Senior benefits in Luce County, Michigan

UPCAP Services runs the U.P. Area Agency on Aging (Region 11), the Area Agency on Aging for Luce County and all 15 Upper Peninsula counties. Help includes home-delivered and congregate meals, in-home and personal care, caregiver support, Medicare/Medicaid counseling (MMAP), long-term care options counseling, and help applying for the MI Choice waiver. Older adults age 60 and over, and adults with disabilities, can call the U.P. Senior Helpline at 1-800-338-7227 to ask what help is available.

$1,500–$6,000/yr

The Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community Action Agency is the Community Action Agency for the Eastern Upper Peninsula and helps low-income Luce County households with heating and electric bills, emergency utility shutoff help, deliverable fuels, and weatherization. Apply for state energy help (Home Heating Credit / State Emergency Relief) through MI Bridges, dial 211 for local referrals, or call the agency at 906-632-3363.

$200–$1,500/yr

Helen Newberry Joy Hospital in Newberry serves Luce County and offers financial assistance for uninsured or underinsured patients. Discounts cover inpatient and outpatient services performed at the hospital by its own staff, including staff physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Some services are not covered — visiting specialty-clinic physicians, radiologists' reading of x-rays and other imaging, elective procedures, vision services, and some equipment and supplies. Call Patient Accounts at 906-293-9115 or 906-293-9123 to apply.

In this county: The hospital gives limited discounts on services its own staff provides, and decides each application. Services by non-employed or visiting physicians, imaging reads, and elective procedures are not covered. Not legal or financial advice.

U.P. Food as Medicine gives Luce County adults who are at risk for or living with a chronic health condition vouchers to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at participating Upper Peninsula farm markets. Each voucher is worth $5, and participants get $15 a week during the 20-week market season — about $300 a season, mailed monthly. A doctor or clinic in the program's partner network sends the referral; a call specialist then completes enrollment. Ask your health-care provider for a referral, or dial 2-1-1.

$300/yr

The Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority operates an on-demand Dial-A-Ride service in Luce County (Newberry area) for rides to medical appointments, errands, and community life. Seniors and riders with disabilities get reduced (discount) fares. Call 906-632-2898 (option 4 for the bussing system) to plan a trip or ask about Luce County Dial-A-Ride hours and senior fares.

$200–$1,200/yr

In this county: Dial-A-Ride service is open to the public; seniors and people with disabilities receive reduced fares. Confirm the qualifying senior age with EUPTA. Not legal or financial advice.