Senior benefits in Sullivan County, Tennessee

The First Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability serves older adults age 60 and older, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers in Sullivan County. Services include congregate and home-delivered meals, family caregiver support and respite, SHIP/SHIIP Medicare counseling, options counseling for long-term care, the long-term care ombudsman, the OPTIONS in-home services program, and public guardianship. Call the Information and Assistance line to learn what is available locally.

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

Tennessee's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay heating and cooling costs for income-eligible households. In Sullivan County, LIHEAP is delivered by First Tennessee Human Resource Agency (FTHRA). Households with an older adult (60+) or a person with a disability get priority. Apply through First Tennessee Human Resource Agency, and call 2-1-1 Tennessee for referral help. Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) administers the program statewide.

Estimated bill savings: $174–$750 a year

Ballad Health is the dominant hospital system in Sullivan County, with Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport and Bristol Regional Medical Center in Bristol. Ballad Health offers financial assistance (charity care) and uninsured discounts for emergency and other medically necessary care to patients who cannot afford to pay. Apply online, by mail, or at the hospital, and call the financial assistance line at 1-888-288-5174 for help.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Kingsport Area Transit Service (KATS) runs fixed-route buses and Dial-A-Ride in Kingsport. Riders age 65 and older, people with disabilities, and Medicare cardholders pay a reduced half fare on fixed routes, and Dial-A-Ride offers curb-to-curb rides for seniors age 65 and older. Bristol Tennessee Transit serves the Bristol area, and NET Trans (First Tennessee Human Resource Agency) covers rural Sullivan County. Call KATS at 423-224-2613 to apply for a half-fare card or schedule a ride.

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

In this county: Sullivan: KATS gives a half fare to riders age 65+ and people with disabilities, and Dial-A-Ride serves seniors age 65+ within Kingsport. Bristol Tennessee Transit and NET Trans cover other parts of the county.