Senior benefits in Cottle County, Texas

Cottle County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) the assigned CEAP subrecipient for utility help; (2) AAANT for senior services (940-322-5281); (3) Cottle County CIHCP for healthcare (806-492-3823); (4) Falls Ride or NorTex rural transit referrals; (5) Catholic Charities of North Texas; (6) Salvation Army of Wichita Falls. Dial 211 for general referrals.

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

Cottle County's energy bill help (CEAP) is run by Rolling Plains Management Corporation in Crowell. It helps pay electric, gas and propane bills, helps in an energy emergency, and offers free advice on lowering energy costs. Household income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Apply online at rollingplains.org, or call 940-684-1571 (toll-free 800-633-0852) to set up an appointment.

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

The Cottle County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61. Eligibility: Cottle County resident age 18+; household income less than 21% of the Federal Poverty Level; not Medicaid-eligible. PRIMARY HOSPITAL: No hospital in county; residents access Childress, Quanah, or Vernon. United Regional Health Care System (Wichita Falls) is the major regional tertiary referral hospital for the entire NorTex region. Apply by calling Cottle County at 806-492-3823.

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

In this county: Cottle CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. No hospital in county; residents access Childress, Quanah, or Vernon. United Regional (Wichita Falls) is the regional tertiary referral.

AAANT serves Cottle County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers as part of the 11-county North Texas 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 AAANT at 940-322-5281 or 800-460-2226.

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

SHARP Lines is the demand-response public bus service for Cottle County, run by Rolling Plains Management Corporation. Anyone in the service area can ride. Fares are $2.00 one way within the same county, $10.00 to an adjacent county and $17.00 across two or more counties; same-day trips add $3.00. Reservations must be made 48 hours ahead by calling 940-684-1572 (toll-free 800-633-0852). Hours vary by county, so call to confirm service days.

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