Senior benefits in Falls County, Texas

Falls County's CEAP is delivered through EOAC. EOAC provides utility bill payment assistance for electricity, gas, and propane; energy crisis assistance; weatherization (Bosque, Ellis, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Johnson, Limestone, McLennan, Navarro); and energy education. Eligibility at 150% FPL. Apply at eoacwaco.org or by calling EOAC at 254-756-0954.

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

Falls County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) EOAC for CEAP utility (254-756-0954); (2) AAAHOT for senior services (254-292-1800); (3) Falls County CIHCP for healthcare (254-883-1426); (4) HOTCOG Rural Transit / The HOP for transportation (254-292-1820); (5) Caritas of Waco and Salvation Army of Waco for additional emergency aid; (6) Mission Waco. Dial 211 for general referrals.

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

The Falls County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61. Eligibility: Falls County resident age 18+; household income less than 21% of the Federal Poverty Level; not Medicaid-eligible. PRIMARY HOSPITAL: Falls Community Hospital (Marlin) — independent community hospital. Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest and Ascension Providence Waco are the regional tertiary referral hospitals — both have Patient Financial Assistance Programs (typically 200% FPL or broader). Apply by calling Falls County at 254-883-1426.

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

In this county: Falls CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. Falls Community Hospital (Marlin) — independent community hospital. Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest + Ascension Providence (Waco) are regional tertiary referrals.

AAAHOT serves Falls County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers as part of the 6-county Heart of 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. Through Care Coordination, a AAA case manager can arrange contracted home repairs and modifications (accessibility, safety, structure and weatherization) for low-income homeowners 60 and older living in unsafe or unhealthy homes, plus help buying needed appliances and durable medical equipment. Apply by calling AAAHOT at 254-292-1800 or 800-447-7169.

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

The HOP and HOTCOG Rural Transit provide transit across Falls County. The HOP fixed-route bus operates in Waco-Bellmead-Hewitt-Robinson-Woodway-Lacy-Lakeview (urban McLennan); HOTCOG operates rural demand-response across all 6 counties. Seniors 60+ qualify for reduced fares. ADA-eligible riders qualify for paratransit. Apply at waco-texas.com for urban service or call HOTCOG Rural Transit at 254-292-1820.

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