Senior benefits in Sanilac County, Michigan

Region VII Area Agency on Aging serves older adults in Sanilac County and nine other mid-Michigan counties. Its Older Americans Act network focuses on nutrition programs, in-home help, and caregiver training, and the agency also offers care management, MI Choice Medicaid waiver services, and Medicare and Medicaid counseling. In Sanilac County, local aging services are run by the Human Development Commission in Sandusky (810-648-4497). Adults age 60 and over, and adults with disabilities, can call Region VII at 1-800-858-1637 to talk with an Information and Referral specialist.

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

The Human Development Commission (HDC) is the Community Action Agency for Sanilac County and helps with heat and electric bills, shutoff/disconnection emergencies, and energy-cost reduction. Apply for state energy help through MI Bridges, dial 211 for local referrals, or call HDC at 1-800-843-6394.

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

McKenzie Health System in Sandusky offers financial assistance (charity care) for emergency, non-elective hospital care and medically necessary outpatient testing to uninsured and underinsured patients whose family income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, with a sliding-fee discount based on family size and income. No one is refused emergency care for inability to pay. Call the Patient Accounting Clerk at 810-648-6199 for an application, or the McKenzie social worker at 810-648-6181 for help applying.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Family income must not exceed 250% of the federal poverty level and family cash assets must be within program limits; there is a discounted/sliding fee schedule based on family size and income. Elective (scheduled) surgery and non-McKenzie charges are not covered. Patients who may qualify for Medicaid or Healthy Michigan must have applied within the last 6 months and been denied. The hospital makes the final determination. Not legal or financial advice.

Sanilac Transportation Corp. provides curb-to-curb public transportation throughout Sanilac County. Older adults (60+) and people with disabilities ride for a reduced one-way fare (up to $1.50 vs. $3.00 for others). Call 810-648-9766 or 1-800-275-9311 to schedule a ride.

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

In this county: Reduced fare for riders 60+ and people with disabilities. Fares and rules are set by Sanilac Transportation Corp. and can change. Not legal or financial advice.