Senior benefits in Muskegon County, Michigan

Senior Resources of West Michigan is the Area Agency on Aging for Muskegon 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 1-800-442-0054 to ask what help is available.

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

emPower, run by TrueNorth, is a Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) grantee serving Muskegon 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

Trinity Health Muskegon (formerly Mercy Health Muskegon) offers financial assistance for emergency and medically necessary care. Uninsured patients with household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level may receive free care, and those between 200% and 400% may receive a discount. Ask a financial counselor or call 1-800-494-5797 to apply, within 240 days of the first bill.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Veteran Directed Care lets eligible veterans direct their own long-term services and supports, with more flexibility, choice and control over their care. After the VA refers a veteran, Senior Resources' care managers work with the veteran and their caregivers to build an individualized care plan and coordinate the supports that keep the veteran independent at home. Start by asking your VA care team for a VDC referral; Senior Resources Options Counselors can explain the program at (231) 733-3585 or 1 (800) 442-0054.

In this county: Senior Resources provides the care management only after the VA refers the veteran into Veteran Directed Care — the VA decides eligibility. You must be enrolled in VA health care and live in Muskegon, Oceana or Ottawa County.

The Muskegon Area Transit System (MATS) runs fixed-route buses and curb-to-curb ADA paratransit across the Muskegon area. Riders age 65 and over and people with disabilities qualify for a reduced fare with a MATS Reduced Fare Card. ADA paratransit can be booked one day to two weeks ahead. Call 231-724-6420 to apply for a card or book a ride.

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

In this county: Reduced fare requires a MATS Reduced Fare Card. ADA paratransit requires disability certification. Fares and rules are set by MATS and can change. Not legal or financial advice.