Dear Neighbors,
With summer officially in full swing, I hope you have been able to get outside and enjoy the sunshine — whether that be out on one of Michigan’s beautiful lakes, at a local park or just spending time in your backyard.
Featured in this newsletter:
- Upcoming Events
- Legislative Update
- Consumer Protection Advisories
- Mental Health Resources
- Helping Medicaid Members Keep Their Coverage
- DIFS: Request for Public Comment on 2024 Health Insurance Proposed Rate Changes
- How to Sign Up for MiABLE Disability Savings Program
- Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential
- Small Business Support Hub Applications Now Available
Please do not hesitate to call my office at (517) 373-0990 or reply to this email if you have any questions or need assistance.
Working for you,
Sylvia Santana
State Senator
District 2
Upcoming Events
Legislative Ice Cream Social
Join me at our upcoming Ice Cream Social! This will be an informal event where constituents can enjoy ice cream and hear directly from me about legislative and community updates. I can’t wait to share with you what’s been happening in Lansing and in our vibrant district. Click here to learn more.
WHEN: Monday, August 7, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: The Custard Company, 23845 W. Warren Street, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127
Legislative Update
Historic Investments in Education Signed into Law
Michiganders have made themselves clear: they want legislators who are willing to listen and deliver on the issues that matter most with thoughtful and effective solutions. For the first time in Michigan, a historic education budget has been passed by legislators who truly understand the importance of investing in Michigan schools. From Senators who served as teachers in the classroom to members of their school boards, the Legislature is full of leaders who understand the importance of advocating for students and teachers across Michigan.
To read the full news story and learn more about what this funding means for our students and community, visit senatedems.com.
Consumer Protection Advisories
Be cautious of QR Codes from unknown sources
The Michigan Attorney General’s Office wants residents to be cautious of the QR (or quick response) codes they scan. Some criminals are hijacking these by placing stickers with codes they create over the top of the real QR code. When scanned, these malicious codes direct victims to phishing websites where their personal or financial information can be stolen.
It is important to know the codes themselves are not dangerous. It’s when they are used to steal or commit fraud that they become problematic. In order to avoid falling victim to this scam, do not scan a code if it is on a sticker, looks like it has been replaced or is covered up. If possible, simply type in the URL for that website. To learn more about how to protect yourself and your personal information, click here.
Safeguard your money, avoid storing funds in mobile payment apps
The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is reminding consumers about the importance of using federally insured bank and credit union accounts, rather than storing funds in mobile payment apps such as Venmo, Cash App or PayPal.
Money stored in these apps is not insured, whereas deposits in banks or credit unions are federally insured for up to $250,000 per accountholder. If you do not have an account at a financial institution, MI Open Accounts are available at 30 banks and credit unions across Michigan, and you can find them at Michigan.gov/DIFSOpenAccount.
Mental Health Resources
It’s important to care for your mental health. With one in five Americans and nearly 1.5 million Michiganders experiencing mental health issues each year, it’s important to remind ourselves to care for our mental and emotional health. The Michigan Senate is proud to continue recognizing the importance of Michiganders’ mental health by investing more than $682 million in resources to help students and residents who may be struggling. Read more about the investments made in residents’ health here.
In July of 2022, the federal government launched the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a 24/7 toll-free nationwide hotline that provides confidential and compassionate care for those struggling with behavioral health issues, emotional distress or substance use crisis. In its first year, nearly 63,000 calls from Michiganders have been answered. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit the Lifeline Chat to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Helping Medicaid Members Keep Their Coverage
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government declared a Public Health Emergency (PHE), allowing Medicaid members to keep their health care coverage. Per recent federal legislation, eligibility renewals were planned to start again in June.
However, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently announced that individuals will have an extra month past their original deadline to submit their required documents.
Following these steps will help determine if you still qualify:
- Make sure your contact information is up to date.
- Check mail or text messages for a letter.
- Complete your renewal form (if you get one)
Learn more at Michigan.gov/mdhhs/2023benefitchanges.
DIFS: Request for Public Comment on 2024 Health Insurance Proposed Rate Changes
During this year’s Health Insurance Open Enrollment period, Michiganders will have the chance to save money on health insurance while choosing from newly streamlined health plan options. Open enrollment for 2024 health coverage will run from November 1 through January 15. Michiganders can shop for a health insurance plan by visiting the Health Insurance Marketplace or by calling (800) 318-2596.
Michigan’s proposed rates for 2024 have been posted for public review. When reviewing the chart, it is important to note that:
- Rate changes are an average percent change across all plans offered by that insurer; some consumers will experience rate changes either greater or less than those in the chart;
- An increase or decrease does not reflect how a health insurer’s premiums compare to plans offered by other insurers; and
- Individuals who receive a tax credit that covers a portion of their premiums will experience rate changes that differ due to the tax credit calculation.
For questions or concerns about health insurance coverage in Michigan, contact DIFS at 877-999-6442, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm or visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance.
How to Sign Up for MiABLE Disability Savings Program
Disability Pride initially started as a day of celebration in 1990 — the year that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was officially signed into law. Michigan ABLE (MiABLE) was signed into law in October 2015. Each July, Disability Pride Month is acknowledged to celebrate and recognize individuals with disabilities.
In honor of Disability Pride Month and the strides that have been made to affirm the lives of those with disabilities, the Michigan Department of Treasury created the MiABLE Disability Savings Program to allow individuals with disabilities and their families to save funds for Qualified Disability Expenses. These expenses would cover health, independence and quality of life without jeopardizing eligibility for necessary federal benefits. To verify your eligibility or to learn more about applying, call 844-656-7225, email MIABLE@michigan.gov or visit their webpage.
Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential
On July 11, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order establishing a new department — the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). MiLEAP will align all available resources, data and funds around a single vision — building an education system from early learning through postsecondary to add capacity in early learning, accelerate progress towards the state’s Sixty by 30 higher education goal, and prioritize community, regional, and state partnerships. MiLEAP will partner with the Michigan Department of Education and State Board of Education as well as the Growing Michigan Together Council to discover ways to grow the state’s economy and population. The department is set to take effect on December 1.
For more information on MiLEAP, please click here.
Small Business Support Hub Applications Now Available
The Small Business Support Hubs program will provide small businesses in Michigan up to $6 million in funding to assist with operational, programming and direct grant support. These resources will further drive economic growth and help small businesses across the state, especially small businesses based in underserved communities and those recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Applications are available now through September 8, 2023. The Michigan Strategic Fund seeks applicants who identify as an entity within a physical space that offers training, coaching, consultations, workshops and networking opportunities. More information can be found on michiganbusiness.org. For more questions, email SBSHProgram@michigan.org.