Senior benefits in Emmet County, Michigan

The Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan is the Area Agency on Aging for Emmet County. Services include care management, home and community-based 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 1-800-442-1713 to ask what help is available.

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

The Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA) is the community action agency serving Emmet County. It helps low-income households with heating and electric bills, shutoff protection, weatherization, and energy self-sufficiency planning through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP). Apply for state energy help through MI Bridges, dial 211 for local referrals, or call NMCAA at 231-947-3780.

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

McLaren Northern Michigan in Petoskey serves Emmet County and offers financial assistance for emergency, catastrophic, and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on family size and income up to 400% of the federal poverty level. Apply within 240 days of the first billing statement; call a McLaren financial counselor at 1-844-321-1557 for help.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Financial assistance is based on family size and income up to 400% of the federal poverty level. Apply within 240 days of the first post-discharge billing statement. The hospital makes the final determination. Not legal or financial advice.

The Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency helps income-eligible homeowners in Emmet 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. Charlevoix and Emmet homeowners may also be able to get CHILL funding for larger repairs such as roofs, siding, windows, and insulation. Funds are limited. Email HEESIntake@nmcaa.net, fill out the pre-screen application on the NMCAA website, or call 231-947-3780.

Straits Regional Ride is the public bus service connecting Emmet, Cheboygan, and Presque Isle counties for rides to medical appointments, errands, and community life. Seniors age 60 and over and people with disabilities of any age can get non-emergency medical and community rides by scheduling at least 24 hours ahead. Call 1-866-731-1204 to book a ride.

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

In this county: Rides are open to the public; riders age 60 and older, and riders with a completed SRR Special Services form (disability), pay half fare ($2 to $4 one way instead of $4 to $8, by distance). Schedule 24 hours ahead. Not legal or financial advice.