Resources
Senior Resources in Houston, TX
Insurance is only one piece of aging well in Greater Houston. This page collects local programs and agencies Houston seniors often need: benefits counseling, transportation, meals, and the hospital systems that decide which Medicare networks make sense.
These questions come up alongside plan reviews, so we keep the list in one place. If you need something that isn't here, call and ask. We'll point you toward the right office.
- Benefits counseling and Medicare help
- Senior centers, transit and meal programs
- Local hospitals and community clinics
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Look up a plan type, an enrollment deadline or a question in plain English.
Benefits counseling and Medicare help
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Texas HICAP (Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program)
Texas's free, unbiased Medicare counseling program. Counselors help with plan choices, bills, appeals and Extra Help applications, and they don't sell plans. Call 1-800-252-9240.
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Harris County Area Agency on Aging
Run by the Houston Health Department. Call 832-393-4301 for Medicare and Medicaid benefits counseling, caregiver support, the long-term care ombudsman, and meals at senior centers or delivered at home.
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Medicare.gov and 1-800-MEDICARE
The official plan finder, coverage rules and enrollment windows straight from CMS. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) any time, day or night.
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Social Security Administration
Retirement and disability benefits, Part A and Part B enrollment, and Extra Help applications. Apply online at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to find your nearest Houston-area office.
Senior centers, transit and daily living
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City of Houston senior centers and community dining
The Houston Health Department serves meals to adults 60 and older at dozens of community dining sites, such as the Bay Area, Lakeview and Telephone Road senior centers and several multi-service centers. Call 832-393-4301 for a nearby site or a ride to one.
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METRO senior fares
Riders 65 to 69 pay half fare, and riders 70 and older ride free on local bus, Park & Ride, METRORail, METRO curb2curb and Community Connector. You need a RideMETRO Discount Fare Card plus a photo ID that shows your date of birth.
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METROLift
METRO's paratransit service for riders whose disability keeps them from using regular buses and trains. Eligibility depends on disability, not age, so apply through METRO even if you already have a senior fare card.
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YWCA Houston Meals On Wheels
Home-delivered meals for adults 60 and older (or the spouse of one) in the YWCA service area who can't get to a senior dining center. Call 832-504-6324 to ask about intake.
Local health systems
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Texas Medical Center
Home to Houston Methodist, Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center, Memorial Hermann-TMC and MD Anderson Cancer Center. Confirm your doctors and hospital are in network before you pick an Advantage plan.
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Memorial Hermann, HCA Houston Healthcare and Kelsey-Seybold
Large hospital systems and medical groups with locations across the suburbs. Many Advantage networks are built around specific groups, so check each plan against your own doctors.
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Harris Health
Harris County's public health system, including Ben Taub Hospital and Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, plus community clinics across the county.
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Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
The Houston VA hospital. The VA does not bill Medicare, so veterans should ask how VA care and Medicare coverage fit together before changing plans.
Check your hospital before you switch plans
Networks change every year. If you use Medicare Advantage in Houston, confirm your doctors, medical group and hospital are still in network for the new plan year.
Programs can lower your drug costs
Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs reduce costs for qualifying incomes. Texas HICAP at 1-800-252-9240 can help you apply, and we can walk you through whether you're likely to qualify.
Houston Senior Insurance is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This directory is provided as a community reference. Contact each organization directly for current hours, eligibility and services.
Questions about a program or your coverage?
We'll point you to the right office to call, and review your plan while we're at it.