Area Agencies on Aging: A Place to Get Help

An Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is the Texas State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) that “offers local one‑on‑one counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families.” SHIP is funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

There are 28 AAAs in the state of Texas, and together they provide services to residents of all 254 Texas counties.

Within the AAAs, you will find benefit counselors and ombudsman. Their goal is to help older Texans (generally 60 and older) remain independent and healthy in the community through services and assistance with Medicare. They also help advocate for residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Benefit counselors help with various services for the beneficiary and their families through education, advocacy, and assistance. Benefits counselors are there to help Texans live healthy, independent lives with dignity throughout their community. 

There are no charges for AAAs' services. While they may look at income and resources to help prioritize need, there are no financial criteria for eligibility for help or referrals.

Visit the Area Agencies on Aging Directory.