Senior benefits in Allegan County, Michigan

The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan is the Area Agency on Aging for Allegan County. Services include 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 1-888-456-5664 to ask what help is available.

Estimated service value: $1,500–$6,000 a year

Community Action of Allegan County helps low-income residents with heat, electricity, and water bills, shutoff protection, and energy efficiency. Navigators can help you apply for State Emergency Relief (SER) energy help through MI Bridges. Dial 211 for local referrals, or call Community Action of Allegan County at 269-673-5472 extension 228.

Estimated bill savings: $200–$1,500 a year

Ascension Borgess Allegan Hospital, in the city of Allegan, offers financial assistance for emergency and other medically necessary care for uninsured and underinsured patients. Eligible patients may receive free or discounted care based on household income. Ask a financial counselor at the hospital or visit Ascension's financial-assistance page to apply.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Free or discounted care for uninsured and underinsured patients is based on household income under Ascension's Financial Assistance Policy. The specific income percentage was not stated on the page reviewed; ask a financial counselor for current thresholds. The hospital makes the final determination. Not legal or financial advice.

Allegan County Transportation runs lift-equipped dial-a-ride buses across Allegan County for rides to medical appointments, errands, work, and community life. Adults 60 and over, veterans and people with disabilities pay $1.00 one way instead of $2.00, and seniors and people with disabilities can also book a limited number of out-of-county medical trips each month. Allegan County Senior Services also offers no-cost senior transportation with volunteer drivers for medical, legal, grocery and errand trips (allow 3 to 5 business days' notice). Call senior transportation at 269-686-5164, or general scheduling at 269-673-4229 (toll-free 1-877-788-2287), the day before you travel.

Estimated service value: $200–$1,200 a year

In this county: Rides are open to all county residents; seniors and people with disabilities pay a reduced fare (about $1.00 per trip) and may book limited out-of-county medical trips. Reserve at least one day ahead. Not legal or financial advice.