Senior benefits in Cass County, Michigan

Region IV Area Agency on Aging serves older adults and people with disabilities in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties, including Cass County. Its care managers connect people to home and community-based help such as home-delivered meals, transportation, and help with bathing and cleaning; it also offers caregiver support, Medicare/Medicaid counseling, and the MI Choice waiver, an alternative to nursing home care. In Cass County, the Cass County Council on Aging in Cassopolis (269-445-8110) delivers meals and runs a dining site and adult day service. Adults age 60 and over, and adults with disabilities, can call the Info-Line for Aging and Disability at 1-800-654-2810 to ask what help is available.

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

Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency (SMCAA) delivers low-income energy assistance for Cass County, including help with electric, natural gas, and deliverable-fuel bills and shutoff protection. Apply for state energy help through MI Bridges, dial 211 for local referrals, or call SMCAA at 269-925-9077.

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

Ascension Borgess-Lee Hospital in Dowagiac offers financial assistance for emergency and medically necessary care for patients who are uninsured or underinsured and cannot afford to pay. Eligible patients are not charged more than the amounts generally billed to insured patients. Ask a financial counselor or call the hospital at 269-782-8681 to apply.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Income-based financial assistance for uninsured and underinsured patients; eligible patients pay no more than amounts generally billed. The hospital makes the final determination. Not legal or financial advice.

Integrated Care at Home brings medical care to you instead of you travelling to it. A nurse practitioner provides primary care in your home. A licensed counsellor can help with anxiety, depression, phobias or addiction. A community health worker helps you coordinate home and community services and work towards your health goals. A registered dietitian gives practical nutrition advice. The team is backed by social workers and nurses at the Area Agency on Aging. It is designed to cut emergency room visits and hospital stays.

OAHMP pays for changes around your home that help you stay in it safely. An occupational therapist visits and works out what you need, then the programme provides it. Common items are grab bars, shower chairs and toilet risers in the bathroom; handrails and bed or seating mobility bars; motion-activated lights and glare-reducing bulbs; lever door handles, swing-away hinges and automatic locks; fire extinguishers and smoke or carbon monoxide detectors; and voice-activated systems or video doorbells. To start, call the Info-Line on 1-800-654-2810 and ask for an occupational therapist assessment.

Cass County Public Transit is a shared-ride, advance-reservation service for Cass County residents. Riders age 60 and over and people with disabilities qualify for reduced fares with a Reduced Fare Card. Reserve a ride at least 24 hours ahead by calling 269-445-2455.

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

In this county: Reduced fare requires a Reduced Fare Card. Fares and reservation rules are set by Cass County and can change. Not legal or financial advice.