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Michigan · How-To Guide

How do I find and access senior services?

Area Agency on Aging (AAA) - regional level / Michigan Department of Health and Human Services - MDHHS, Aging and Adult Services Agency (state level)
Details

What you need to know

Fee
Most services free or on sliding scale ONLINE OPTION: Yes - michigan.gov/mdhhs (aging services); michigan.gov/mibridges (benefits); 211.org WHERE TO GO: Your regional AAA; local senior center; 2-1-1 Michigan; MDHHS local office
Online Option
Yes - michigan.gov/mdhhs (aging services); michigan.gov/mibridges (benefits); 211.org
Where to Go
Your regional AAA; local senior center; 2-1-1 Michigan; MDHHS local office
County-specific variations apply

Michigan's 16 AAAs serve different geographic regions. Wayne County (Detroit), Oakland County, Kent County (Grand Rapids), and Macomb County have the most extensive metropolitan senior services. Upper Peninsula and rural northern Lower Peninsula counties (Alpena, Houghton, Keweenaw, etc.) have more limited local services and longer distances. Contact your specific regional AAA for local program availability and enrollment.

Michigan Notes

Important state-specific details

  • MI CHOICE WAIVER: Michigan's primary Medicaid HCBS waiver - allows qualifying seniors and disabled individuals to receive home care instead of nursing facility placement; apply through your regional AAA or MDHHS.
  • MMAP (Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program): Michigan's free Medicare counseling program - contact your regional AAA or call 1-800-803-7174; unbiased help with Medicare plan selection, billing disputes, and prescription drug coverage.
  • PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE EXEMPTION (PRE): significantly reduces property tax for owner-occupied primary residences - apply Form 2368 with local assessor by May 1.
  • HOMESTEAD PROPERTY TAX CREDIT: income-based credit filed with Michigan state income tax return (Form MI-1040CR) - valuable for lower-income seniors.
  • Adult Protective Services (APS): report elder abuse at (855) 444-3911 (APS 24-hour hotline) or through MDHHS.
  • Legal Services of Michigan (Elder Law Helpline): (800) 347-5297 - free civil legal assistance for eligible Michigan residents.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Michigan MDHHS, Aging and Adult Services - michigan.gov/mdhhs | (517) 373-8230; MMAP Medicare: (800) 803-7174; APS: (855) 444-3911; 2-1-1 Michigan: dial 211