Written by Tory Niewiadomski | 18 May 2010

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News Release 

A Bright Spot – Financial Help for Seniors--MiCafe Program
Bath, MI 

One of the fundamental responsibilities of government is to protect the quality of life of its citizens.  In many cases the types of services provided are clearly visible:  police, fire, parks & recreation, utilities, etc.  However, there is a wide array of services that are targeted toward some of the most vulnerable people in our community.  Generally speaking these programs are lumped under the category of “human services.” Officials at Bath Charter Township are moving forward with plans to bring these critical services to our residents.

As the Township explored the needs of our community it became quite evident that there was a significant disconnect between the agencies providing human services and the people in Bath who could benefit from these programs.  Two key obstacles were identified:  first, an awareness of the possible assistance that is available to those in need; and, second physically getting to the offices of the agencies who provide services.  The Township strategy is to bring these service providers to our community through the utilization of the township office complex.  Over the course of the next several months the Township at its partners will be developing a schedule of regular office hours which will then be used to provide services to older adults, families and children.

Our first endeavor in this human services strategy is a partnership with the Clinton County Department of Human Services and Elder Law of Michigan to bring the Mi Café’ (Michigan Coordinated Access to Food for the Elderly) program to the Senior Center. Beginning in May, the Township will be staffing office hours at the Senior Center located at 14480 Webster Road at the Bath Charter Township office complex.  The office hours schedule is as follows:  2nd Thursday (May 13th) from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; 4th Thursday (May 27th) from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Here is a little more information about the Mi Café’ program and how it might benefit you or someone you might know:

1. Help with Grocery Bills.  People age 60 and older don’t use the Food Assistance Program and other benefits as much as they could.  In fact, less than one third of seniors that need help getting food actually get it.  In Michigan, food assistance is given to seniors using a small plastic card called the Michigan Bridge Card.  The card looks much like a credit card or debit card.  It is very discreet and easy to use.  Each month eligible seniors get anywhere from $16 to $200 on the card to buy food.
2. Help with Medicare Expenses.  If you are over 65 and on Medicare, you may qualify for the Medicare Savings Program that can pay the $96.40 monthly premium that is currently taken from your Social Security check.
3. Help with Prescription Drug Costs.  Single seniors making under $1275 per month in income and couples making under $1711 per month in income may qualify for Premium FREE drug coverage through the federal government.  Through the Mi Café’ application process if you are determined to be eligible for this program you will simply pick a Part D plan and the government will pay the premium on your behalf.  Co-pays at the drug store are only $1 to $5 a piece.  There are no deductibles.
4. Medicaid Application.  Trained volunteers will assist individuals with the Medicaid application process.  In many instances the Mi Café’ application and supporting documentation eliminate the need for an applicant to have a face-to-face meeting with a Department of Human Services staff member.  Thus streamlining the process and getting assistance to people as soon as possible.
5. Adult Home Help.  Which provides assistance for eligible adults who are elderly or have disabling characteristics to hire others to do for them what they cannot do for themselves and thus be able to remain in their own home.


The Township and Mi Cafe’ have trained, dedicated volunteers in the community who want to help older adults stay financially independent. To get free help to apply for programs like Food Assistance, Medicare Savings, Medicare Low Income Subsidy, call Mi Café’ at   1-877-664-2233.  The Elder Law staff for Mi Café’ program will take calls from our community at this number.  They will share some basic information with the caller and arrange for one of our township volunteers to call the person back to confirm an appointment time, answer questions, arrange any help (such as transportation).  

Once the appointment is scheduled, a confirmation letter will be sent listing the information the person will need to bring to the appointment.  The meeting will be held at the Bath Township Senior Center located at 14480 Webster Road.  Our township team is looking forward to working with our citizens to make this new program become another success story for our community.

If you have any questions, please contact Township Trustee Paula Clark (e-mail:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or Township Manager Troy Feltman (e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or call the township offices at 517-641-6728.
 
Contact: Troy Feltman
Township Manager, Bath Charter Township
Direct line: 517-641-6728
E-mail:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Last Updated on 18 May 2010