings: $500–$20,000 a year

ETHRA Public Transit provides door-to-door, demand-response rides in Sevier County using regular and wheelchair-lift-equipped vehicles. It is the main public transportation for this rural county and is open to the general public, with priority given to medical trips. Trips are scheduled first-call, first-served (about three business days' notice is requested); in-county rides are a low flat fare each way. Older adults and people with disabilities rely on it for medical visits, shopping, and senior-center trips. Call to schedule a ride and ask about fares.

Estimated service value: $150–$1,200 a year