Senior benefits in Mason County, Michigan

The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan is the Area Agency on Aging for Mason 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. Older adults age 60 and over, and adults with disabilities, can call 1-888-456-5664 to ask what help is available.

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

emPower, run by TrueNorth Community Services, is a Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) grantee serving Mason County. It helps low-income households with heating and electric bills, deliverable fuels, shutoff protection, and self-sufficiency planning. Apply for state energy help through MI Bridges, dial 211 for local referrals, or call emPower at 231-355-5880.

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

Corewell Health Ludington Hospital serves Mason County and offers financial assistance for emergency and medically necessary care. Patients with household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level may receive free care, with sliding-scale discounts up to 400%. Apply within 240 days of the first bill by calling 1-877-687-7309 or visiting Corewell Health's financial-assistance page.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Ludington Mass Transportation Authority runs curb-to-curb dial-a-ride bus service in the City of Ludington, the City of Scottville, and Pere Marquette Charter Township for rides to medical appointments, errands, work, and community life. Seniors 60 and older and people with disabilities ride at half fare during non-peak hours with a Reduced Fare card; seniors qualify automatically, without a doctor's form. If you live elsewhere in Mason County, ask about county-wide senior rides. Call dispatch at 231-845-6218 to book a ride; the office line is 231-845-1231.

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

In this county: Rides are open to the general public in Ludington, Scottville, and Pere Marquette Township; seniors (60+) and people with disabilities get half fare during non-peak hours after completing a Reduced Fare Application. Riders elsewhere in Mason County should ask about availability of county-wide senior rides. Not legal or financial advice.