Senior benefits in Mackinac County, Michigan

UPCAP Services runs the U.P. Area Agency on Aging (Region 11), the Area Agency on Aging for Mackinac County and all 15 Upper Peninsula counties. Help includes 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. Older adults age 60 and over, and adults with disabilities, can call the U.P. Senior Helpline at 1-800-338-7227 to ask what help is available.

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

The Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community Action Agency is the Community Action Agency for the Eastern Upper Peninsula and helps low-income Mackinac County households with heating and electric bills, emergency utility shutoff help, deliverable fuels, and weatherization. Apply for state energy help (Home Heating Credit / State Emergency Relief) through MI Bridges, dial 211 for local referrals, or call the agency at 906-632-3363.

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

Mackinac Straits Health System in St. Ignace serves Mackinac County and offers charity care / financial assistance to patients who need medical treatment. Households with income below 300% of the federal poverty level may qualify for free or reduced-cost care, and uninsured patients who do not qualify still receive a 30% discount on gross charges. Call the MSHS Billing Office at 906-643-1185 to apply.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Financial assistance is for households with income below 300% of the federal poverty level. Uninsured patients who do not qualify receive a 30% discount on gross charges. The hospital makes the final determination. Not legal or financial advice.

U.P. Food as Medicine gives Mackinac 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

Mackinac County Transportation, run by the Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community Action Agency, is a door-to-door dial-a-ride service within Mackinac County, mainly St. Ignace and the nearby area, for rides to medical appointments, errands, and community life. It is open to the general public. Seniors 60 and older and riders with disabilities pay $2.00 a ride instead of $4.00. Call Mackinac County dispatch at 906-643-8595 to schedule a ride; if you live in another town in the county, call as far ahead as you can.

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

In this county: The service is open to the general public; the age and disability rules here only decide who gets the $2.00 reduced fare. Trips stay within Mackinac County. Not legal or financial advice.