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Dear Friends, As everyone celebrates this time of year with their loved ones, please continue to be mindful of ensuring everyone is also healthy, especially as we get into the thick of flu season, paired with the ongoing spread of COVID-19 and its variants. Included in this newsletter is information about an impending auto insurance refund for Michigan drivers, a new effort by the state to lower food costs for families, and resources for where you can get your safe and effective flu shots for the year. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at (517) 373-0990, or reply to this email if you have any questions or need assistance.
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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 by the MCCA will return money to every Michigander with an auto insurance policy in place 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 those 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 no 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.
SERVICE TO ADDRESS HUNGER IN MICHIGAN, LOWER COSTS FOR FAMILIES On Monday, Dec. 6, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced the launch of MI Benefits Center, an innovative approach to assist Michiganders in applying for much-needed food assistance, connecting families to benefits, and lowering costs for Michigan families. The MI Benefits Center will have a team of highly trained benefits specialists provide personalized, phone-based application assistance to remove barriers preventing some Michiganders from accessing food support. With funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and philanthropic organizations, in the next year, the MI Benefits Center expects to invest up to $1.2 million to support Michiganders. Recently, the MI Benefits Center began mailing letters to older adults and others who are likely eligible for food assistance benefits but who are not enrolled in the program. The letters will direct individuals to call a toll-free phone number for free assistance or to apply directly at Michigan.gov/MIBridges. When people who receive the letter call into the MI Benefits Center, they will relate to a benefits outreach specialist who will screen them for benefits, offer to assist with the collection of required application documents, and submit applications on their behalf. This personalized attention may help relieve pressure for people who struggle with the application, streamline the process and increase the success rate of those applications. It is important to note that the phone number is only for people who receive letters from the MI Benefits Center. Michiganders who don’t receive a letter can apply for food assistance and other public assistance benefits at Michigan.gov/MIBridges.
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, you are encouraged to 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. |
