Senior benefits in Marquette County, Michigan

UPCAP, the Area Agency on Aging for all 15 Upper Peninsula counties, serves older adults in Marquette 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

Community Action Alger-Marquette delivers low-income energy assistance for Marquette County, including help with heating and electric bills, shutoff protection, and home weatherization. Apply for state energy help through MI Bridges, dial 211 for local referrals, or call 906-228-6522.

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

UP Health System hospitals in Marquette County (UPHS-Marquette and UPHS-Bell in Ishpeming) offer financial assistance for emergency and medically necessary care. Free or discounted care is based on household income measured against the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and qualifying patients are charged no more than amounts generally billed to insured patients. Call the Marquette Business Office at 906-449-1400 to apply.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Free or discounted care is income-based, measured against the Federal Poverty Guidelines; qualifying patients are charged no more than amounts generally billed (AGB). The hospital makes the final determination. Not legal or financial advice.

SSVF helps veterans and their families who are homeless or close to it. It can pay a security deposit, short-term rent, or overdue utility bills, and can put you up in a hotel in an emergency. A case manager works with you and can help you get other benefits — health care, transport — that stop you losing your housing. Call to arrange an assessment.

In this county: You must be a veteran or a veteran's family, have household income below 50% of the Area Median Income for your county, and be either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless — all three. The 50%-AMI figure varies by county and household size. This is short-term, crisis-focused help, not ongoing rent support, and it depends on the grantee's funding.

U.P. Food as Medicine gives Marquette 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

Marq-Tran runs fixed routes and door-to-door rides across Marquette County. Riders age 60 and over, people with disabilities, students, and veterans with a valid ID pay half fare. Door-to-door trips are scheduled in advance; call dispatch at 906-225-1112 to book a ride.

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

In this county: Half fare requires valid ID. ADA-paratransit riders may reserve further ahead. Fares and reservation rules are set by Marq-Tran and can change. Not legal or financial advice.