Senate District 7 Updates

Friends,

It seems winter is upon us here in Michigan, and with that comes the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. I hope amid the stress and chaos, you find the time to see your friends and family and recharge after a long year.

Featured in this newsletter is an announcement regarding car insurance refunds, tips for seniors on how to stay safe this winter while driving, and a reminder to get your flu vaccine.

Should you need any help, please do not hesitate to contact my office by phone at (517) 373-7350 or by email at SenDPolehanki@senate.michigan.gov. 

Dayna Polehanki
State Senator
7th District

MICHIGANDERS TO RECEIVE $400 PER VEHICLE AUTO INSURANCE REFUNDS

On Tuesday, Dec. 7, Kevin Clinton, the director of the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) sent a letter to Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox, detailing the anticipated refund of $3 billion of its $5 billion projected surplus, resulting in refunds of $400 per vehicle to Michiganders who had purchased auto insurance.

The MCCA’s analysis determined that approximately $3 billion of the surplus could be returned to policyholders while ensuring continuity of care for auto accident survivors. The refund plan submitted to DIFS Monday by the MCCA will return money to every Michigander with an auto insurance policy in force as of 11:59 p.m. on October 31, 2021. Eligible consumers do not need to take action in order to receive a refund.

The surplus funds will be turned over by the MCCA to the insurance companies operating in Michigan by March 9, 2022, and the insurers will be responsible for issuing checks to eligible policyholders. DIFS will direct insurers to issue refund checks to consumers as expeditiously as possible, but in no event later than 60 days after the transfer of funds.

Additional information about the auto insurance reform law, including the uninsured driver amnesty period, which expires before January 1, 2022, can be found at Michigan.gov/AutoInsurance. Frequently asked questions, tips for shopping for insurance, and an insurance locator to help find licensed agents are also available.

RESOURCES FOR NATIONAL OLDER DRIVER SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK

Dec. 6-10 is National Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson encourages residents of all ages to take advantage of state resources for safe driving at Michigan.gov/AgingDriver, which was designed to help aging drivers find information about the following topics:

• Anticipating changes that can affect driving
• Family conversations
• Screening and evaluations with an occupational therapist
• Interventions that can empower drivers
• Staying engaged in the community with or without a car

Recognized for excellence by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, the website was developed through a collaboration of public and private agencies to promote safety and mobility for Michigan’s aging adults. It regularly includes the following resources:

• Older driver self-assessment driving tools and videos
• Links to driver refresher courses and other community supports for older drivers
• Information about how medications and health problems may affect driving and lists of resources available to drivers once they stop driving
• Strategies for initiating conversations about when and how to transition to a non-driving lifestyle
• Procedures for referring an unsafe driver for a driver reexamination
• Information about the aspects of aging and how best to interact with older residents for audiences such as law enforcement, healthcare, and other professionals

MICHIGANDERS REMINDED TO GET FLU VACCINE

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) are reminding Michiganders to get their flu vaccine as soon as possible to protect themselves and their communities from flu, especially while continuing to battle COVID-19. Getting the flu vaccine reduces the risk of serious flu complications.

Flu most commonly peaks in February and significant activity can continue into May, so there is still time to get vaccinated if you haven’t already. This National Influenza Vaccination Week, which is observed Dec. 5-11, go to your doctor or local pharmacy to get your flu vaccine, encourage your loved ones to get their flu vaccine, and learn more about the benefits of getting vaccinated against flu.

DIFS also reminds Michiganders that flu shots are an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act and are covered with no out-of-pocket costs by most health plans in Michigan. Consumers with questions about their coverage should contact their insurance company, and if they cannot get the information they need or have additional questions, contact DIFS for assistance 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442 or Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance.

Flu vaccines are widely available now at local health departments, physician offices and pharmacies around the state. Find a location near you using the Vaccine Finder. Visit Michigan.gov/flu for more information or visit IVaccinate.org to find answers to your vaccine questions.