Hello, Central Texas!
Welcome to the Senior Spotlight! I’m your host, Gary Emmert, bringing you the latest news, stories, and insights specially curated for our senior community.
Every Saturday morning at 9:20am, we delve into the topics that matter most to you, from health and wellness tips to local events and national headlines. Whether you’re looking for thoughtful discussions, inspiring stories, or simply want to stay informed, Senior Spotlight is here to shine a light on the issues that impact your life.
So grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and join us as we explore the news from a senior perspective.
Latest Episode
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reminds residents that the open enrollment period for health coverage is underway, and the deadline to enroll for coverage beginning January 1 is Sunday, December 7, 2025. After this date, individuals may still apply for coverage through January 15, but their benefits will not begin until February 1.
Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) remain available year-round, but those seeking Marketplace plans must act before the deadline to ensure uninterrupted coverage. CMS has emphasized that most consumers qualify for low-cost or even $0 premiums after financial assistance, with many saving over $800 annually thanks to subsidies extended under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Enrollment can be completed online at HealthCare.gov, where consumers can compare plans, check eligibility for financial assistance, and sign up for coverage. Navigator organizations are also available to provide free, local assistance to help families through the process.
For those who miss the December 7 deadline, coverage beginning January 1 will not be available, and the next opportunity will be for plans starting February 1. Special Enrollment Periods may apply later in the year for individuals experiencing qualifying life events such as marriage, birth of a child, or loss of other coverage.
With the deadline just days away, officials encourage residents to review their options, confirm eligibility, and enroll promptly to avoid gaps in coverage.
Texas Silver-Haired Legislature
Texas House of Representatives
- District 54 – Rep. Brad Buckley (Bell County)
- (512) 463-0684
- District 55 – Rep. Hillary Hickland (Bell County)
- (512) 463-0630
- District 59 – Rep. Shelby Slawson (Coryell, Erath, Hamilton, and Hood Counties)
- (512) 463-0628
Senior Centers
- Lions Club Park Senior Center
- 1700-B East Stan Schlueter Loop
- Killeen, TX 76542-5485
- (254) 501-6399
- Hours: 8am – 4pm
- Monday through Friday
- Senior Scoop Newsletter
Copperas Cove Senior Center
- 1012 North Drive, Suite 5
- (254) 547-6022
- Senior Center is now managed and operated by the Hill Country Community Action Association, more information at HCCAA.com.
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
- 842 Mitchell Street
- Belton, TX 76513
- (254) 770-7958
- (254) 939-1171
- Hours: 8am to 3pm
- Monday through Friday
Home Delivered Meals
Home delivered meals are available to eligible clients. Call them for more information at (254) 939-1170.
Sammons Community Center in Temple
- 2200 West Avenue D
- Temple, TX 76504
- (254) 298-5403
- Hours: 8am to 5pm
- Monday through Friday
TempleParks.com/sammonscommunitycenter
Salado Senior Center
- 650 Royal Street in Salado
- (254) 271-2415
- saladoseniorcenter.org
- 408 Ridgeway Drive in Cedar Park, Texas
- (512) 331-6000
- Hours: 9am to 3pm
- Monday through Friday
Allen R. Baca Center
- 301 W. Bagdad Avenue, Building 2 in Round Rock
- (512) 218-5499
- Facility/Weight Room Hours
- Monday through Thursday: 7am to 9pm
- Friday: 7am to 6pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 8am to 1pm
- Office Hours
- Monday through Friday
- 7:30am to 5:30pm
- roundrocktexas.gov
- bacacenter.com
Austin
Online Newsletter Links
Events
Sul Ross Boot Scootin’ Dance Club
Waco Lions Den
1716 N. 42nd Street in Waco
The Sul Ross Boot Scootin’ Dance Club has been serving Waco and the surrounding area since 1978. Open dances are held each Thursday night from 7:00 pm until 9:15 pm unless designated otherwise. The admission fee is $6.00. Styles of dance include two steps, polka, waltzes and even the occasional chicken dance. Line dancers are always welcome.
Season memberships can be purchased at the door or by visiting atjs.org. Guests can enter for $12 and college students with ID and members of the Austin Jazz Society are $5.
Please visit www.atjs.org for more information.
The Austin Traditional Jazz Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation.
General admission to ATJS concerts is $12.00.
Student admission is $5.00.
(With the exception of Special Concerts)
Concerts are 2pm to 4:45pm at Ben Hur Shrine Temple,
7811 Rockwood Lane in Austin.
Thank you for stopping by and we would love to see you every Saturday morning at 9:20am for the Senior Spotlight. And if you have any questions or would like to let us know about an event or news that would be of benefit to our listeners and followers, please visit our blog website at myKNCT.com/seniorreport.
KNCT 