Senior benefits in Schoolcraft County, Michigan

UPCAP Services runs the U.P. Area Agency on Aging (Region 11), the Area Agency on Aging for Schoolcraft County and all 15 Upper Peninsula counties. Help includes 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 the U.P. Senior Helpline at 1-800-338-7227 to ask what help is available.

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

The Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community Action Agency is the Community Action Agency for the Eastern Upper Peninsula and helps low-income Schoolcraft County households with heating and electric bills, emergency utility shutoff help, deliverable fuels, and weatherization. Apply for state energy help (Home Heating Credit / State Emergency Relief) through MI Bridges, dial 211 for local referrals, or call the agency at 906-632-3363.

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

Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital in Manistique serves Schoolcraft County and provides medically necessary care regardless of ability to pay. A sliding fee discount is available to uninsured or underinsured patients whose total household income is at or below 300% of the federal poverty guidelines, and the hospital charges no interest on balances. Call Patient Financial Services at 906-341-3230 to apply.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: A sliding fee discount applies when total household income is at or below 300% of the federal poverty guidelines. The hospital makes the final determination. Not legal or financial advice.

U.P. Food as Medicine gives Schoolcraft 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

The Schoolcraft County Transit Authority runs door-to-door public transit across Schoolcraft County from Manistique for rides to medical appointments, errands, work, and community life. Seniors age 60 and over ride for half fare (just show ID), and riders with disabilities also receive reduced fares. Call 906-341-2111 to schedule a ride.

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

In this county: Transit is open to all county residents; seniors age 60+ and people with disabilities receive reduced (half) fares. Not legal or financial advice.