Senior benefits in Alpena County, Michigan

Region 9 Area Agency on Aging, run by Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency (NEMCSA), serves older adults in Alpena County. Services include home-delivered and congregate meals, in-home and personal care, respite and 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 1-800-219-2273 to ask what help is available.

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

Help with heat and utility bills in Alpena 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 Alpena County the Michigan Energy Assistance Program partner is the Superior Watershed Partnership, at 906-273-2742; households in an energy crisis can apply to State Emergency Relief through MDHHS or directly to the Superior Watershed Partnership. Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency (NEMCSA, 989-358-4600) is still the Community Action agency here, but its services list now shows weatherization and water-bill help, not heat or utility bill payment. Dial 211 for other local help.

Estimated bill savings: $200–$2,205 a year

MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena offers patient financial assistance for emergency and medically necessary care. No one is denied care for inability to pay, and a sliding-fee discount is available based on family size and income. Ask a financial counselor or call 1-844-832-1956 to request an application.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Thunder Bay Transportation Authority runs the Dial-A-Ride curb-to-curb bus service in the Alpena area. Riders age 60 and over and people with disabilities qualify for the reduced half fare with an application on file, and riders age 90 and over ride free. Call 989-356-4596 to set up a reduced-fare card or book a ride.

Estimated service value: $150–$1,000 a year

In this county: Half fare requires a completed reduced-fare application on file. Dial-A-Ride is funded by City of Alpena taxes and primarily serves the City of Alpena and surrounding areas; fares and rules are set by TBTA and can change. Not legal or financial advice.