Senior benefits in Baraga County, Michigan

UPCAP Services, Inc. is the U.P. Area Agency on Aging (Region 11) for Baraga 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. Adults age 60 and over, and adults with disabilities, can call 1-800-338-7227 to ask what help is available.

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

Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP) is the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) grantee for Baraga County and helps income-eligible households pay heating and utility bills. Call SWP at 906-273-2742. Also apply for State Emergency Relief through MI Bridges if you have a shutoff notice, or dial 211 for local referrals. BHK Community Action (906-482-5528) offers furnace checks, weatherization, and help with past-due water or sewer bills.

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

Baraga County Memorial Hospital in L'Anse serves Baraga County. Through its BCMH CARES program, uninsured and underinsured patients can get care at a reduced cost on a sliding fee scale based on family size and income. No one is denied needed care for inability to pay. Call 906-524-3300 to ask about financial assistance.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: BCMH CARES is a sliding-fee program for uninsured and underinsured patients, based on family size and income; no one is denied needed care for inability to pay. The hospital makes the final determination. Not legal or financial advice.

U.P. Food as Medicine gives Baraga 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.

Estimated service value: about $300 a year

Baragaland Senior Citizens in L'Anse gives demand-response rides to seniors and people with disabilities in Baraga, L'Anse, Aura, Covington and Skanee, plus long-distance routes to Marquette, Houghton, Iron Mountain and Watersmeet and non-emergency medical rides. Local rides cost $2 to $4 and long-distance routes $5 round trip. Service runs 8 am to 4 pm, Tuesday through Friday. Call 906-524-6922 to schedule ahead.

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

In this county: Rides are prioritized for seniors age 60 and over and people with disabilities and should be booked ahead. Not legal or financial advice.