Senior benefits in Otsego County, Michigan

Region 9 Area Agency on Aging, run by Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency (NEMCSA), serves older adults in Otsego County. Services include home-delivered and congregate meals, in-home and personal care, respite and caregiver support, Medicare and 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 1-800-219-2273 to ask what help is available.

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

Help with heat and utility bills in Otsego County comes from MDHHS State Emergency Relief, Michigan's LIHEAP program, which is applied for through MI Bridges. State Emergency Relief can pay toward a past-due electric, natural gas, propane or wood-heat bill and can stop a shutoff. In Otsego County the Michigan Energy Assistance Program partner is the Superior Watershed Partnership, at 906-273-2742; households in an energy crisis can apply to State Emergency Relief through MDHHS or directly to the Superior Watershed Partnership. Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency (NEMCSA, 989-358-4600) is still the Community Action agency here, but its services list now shows weatherization and water-bill help, not heat or utility bill payment. Dial 211 for other local help.

Estimated bill savings: $200–$2,205 a year

MyMichigan Medical Center Gaylord offers patient financial assistance for emergency and medically necessary care. No one is denied care for inability to pay, and a sliding-fee discount is available based on family size and income. Ask a financial counselor or call 1-844-832-1956 to request an application.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Otsego County Housing Committee lends money at zero percent interest for emergency repairs to single-family homes in Otsego County — replacing a failed water well or septic system, fixing a leaking roof, or replacing a furnace or water heater. Loans start at $2,500 and can be repaid over as long as 25 years, with no interest. The household's income may not exceed 80% of the area median income. Funding rounds are announced in local newspapers, flyers, radio and meetings; call the committee at 989-731-7570 (225 West Main Street, Room 213, Gaylord) to ask whether funds are open and how to apply.

Estimated service value: about $0 a year

In this county: This is a zero-interest loan that must be repaid, not a grant, and it is offered only when program funding is announced. The 80%-of-area-median-income limit is checked by the committee and is not screened here. Not legal or financial advice.

The Otsego County Bus System provides curb-to-curb, demand-response bus rides anywhere in Otsego County, including the Gaylord area. All buses have wheelchair lifts. Older adults age 60 and over ride at a reduced fare, and the Otsego County Commission on Aging can help cover fares for those who qualify. Call 989-732-6224 to schedule a ride.

Estimated service value: $150–$1,200 a year

In this county: Demand-response rides should be booked ahead. Fares are set by Otsego County and can change; fare assistance through the Commission on Aging is subject to eligibility. Not legal or financial advice.