Senior benefits in Hillsdale County, Michigan

WellWise Services Area Agency on Aging (formerly the Region 2 Area Agency on Aging) serves older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers in Hillsdale County. Services include meals at community sites or delivered to the home, information and referral, options counseling for long-term care planning, free Medicare counseling, caregiver support, home safety checks, and in-home care through the MI Choice Waiver and Tiered Care programs. Tiered Care is for people 60 or older, and most Tiered Care services have no income limit. Call 517-592-1974 (toll-free 1-800-335-7881) to ask what help is available.

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

The Community Action Agency serving Jackson, Lenawee, and Hillsdale counties (CAAJLH) delivers low-income energy assistance for Hillsdale County, including help with electric, natural gas, and deliverable-fuel bills, shutoff protection, and home weatherization. Apply for state energy help through MI Bridges, dial 211 for local referrals, or call CAAJLH's Hillsdale office at 1-800-750-9300.

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

Hillsdale Hospital offers financial assistance and charity care for low-income, uninsured, or underinsured patients with hospital bills. Discounts are based on the federal poverty level. Call a financial counselor at 517-437-5222 to ask for an application.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Discounts are determined using the federal poverty level. Liquid asset limits apply (about $7,500 for a single person and $15,000 for a family), insurance must be exhausted first, and elective procedures do not qualify. The hospital makes the final determination. Not legal or financial advice.

Dial-A-Ride Transportation (DART) provides curb-to-curb public rides in the Hillsdale area for trips such as doctor visits, the grocery store, and meals. Residents age 60 and over and people with disabilities ride at half the regular fare. Call 517-437-3385 to schedule a ride.

Estimated service value: $200–$1,000 a year

In this county: Half fare for seniors 60+ and people with disabilities is set by the City of Hillsdale and can change. DART mainly serves the City of Hillsdale; ask about coverage to your address. Not legal or financial advice.