Senior benefits in Keweenaw County, Michigan

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

Keweenaw County has no hospital of its own; the nearest is Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital in Laurium. Aspirus Health offers financial assistance for emergency and medically necessary care. Patients with household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level may receive free care, with a sliding-scale discount between 201% and 300%. Call 1-866-972-1774 to ask about the application.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

U.P. Food as Medicine gives Keweenaw 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

Keweenaw County is served by Baraga-Houghton-Keweenaw (BHK) Community Action Agency transit, which runs a flex route from Keweenaw County into Houghton plus demand-response (dial-a-ride) service across central and northern Houghton and Keweenaw counties. Rides are prioritized for adults age 60 and over and people with disabilities. Call BHK at 906-482-5528 to reserve a ride.

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

In this county: Service is prioritized for seniors age 60 and over and people with disabilities; the general public may ride when space allows. Reserve ahead. Not legal or financial advice.