Senior benefits in Refugio County, Texas

Refugio County's energy bill help (CEAP) is run by Crossroads Community Action in Victoria. It offers emergency bill payment help, support for heating and cooling costs, and energy-saving guidance, and can help more than once a year depending on funding. Household income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Apply online at crossroadsca.org or in person at 4007 Halsey Street, Victoria; call 361-578-2989 (toll-free 800-695-0314) or the TDHCA CEAP line at 800-525-0657.

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

Refugio County operates a referral-and-coordination emergency aid framework: (1) CEAP subrecipient (CACOST 361-883-3935 OR TDHCA 800-525-0657) for utility assistance; (2) CBCOG AAA for senior services (361-883-5743); (3) Refugio County CIHCP / Nueces County Hospital District (CHRISTUS Spohn) for healthcare (361-526-2233); (4) United Way of the Coastal Bend; (5) Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Corpus Christi. Dial 211 for general referrals.

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

The Refugio County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61 for low-income residents. Eligibility: Refugio 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: Refugio County Memorial Hospital. CHRISTUS Spohn (Corpus Christi) is the regional tertiary referral hospital — CHRISTUS Spohn's Financial Assistance Program (200% FPL free / 400% FPL sliding) provides broader coverage for households above CIHCP threshold. Apply by calling Refugio County at 361-526-2233.

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

In this county: Refugio CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. Refugio County Memorial Hospital. CHRISTUS Spohn (Corpus Christi) is the regional tertiary referral.

CBCOG AAA serves Refugio County seniors age 60+ and their caregivers. The AAA was created in 1974 and serves over 30 cities across the 11-county Coastal Bend region. Services include Title III Congregate Meals + Home-Delivered Meals, Transportation referrals, Senior Centers, Fall Prevention programs, Benefits Counseling (HICAP/SHIP Medicare), Long-Term Care Facility Advocacy (Ombudsman), and Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) intake. The AAA targets older adults with the greatest social and economic needs — especially frail, low-income, and minority seniors. Apply by calling CBCOG AAA at 361-883-5743 or visiting coastalbendcog.org/aaa. Office: 2910 Leopard St., Corpus Christi TX 78408.

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

Refugio County rural transit is run by the Bee County Community Action Agency, which gives demand-response rides to the general public in Bee, Live Oak and Refugio counties for work, medical appointments and shopping; call 361-358-5530 or 1-800-358-5534 at least 24 hours ahead. Seniors can also schedule rides through the Williamson Senior Center in Refugio at 361-526-5579. For help finding a ride, call the Coastal Bend AAA Information & Assistance line at 361-883-3935.

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