Senior benefits in Houston County, Texas

Houston County's energy bill help (CEAP) is run by Greater East Texas Community Action Program (GETCAP) in Nacogdoches. It provides a usually one-time payment toward utility, water and electric bills; the target groups are older adults, people with disabilities, households with children under six and working low-income families. Household income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Call GETCAP at 800-621-5746 (Houston County Community Action 936-544-1480) or the TDHCA CEAP line at 800-525-0657.

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

Houston County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) TDHCA CEAP subrecipient for utility (800-525-0657); (2) DETCOG AAA for senior services (936-639-8200); (3) Houston County CIHCP for healthcare (936-544-3255); (4) Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Tyler/Beaumont; (5) Salvation Army Lufkin or local. Dial 211 for general referrals.

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

The Houston County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61 for low-income residents. Eligibility: Houston 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: CHI St. Luke's Health Memorial Crockett. CHI St. Luke's Health Memorial (Lufkin) is the largest regional hospital network — also operates community hospitals in Livingston, Crockett, and San Augustine. For tertiary care, Houston-area hospitals (Memorial Hermann, Houston Methodist) are the typical further referral. Apply by calling Houston County at 936-544-3255.

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

In this county: Houston CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. CHI St. Luke's Health Memorial Crockett. CHI St. Luke's Health Memorial Lufkin is the regional hub.

DETCOG AAA serves Houston County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers as part of its 12-county Deep East Texas region. Services include Title III funding for senior centers (Congregate Meals + Home-Delivered Meals + activities), Health Education programs, Care Coordination, Caregiver Support, Benefits Counseling (HICAP/SHIP Medicare), and Long-Term Care Ombudsman. The AAA has offices in Jasper (210 Premier Drive, Jasper TX 75951) and Lufkin (1405 Kurth Drive, Lufkin TX 75904). Apply by calling DETCOG AAA at 936-639-8200 or visiting detcog.gov/aaa.

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

Public transit in Houston County operates through Deep East Texas regional rural providers. Brazos Transit District (BTD) serves several DETCOG counties; DETCOG-coordinated demand-response services cover others. Senior fares are typically reduced. Demand-response requires advance reservation. Apply for transit referrals through DETCOG AAA at 936-639-8200 or your local senior center.

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