Senior benefits in Chippewa County, Michigan

UPCAP Services runs the U.P. Area Agency on Aging (Region 11), the Area Agency on Aging for Chippewa County and all 15 Upper Peninsula counties. Help includes 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 the U.P. Senior Helpline at 1-800-338-7227 to ask what help is available.

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

The Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community Action Agency is the Community Action Agency for the Eastern Upper Peninsula and helps low-income Chippewa County households with heating and electric bills, emergency utility shutoff help, deliverable fuels, and weatherization. Apply for state energy help (Home Heating Credit / State Emergency Relief) through MI Bridges, dial 211 for local referrals, or call the agency at 906-632-3363.

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

MyMichigan Medical Center Sault (formerly War Memorial Hospital) in Sault Ste. Marie serves Chippewa County and offers a Patient Financial Assistance Program for emergency and medically necessary care. Help is based on household income and the federal poverty level, and the hospital must consider an application for 240 days after the first bill. Call 906-635-4460 or use the financial-aid page to apply.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Free or discounted care is based on household income relative to the federal poverty level. Applications are considered for 240 days after the first billing statement. The hospital makes the final determination. Not legal or financial advice.

U.P. Food as Medicine gives Chippewa 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

The Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority runs public bus and dial-a-ride service across Chippewa County from its Sault Ste. Marie base, with scheduled runs between Sault Ste. Marie and Kincheloe. Seniors and riders with disabilities get reduced (discount) fares. Call 906-632-2898 (option 4 for the bussing system) to plan a trip or ask about senior fares.

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

In this county: Bus and dial-a-ride service is open to the public; seniors and people with disabilities receive reduced fares. Confirm the qualifying senior age with EUPTA. Not legal or financial advice.