Senior benefits in Houghton County, Michigan

UPCAP Services, Inc. is the U.P. Area Agency on Aging (Region 11) for Houghton 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

Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP) is the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) grantee for Houghton County and helps income-eligible households pay heating and utility bills. Call SWP at 906-273-2742. Also apply for State Emergency Relief through MI Bridges if you have a shutoff notice, or dial 211 for local referrals. BHK Community Action (906-482-5528) offers furnace checks, weatherization, and help with past-due water or sewer bills.

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

UP Health System – Portage in Hancock serves Houghton County. The hospital offers financial assistance for emergency and medically necessary care to uninsured patients who cannot pay, based on household income against the federal poverty guidelines. In 2025, households under about 204% of the poverty level qualified for free care, and households under about 322% qualified for discounted care. Call 906-483-1100, option 2, to ask about the application.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Free care for households below roughly 204% of the federal poverty level and discounted care below roughly 322% (2025 averages; thresholds are reset periodically). Eligibility is based on income measured against the federal poverty guidelines. The hospital makes the final determination. Not legal or financial advice.

U.P. Food as Medicine gives Houghton 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

Houghton Public Transit, run by the City of Houghton, provides flex-route and demand-response (dial-a-ride) rides across the Houghton and Hancock area. Riders age 55 and over and people with disabilities pay a reduced fare. Baraga-Houghton-Keweenaw Community Action also runs demand-response rides for seniors and people with disabilities. Call Houghton Public Transit at 906-482-1700, or BHK at 906-482-5528, to book a ride.

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

In this county: Reduced senior fares apply to riders age 55 and over; demand-response rides should be booked ahead. Service is open to the public with seniors and people with disabilities given priority. Not legal or financial advice.