Senior benefits in Hale County, Texas

Hale County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) SPCAA for CEAP utility (806-894-7104) — same nonprofit runs SPARTAN transit; (2) SPAG AAA for senior services (888-418-6564); (3) Hale County CIHCP / Lubbock County Medical Indigent Program for healthcare (806-291-5240); (4) Catholic Charities of Lubbock; (5) Salvation Army Lubbock or Plainview. Dial 211 for general referrals.

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

Hale County's CEAP is delivered through South Plains Community Action Association (SPCAA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit CAA serving the South Plains region. SPCAA also operates SPARTAN Public Transit (see tx.hale.spartan_rural_transit) — making it a single unified-intake nonprofit for both utility assistance and transportation. CEAP provides utility bill payment assistance for electric, gas, and propane; energy crisis assistance for shutoffs; and energy education. Eligibility at 150% FPL. Apply at spcaa.org/community-services-energy-utility-assistance or by calling SPCAA at 806-894-7104.

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

The Hale County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61. Eligibility: Hale 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: Covenant Health Plainview, UMC Lubbock for tertiary referrals. For complex/specialty care, UMC Lubbock is the regional tertiary referral hospital. Apply by calling Hale County at 806-291-5240.

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

In this county: Hale CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. Covenant Health Plainview, UMC Lubbock for tertiary referrals. UMC Lubbock is the regional tertiary referral hospital — non-Lubbock CIHCP enrollees may still receive care there with referrals.

SPAG AAA serves Hale County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers. Services include: Information, Referral and Assistance (prescription assistance, transportation, minor home repairs, nutrition, Medicare, long-term care) at no cost; Legal/Benefits Counseling (Medicare appeals, Advance Directives); Family Caregiver Support Program (training, support groups, respite); Title III Congregate Meals + Home-Delivered Meals; Ombudsman; Care Coordination. Apply by calling SPAG AAA at 806-687-0940 or 888-418-6564. Office: 6811 Indiana Avenue, Suite B, Lubbock TX 79413.

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

SPARTAN Public Transit is the demand-response public transit service for Hale County, operated by the South Plains Community Action Association (SPCAA) — the SAME nonprofit that operates CEAP (see tx.hale.spcaa_ceap). SPARTAN serves all 15 South Plains counties plus 1 adjacent. Demand-response means advance reservations are required, typically 24-48 hours ahead. Senior fares are typically reduced. Rural-to-Lubbock medical trips are a common service pattern. Apply for SPARTAN rides by calling 806-894-2233 or visiting spartanpublictransit.com.

Estimated service value: $150–$1,500 a year