Senior benefits in Antrim County, Michigan

The Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan serves older adults in Antrim 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.

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

Help with heat and utility bills in Antrim 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.

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

Munson Healthcare offers financial assistance for emergency and medically necessary care at its hospitals serving Antrim 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.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency helps income-eligible homeowners in Antrim County fix urgent problems that make a home unsafe — a leaking roof, dangerous wiring, plumbing leaks, a failed furnace or water heater, a well or septic system, or a needed wheelchair ramp or accessible bathroom. Repairs under $2,500 are a grant with nothing to pay back; larger repairs are a 0% loan with no monthly payments that is repaid only when the home changes owners. Funds are limited. Email HEESIntake@nmcaa.net, fill out the pre-screen application on the NMCAA website, or call 231-947-3780.

Antrim County Transportation (ACT) runs a Dial-A-Ride (demand-response) bus open to the public anywhere inside Antrim County. Riders over 60 and riders with disabilities pay a reduced $2.00 fare, half the $4.00 general fare. Rides can be booked for doctor visits, errands, work or regular repeat trips. Call 231-533-8644 Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., ideally the day before. Pay with exact cash or check when boarding.

Estimated service value: $100–$500 a year

In this county: The bus is open to everyone; this listing covers the reduced senior and disability fare. The fare table says "Seniors (over 60)", so riders who are exactly 60 should confirm with the dispatcher. Fares are set by Antrim County and can change. Not legal or financial advice.