Senior benefits in Panola County, Texas

Panola County's energy bill help (CEAP) is run by Tri-County Community Action in Center. It helps pay electric, gas and propane bills, can repair existing heating and cooling units, helps in an energy emergency (extreme weather, disaster or life-threatening crisis), and offers energy education. Household gross income must be below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines; households with an older adult, a person with a disability or a child age 5 or younger are a priority and can receive benefits up to the household maximum. Call 936-598-6315 or the TDHCA CEAP line at 800-525-0657.

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

Panola County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) TDHCA CEAP subrecipient for utility (800-525-0657); (2) ETCOG AAA for senior services (1-800-442-8845); (3) Panola County CIHCP / UT Health East Texas / CHRISTUS Health for healthcare (903-693-0301); (4) GoBus for transportation (1-800-590-3371); (5) Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Tyler; (6) Salvation Army Tyler or Longview. Dial 211 for general referrals.

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

The Panola County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61 for low-income residents. Eligibility: Panola 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: Panola Medical Center (Carthage). UT Health East Texas (Tyler) and CHRISTUS Health (Tyler/Longview) are the regional tertiary referral hospitals — both offer their own Financial Assistance Programs for households above CIHCP threshold. Apply by calling Panola County at 903-693-0301.

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

In this county: Panola CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. Panola Medical Center (Carthage). UT Health East Texas (Tyler) is the tertiary referral; UT Health's Financial Assistance Policy provides broader 204-322% FPL coverage for households above CIHCP threshold.

ETCOG AAA serves Panola County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers. Services include Information and Referral, Benefits Counseling (HICAP/SHIP Medicare), Case Management, Health Education, Senior Nutrition Programs (Congregate Meals + Home-Delivered Meals), Housing Repair, Caregiver Support, and Ombudsman Advocacy. Apply by calling 1-800-442-8845 or visiting easttexasaaa.org. Office: 3800 Stone Road, Kilgore TX 75662.

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

GoBus is the rural demand-response public transit system for Panola County, operated by the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG). GoBus serves all East Texas citizens including the general public, persons over 60, students, persons with disabilities, veterans, and active military. Fares: $2 per trip + $1 per additional stop. Seniors 60+ may qualify for reduced fares. Veterans receive free trips through a specific GoBus initiative. GoBus operates ~30 vehicles making 500-800 trips/day, 5 days/week across 10,000 sq mi. Book rides by calling 1-800-590-3371 or online at gobustransit.com (typically 24-48 hours advance notice).

Estimated service value: $200–$1,800 a year