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Note From Erika Recent events across the nation have left many of us with feelings that may be hard to grapple with or vocalize. Please read our section below on Mental Health Care Services for information on insurance coverage and emergency mental health services. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our office by email at SenEGeiss@senate.michigan.gov or by phone at 517-373-7800.
In This Edition
Legislative Update Gun Violence Prevention Legislation Months after the tragic shooting in Oxford schools, and just a day after a horrific shooting in Texas, Michigan Republicans again buried legislation on gun safety. My Democratic colleagues and I attempted to force a vote on this urgent matter, but Republicans voted against common sense legislation that a majority of Americans and Michiganders agree with. On two separate occasions, Republicans also subverted our right to speak on these issues by adjourning session early without allowing statements, which is our time to comment on critical matters facing our state, nation, or both. We have introduced an extensive, bi-partisan bill package that would address the onslaught of gun violence: |
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However, these bills continue to languish in committee without any indication hearings will be held on these bills. The right time to address gun violence is NOW and we must do everything in our power to keep our kids, individuals, and families safe. These bills will take that first step. I also urge you to reach out to your federal legislators to pass sensible gun violence prevention laws that will be effective for the entire country.
Pride Month |
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June 1 marked the beginning of Pride Month, a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and recognize their strength and ability to live authentically. This has not always been afforded to the LGBTQ+ community in this country and access to equal standing under the law is something we must continue to fight for.
Baby Formula Shortage Update On June 4, Abbott Nutrition announced the reopening of the baby formula factory in Southwest Michigan that has been closed for months due to contamination. This closure contributed to the nationwide shortage and I am glad to see it re-open. Abbott said that it will prioritize the production of its EleCare Specialty formulas for infants with severe food allergies and digestive problems who have few other options for nutrition. It is expected to take two months for baby formula supplies to return to normal levels. >> Read more about the plant re-opening For those families facing struggles to feed their infants, we know it is not easy to simply change your baby’s diet. However, if you are unable to find formula in stock, the Department of Health and Human Services has provided some tips on how to find safe substitutes. The Department of Health and Human Services cautions people from making homemade baby formula. This can be unsanitary and may make babies sick, especially those with dietary challenges or who are younger than four months. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides federal grants to states for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age 5 who are found to be at nutritional risk. >> Learn more about the WIC program in Michigan and how to sign up
MDHHS Hosting Three Virtual Baby Fairs for New or Expecting Parents The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is hosting three free virtual baby fairs for new or expecting parents this month. At the virtual events, pregnant and expecting people will have an opportunity to learn about available resources, important health and safety information and ask questions directly to program experts. The events are free of charge and occurring on the following dates and times:
Some of the many MDHHS programs participating in the fairs are:
Participants can register for one of these sessions online here
DIFS: Mental Health Care Services Are Covered by Most Health Insurance Plans The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is reminding consumers that mental health care services are covered by many traditional consumer insurance plans, enabling Michiganders to access the help, support, and care they need. Michiganders are encouraged to check with their health insurer to confirm that they have coverage for mental health services and to make sure they understand their out-of-pocket expenses before seeking the mental health care they need. Mental health and substance use disorder coverage offered by a health plan must be similar to coverage provided for medical surgical services. Out-of-Pocket expenses, such as copays, and prior authorization requirements must also be similar to those for medical surgical services. DIFS stands ready to help Michiganders get the most out of their health insurance and reduce barriers that may discourage them from seeking mental health care. If consumers have concerns about mental health-related insurance claims that cannot be resolved directly with the insurer, contact DIFS by calling 877-999-6442 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by filing a complaint at Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints. DIFS can help consumers with health insurance questions and complaints and can provide information about the Special Enrollment Period that is currently open for households with incomes lower than 150% of the federal poverty level. Contact DIFS Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 877-999-6442 or Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance. If you or someone you know is struggling and needs immediate assistance, you may contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-273-TALK (8255); TTY: 1-800-799-4889. You may also visit MentalHealth.gov for additional resources. >>Click here for information about mental health services covered by Medicaid
COVID-19 VACCINATION UPDATE The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the authorization of a second Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna booster dose for people who meet the following criteria:
The Centers for Disease Control recently announced that kids aged 5-11 are eligible for a single booster if they received their second Pfizer-BioNtech vaccination shot at least five months ago. If you have not already received your primary dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or booster, now is the time to do so. Information on vaccines, vaccine boosters, and testing locations are available on the Wayne County website. With both the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services revising guidelines for masking, getting vaccinated and boosted now is more critical than ever to help protect ourselves and our communities — especially for those among us who are immunocompromised or otherwise cannot take the vaccine. Beginning at age 5, children are eligible to receive the vaccine. The Wayne County Health Department has established three locations where you can get your child vaccinated. Parents and guardians should consult with their pediatrician or health care providers with questions and concerns as these medical professionals will be the best people to offer the best guidance to your child(ren) and family. *The Wayne County Health Department handles the 42 Wayne County communities outside of Detroit, which has its own separate health department.
Unemployment Assistance Senate Bill 445, s To know if your claim was affected by this “able and available” requirement, your Notice of Determination, or Notice of Redetermination will list the “Issue” as either “Ability” or “Availability”. It will look similar to the one below:
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If your claim was denied, you had your benefits halted, or your eligibility was re-determined because of the “able and available” requirement, please fill out the issue form on our website and our office will assist you. As always, if you or someone you know who lives in Senate District 6 is having trouble receiving their Unemployment Insurance (UI) or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), please fill out this unemployment assistance form and our office will reach out to assist you with your issue as soon as possible. You can also visit the Michigan LEO FAQs page for answers to questions you may have regarding eligibility for unemployment or for issues you may have with your current claim.
Community Update Longer days, warmer temperatures, and rising humidity levels have brought tick season earlier this year. As some species of ticks can carry Lyme disease, it is important to be aware of where ticks reside and how to properly handle them if encountered. >> Click here for more information on ticks in Michigan
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