Senior benefits in Tyrrell County, North Carolina

The Albemarle Commission Area Agency on Aging serves older adults age 60 and older and their family caregivers in Tyrrell County. Services include congregate and home-delivered meals, family caregiver support and respite, the Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) for Medicare counseling, options counseling for long-term care, the long-term care ombudsman, health and wellness classes, and coordination of in-home aide and transportation services. Call the Area Agency on Aging to learn what is available locally.

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

North Carolina's Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) gives a one-time payment toward heating costs, and the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) helps when a household faces a heating or cooling emergency. Both are run by the Tyrrell County Department of Social Services. Households with an older adult (60+) or a person with a disability can apply starting December 1; other eligible households apply starting in January, until funds run out. Apply online through ePASS at epass.nc.gov, by phone, or at the county DSS office.

Estimated bill savings: $300–$1,100 a year

Tyrrell County has no hospital of its own. The nearest hospitals include ECU Health Chowan Hospital in Edenton and Washington Regional Medical Center in nearby Plymouth. ECU Health offers charity care (financial assistance) for emergency and medically necessary care to patients who cannot afford to pay. Patients may qualify for 100% assistance with income below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines (limited assets, no real property other than the home); medically indigent assistance can also apply to balances over $5,000. Ask for a financial assistance application or call the ECU Health Central Business Office at 1-800-788-4473 (252-847-4472).

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Tyrrell: no in-county hospital; nearest are ECU Health Chowan (Edenton) and Washington Regional Medical Center (Plymouth). ECU Health charity care depends on household income and the system's published policy.

Tyrrell County residents are served by the Gator Line, run by Hyde County Transit. Service includes non-emergency medical transportation, rides to the Tyrrell County senior center and nutrition sites, and a Rural General Public program. Older adults (60+) and riders with a disability can use elderly and disabled (E&D) reduced or no-cost fares. Schedule rides through Hyde County Transit or the Tyrrell County senior center (252-796-0365).

Estimated service value: $200–$2,000 a year

In this county: Tyrrell: the 'Gator Line' is operated by Hyde County Transit for Tyrrell County; trips by reservation. Elderly and disabled (E&D) reduced or no-cost fares follow the NCDOT program.