Senior benefits in Mitchell County, Texas

Mitchell County's energy bill help (CEAP) is run by West Texas Opportunities (WTO) in Lamesa, through its Mitchell 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

Mitchell 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) Mitchell County CIHCP / Hendrick Health for healthcare (325-728-3392); (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 Mitchell County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61 for low-income residents. Eligibility: Mitchell 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: Mitchell County Hospital (Colorado City). Hendrick Health System (Abilene) is the regional tertiary referral hospital for the entire West Central Texas region. Apply by calling Mitchell County at 325-728-3392.

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

In this county: Mitchell CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. Mitchell County Hospital (Colorado City). 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 Mitchell 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 Mitchell 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 Mitchell County is SPARTAN Transportation, run by the South Plains Community Action Association (SPCAA). SPARTAN runs demand-response and scheduled shared-ride service for the general public, including in-town and out-of-town trips. Riders are asked to reserve at least 24 hours ahead. Call SPARTAN at 806-894-3800 (toll free 800-462-8747) to schedule and ask about fares.

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