Senior benefits in Cass County, Texas

Cass County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) TDHCA CEAP (800-525-0657); (2) ATCOG AAA (903-832-8636); (3) Cass County CIHCP for healthcare (903-756-5071); (4) Catholic Charities of Dallas/Tyler; (5) Salvation Army Texarkana. Dial 211 for general referrals.

Estimated bill savings: $100–$1,800 a year

Cass County's energy bill help (CEAP) is run by Community Services of Northeast Texas (CSNT) through its Family Empowerment office in Mt. Pleasant. It helps pay home energy bills for low-income households with the highest energy needs; priority goes to older adults, people with disabilities and families with children under six. Household income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Download the application at csntexas.org and mail it to CSNT, P.O. Box 427, Linden, TX 75563. Call 903-717-7400 (Family Empowerment), 903-756-5596 (main office) or the TDHCA CEAP line at 800-525-0657.

Estimated bill savings: $200–$1,600 a year

Help paying the monthly premium on a Health Insurance Marketplace plan. ATCOG runs the Premium Support Program with grant money from CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System for people who have enrolled through the Health Insurance Exchange. If you qualify, the program can cover your premium — the monthly amount charged for the coverage. To qualify you must enroll through the Health Insurance Exchange and choose a Silver plan, have income between 100% and 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, and be a Texas resident. Call ATCOG at 903-832-8636 for the application.

The Cass County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61 for low-income residents. Eligibility: Cass County resident age 18+; household income less than 21% of the Federal Poverty Level; not Medicaid-eligible. PRIMARY HOSPITAL: Cass Regional Medical Center (Atlanta). CHRISTUS St. Michael Texarkana and Paris Regional Health are the major regional referral hospitals for the Ark-Tex region. Apply by calling Cass County at 903-756-5071.

Estimated bill savings: $1,000–$18,000 a year

In this county: Cass CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. Cass Regional Medical Center (Atlanta).

ATCOG AAA serves Cass County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers as part of its 9-county northeast Texas region. Services include Meals & Nutrition, Benefits Counseling for Medicare beneficiaries, Care Coordination, Caregiver Support, Information & Assistance, Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Senior Centers and Transportation. Call the AAA toll-free at 1-800-372-4464, or ATCOG's main office at 903-832-8636. Office: 4808 Elizabeth Street, Texarkana TX 75503.

Estimated service value: $1,200–$4,500 a year

Public transit in Cass County is provided through ATCOG's rural transit district (demand-response) plus TRAX (Texarkana Urban Transit District) for the Texarkana urban area. Demand-response service requires advance reservation. Senior fares are reduced. Apply through ATCOG at 903-832-8636.

Estimated service value: $100–$1,500 a year