Senior benefits in Grand Traverse County, Michigan

The Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan serves older adults in Grand Traverse County. Services include home-delivered and congregate meals, in-home and personal care, 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 1-800-442-1713 to ask what help is available.

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

Help with heat and utility bills in Grand Traverse 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. Michigan Energy Assistance Program help in this county comes from MDHHS's statewide partners. Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency is still the Community Action agency here, but it now offers only weatherization and emergency home repair, not utility bill payment. Apply online at MI Bridges. For a referral to a Michigan Energy Assistance Program provider, call 2-1-1. For questions about an MDHHS case, call 1-844-464-3447.

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

Munson Healthcare offers financial assistance for emergency and medically necessary care at its hospitals serving Grand Traverse County, with Munson Medical Center in Traverse City as the regional hospital. Free care (100% discount) is available for patients with family income at or below 249% of the federal poverty level, and a 75% discount for income from 250% to 400%. Ask a financial counselor or call 231-935-2350 to apply.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency helps income-eligible homeowners in Grand Traverse County fix urgent problems that make a home unsafe — a leaking roof, dangerous wiring, plumbing leaks, a failed furnace or water heater, a well or septic system, or a needed wheelchair ramp or accessible bathroom. Repairs under $2,500 are a grant with nothing to pay back; larger repairs are a 0% loan with no monthly payments that is repaid only when the home changes owners. Funds are limited. Email HEESIntake@nmcaa.net, fill out the pre-screen application on the NMCAA website, or call 231-947-3780.

BATA provides fixed-route and door-to-door Dial-A-Ride bus service across Grand Traverse County. Riders age 60 and over, veterans, active military, and people with disabilities get 50% off fares with a reduced fare card or valid ID. Call 231-941-2324 to apply for a reduced fare card or schedule a ride.

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