Benefits · Texas

Senior benefits in Marion County, Texas

Seniors in Marion County, Texas have access to a wide range of benefit programs that can help with health care, energy costs, food, transportation, and more. The Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (ETCOG AAA) is the local starting point for many of these services, connecting older adults to programs under Title III and the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). For transportation needs, GoBus Rural Demand-Response Transit serves Marion County residents who need rides to appointments or other destinations. The Marion County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) may help those who qualify with medical costs, and the CEAP (TDHCA-Coordinated) program can assist with energy bills. Marion County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination helps connect residents to additional local support. State programs like Texas Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (MEPD), STAR+PLUS, and the Texas Over-65 Homestead Exemption may also apply. Dozens of federal programs are listed here as well. Each program listing below includes its official source and the date it was last verified. The administering agency always makes the final eligibility decision.

5

Local programs

12

Texas programs

25

Federal programs

15

Categories

Local starting point

East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) — Area Agency on Aging serves as the designated AAA for Planning and Service Area 4, a 14-county East Texas region (Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, Wood)

1-800-442-8845

See which of these Marion County programs you may qualify for.

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When benefit rules change, it’s tracked here

Income limits, new requirements, how to apply — see what’s changed across senior benefit programs, from the official source in plain English.

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Programs run in Marion County

Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Marion County. Start here.

Emergency Aid

Programs here are typically worth $100–$1,800 a year to an eligible household.

CEAP (TDHCA-Coordinated) — Marion County

County

CEAP delivery for Marion County is coordinated by TDHCA through a subrecipient agency. To identify the CURRENT subrecipient serving Marion, call TDHCA at 800-525-0657 OR call ETCOG AAA at 1-800-442-8845 for a current referral. Eligibility at 150% FPL. Senior-headed households receive priority.

$200–$1,600/yr

How to apply →Official source →800-525-0657Last verified · September 3, 2026

Marion County Emergency Aid — Referral Coordination

County

Marion County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) TDHCA CEAP subrecipient for utility (800-525-0657); (2) ETCOG AAA for senior services (1-800-442-8845); (3) Marion County CIHCP / UT Health East Texas / CHRISTUS Health for healthcare (903-665-3463); (4) GoBus for transportation (1-800-590-3371); (5) Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Tyler; (6) Salvation Army Tyler or Longview. Dial 211 for general referrals.

$100–$1,800/yr

How to apply →Official source →211Last verified · August 31, 2026

Healthcare

Programs here are typically worth $1,000–$18,000 a year to an eligible household.

Marion County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP)

County

The Marion County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61 for low-income residents. Eligibility: Marion County resident age 18+; household income less than 21% of the Federal Poverty Level; not Medicaid-eligible. Covers physician services, lab/x-ray, three prescriptions per month, and inpatient/outpatient hospital services through participating providers. PRIMARY HOSPITAL: No hospital in county; residents access Marshall (CHRISTUS) or Texarkana hospitals. UT Health East Texas (Tyler) and CHRISTUS Health (Tyler/Longview) are the regional tertiary referral hospitals — both offer their own Financial Assistance Programs for households above CIHCP threshold. Apply by calling Marion County at 903-665-3463.

$1,000–$18,000/yr

In this county: Marion CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. No hospital in county; residents access Marshall (CHRISTUS) or Texarkana hospitals. UT Health East Texas (Tyler) is the tertiary referral; UT Health's Financial Assistance Policy provides broader 204-322% FPL coverage for households above CIHCP threshold.

How to apply →Official source →903-665-3463Last verified · August 30, 2026

Nutrition

Programs here are typically worth $1,200–$4,500 a year to an eligible household.

Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (ETCOG AAA) — Title III + ADRC (Marion County)

County

ETCOG AAA serves Marion County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers. Services include Information and Referral, Benefits Counseling (HICAP/SHIP Medicare), Case Management, Health Education, Senior Nutrition Programs (Congregate Meals + Home-Delivered Meals), Housing Repair, Caregiver Support, and Ombudsman Advocacy. Apply by calling 1-800-442-8845 or visiting easttexasaaa.org. Office: 3800 Stone Road, Kilgore TX 75662.

$1,200–$4,500/yr

How to apply →Official source →1-800-442-8845Last verified · September 4, 2026

Transportation

Programs here are typically worth $200–$1,800 a year to an eligible household.

GoBus Rural Demand-Response Transit (Marion County)

County

GoBus is the rural demand-response public transit system for Marion County, operated by the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG). GoBus serves all East Texas citizens including the general public, persons over 60, students, persons with disabilities, veterans, and active military. Fares: $2 per trip + $1 per additional stop. Seniors 60+ may qualify for reduced fares. Veterans receive free trips through a specific GoBus initiative. GoBus operates ~30 vehicles making 500-800 trips/day, 5 days/week across 10,000 sq mi. Book rides by calling 1-800-590-3371 or online at gobustransit.com (typically 24-48 hours advance notice).

$200–$1,800/yr

How to apply →Official source →1-800-590-3371Last verified · August 29, 2026

Texas and federal programs

Open to eligible households in Marion County and across the rest of Texas. Full details are on the Texas benefits page.

Income Support

Utility Assistance

Veteran Benefits

← All Texas counties

Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.