Senior benefits in Delta County, Michigan

UPCAP, the Area Agency on Aging for all 15 Upper Peninsula counties, serves older adults in Delta 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

Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency (MDSCAA) delivers low-income energy assistance for Delta County, including heat and limited utility help when there is a shutoff notice or a fuel tank below 25%, plus free home weatherization. Apply for state energy help through MI Bridges, dial 211 for local referrals, or call 906-786-7080.

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

OSF St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba offers financial assistance for emergency and medically necessary care. Free or discounted care is based on family income and size: families at or below 250% of the federal poverty level can get a 100% discount, and families between 250% and four times the poverty level can get discounted care. Patients without insurance get an uninsured discount regardless of income. Download the application, fill it out, and upload it on the OSF website, or call OSF Patient Financial Services at 800-421-5700 for help.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

U.P. Food as Medicine gives Delta 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

Delta Area Transit Authority (DATA) provides on-demand, curb-to-curb rides around Escanaba, Gladstone, and surrounding Delta County communities. Riders age 60 and over and people with disabilities qualify for reduced (half) fare after completing an ADA/reduced-fare form. Request, change, or cancel a ride by calling or texting 906-786-1186.

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

In this county: Half fare requires a completed ADA/reduced-fare form. Fares and service rules are set by DATA and can change. Not legal or financial advice.