Senior benefits in Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington County, anchored by Johnson City Medical Center, the region's tertiary hospital. 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

Johnson City Transit (JCT) runs fixed-route buses and ADA paratransit in Johnson City. Riders age 65 and older, people with disabilities, and Medicare cardholders pay a reduced fare on fixed routes, and ADA paratransit provides door-to-door rides for people certified as ADA eligible. NET Trans (First Tennessee Human Resource Agency) covers rural Washington County. Call JCT paratransit at 423-434-6265 to apply or schedule a ride.

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

In this county: Washington: JCT offers a reduced fare to riders age 65+ and people with disabilities; ADA paratransit requires certification. NET Trans covers rural areas of the county.