Senior benefits in Cooke County, Texas

Cooke County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) TCOG Community Services for CEAP utility, weatherization, and housing (903-893-2161); (2) TCOG AAA for senior services (903-893-2161); (3) Cooke County CIHCP for healthcare (940-668-5400); (4) TCOG Rural Transit for transportation (903-893-2161); (5) Catholic Charities of Texoma; (6) Salvation Army of Sherman. Dial 211 for general referrals.

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

Cooke County's CEAP is delivered directly by TCOG Community Services. TCOG provides utility bill payment assistance for electricity, gas, and propane; energy crisis assistance; weatherization; and energy education. Eligibility at 150% FPL. Apply at tcog.com or by calling TCOG at 903-893-2161, or dial 211.

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

The Cooke County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61. Eligibility: Cooke County resident age 18+; household income less than 21% of the Federal Poverty Level; not Medicaid-eligible. PRIMARY HOSPITAL: North Texas Medical Center (Gainesville) — independent community hospital. Wilson N. Jones Regional Medical Center and Texoma Medical Center (both in Grayson County) are the regional tertiary referral hospitals — both have Patient Financial Assistance Programs (typically 200% FPL or broader). Apply by calling Cooke County at 940-668-5400.

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

In this county: Cooke CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. North Texas Medical Center (Gainesville) — independent community hospital. Wilson N. Jones + Texoma Medical Center (Sherman/Denison) are regional tertiary referrals.

TCOG AAA serves Cooke County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers as part of the 3-county Texoma region. Services include Title III Congregate Meals + Home-Delivered Meals, Benefits Counseling (HICAP/SHIP Medicare), Care Coordination, Caregiver Support, In-Home Support, and Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Apply by calling TCOG AAA at 903-813-3505 or 800-677-8264.

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

TAPS Get-a-Ride gives shared, curb-to-curb rides to the general public in Cooke County and the rest of the 6-county TAPS area. Seniors 60+ and riders with disabilities pay a reduced one-way fare of $1 in town, $1.50 out of town and $2 out of county (general public pays $2, $3 and $4). Book at least 48 business hours ahead, Monday–Friday 7am–3pm, at 844-603-6048.

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