Senior benefits in Rusk County, Texas

CEAP delivery for Rusk County is coordinated by TDHCA through a subrecipient agency. To identify the CURRENT subrecipient serving Rusk, 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

Rusk 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) Rusk County CIHCP / UT Health East Texas / CHRISTUS Health for healthcare (903-657-0301); (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

The Rusk County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61 for low-income residents. Eligibility: Rusk 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: UT Health Henderson; CHRISTUS Mother Frances Tatum. 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 Rusk County at 903-657-0301.

$1,000–$18,000/yr

In this county: Rusk CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. UT Health Henderson; CHRISTUS Mother Frances Tatum. 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.

ETCOG AAA serves Rusk 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

GoBus is the rural demand-response public transit system for Rusk 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