Senior benefits in Fisher County, Texas

Fisher County's energy bill help (CEAP) is run by West Texas Opportunities (WTO) in Lamesa, through its Fisher County Community Services Outreach. It helps pay electric, gas and propane bills, helps in an energy emergency, and offers energy education. Household income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines; older adults, people with disabilities and families with young children get priority. Apply at gowto.org or call 806-872-8354; the TDHCA CEAP line is 800-525-0657.

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

Fisher County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) TDHCA CEAP subrecipient for utility assistance (800-525-0657); (2) WCTCOG AAA for senior services (325-672-8544); (3) Fisher County CIHCP / Hendrick Health for healthcare (325-776-2202); (4) Catholic Charities of the Diocese of San Angelo or West Texas; (5) Salvation Army Abilene. Dial 211 for general emergency aid referrals.

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

The Fisher County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61 for low-income residents. Eligibility: Fisher County resident age 18+; household income less than 21% of the Federal Poverty Level; not Medicaid-eligible. Covers physician services, lab/x-ray, three prescriptions per month, and inpatient/outpatient hospital services through participating providers. PRIMARY HOSPITAL: Fisher County Hospital District (Rotan). Hendrick Health System (Abilene) is the regional tertiary referral hospital for the entire West Central Texas region. Apply by calling Fisher County at 325-776-2202.

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

In this county: Fisher CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. Fisher County Hospital District (Rotan). Hendrick (Abilene) is the tertiary referral; Hendrick's Financial Assistance Policy provides broader 250% FPL coverage for households above CIHCP threshold.

SSVF helps very low-income veteran families in Fisher County who are about to lose their housing or have recently become homeless. A case manager makes a housing stability plan with you, helps you get other benefits, and connects you with community services. Depending on eligibility, it can give limited temporary help with rent, utilities, deposits, child care, bus fares and emergency supplies. Call 1-800-928-2262.

WCTCOG AAA serves Fisher County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers as part of its 19-county West Central Texas region (18,000 sq mi). Services are administered through local senior centers and/or rural transportation providers throughout the region. Programs include: Home-Delivered Meals for homebound seniors who cannot prepare nutritious meals themselves; Congregate Meals at senior centers, churches, or senior housing communities; Care Coordination; Caregiver Support; Benefits Counseling (Medicare); Transportation referrals; ADRC intake. Apply by calling WCTCOG AAA at 325-793-8417. Office: 3702 Loop 322, Abilene TX 79602.

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

Rural public transit in Fisher County is Double Mountain Coach, run by Aspermont Small Business Development Center, Inc. in Aspermont. It gives demand-response rides to the general public of Fisher, Haskell, Jones, Kent, Knox, Stonewall and Throckmorton counties — riders of all ages, including older adults and people with disabilities. Rides are booked ahead by phone. Call Double Mountain Coach at 940-989-2239 (toll free 800-722-0137), Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m., to schedule and ask about fares and notice time.

Estimated service value: $100–$1,200 a year