Senior benefits in Leelanau County, Michigan

The Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan serves older adults in Leelanau County. Services include home-delivered and congregate meals, in-home and personal care, caregiver support, Medicare and Medicaid counseling (MMAP), long-term care options counseling, and help applying for the MI Choice waiver. Adults age 60 and over, and adults with disabilities, can call 1-800-442-1713 to ask what help is available.

$1,500–$6,000/yr

Help with heat and utility bills in Leelanau County comes from MDHHS State Emergency Relief, Michigan's LIHEAP program, which is applied for through MI Bridges. State Emergency Relief can pay toward a past-due electric, natural gas, propane or wood-heat bill and can stop a shutoff. In Antrim and Leelanau counties the MDHHS-designated Michigan Energy Assistance Program partner is the Superior Watershed Partnership, at 906-273-2742. Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency is still the Community Action agency here, but it now offers only weatherization and emergency home repair, not utility bill payment. Apply at MI Bridges or call MDHHS at 1-844-464-3447.

$200–$1,500/yr

Munson Healthcare offers financial assistance for emergency and medically necessary care at its hospitals serving Leelanau County, with Munson Medical Center in Traverse City as the regional hospital. Free care (100% discount) is available for patients with family income at or below 249% of the federal poverty level, and a 75% discount for income from 250% to 400%. Ask a financial counselor or call 231-935-2350 to apply.

BATA provides fixed-route and door-to-door Dial-A-Ride bus service across Leelanau County. Riders age 60 and over, veterans, active military, and people with disabilities get 50% off fares with a reduced fare card or valid ID. Call 231-941-2324 to apply for a reduced fare card or schedule a ride.

$200–$1,200/yr