Dear friends:
The challenges we faced in 2020 were unlike any other as we dealt with the impact of COVID-19 in our communities. I admire the strength and dedication our senior community has demonstrated, and I know that you will take that same spirit of intensity into 2021.
Michigan seniors have earned the right to enjoy the future with dignity and financial security. As your State Senator, my goal is to make sure you can spend these unprecedented times focusing on what matters most to you, and I’m working hard in Lansing to ensure that we provide the stability you deserve.
Every letter, email, and call to our office has helped me to better represent you, and I hope to continue hearing from you as we embark upon a new year that I know will be filled with better opportunities. If you would like to share your ideas or need assistance regarding state government, you can contact my office through email or by phone. I also invite you to sign up for my e-newsletter to stay apprised of current issues in Lansing at SenatorWojno.com.
Warmest regards,
Paul Wojno
Senator Paul Wojno 9th District
Website: SenatorWojno.com
Email: SenPWojno@senate.michigan.gov
Toll-free: (855) DIST009 or (855) 347-8009
Click link to review PDF version of newsletter
Senior Service Numbers to assist you
“Please save these useful department numbers for help and assistance when needed.”
-Sen. Wojno
Constituent Corner
In 2020, from pre-pandemic programs to virtual town hall meetings beginning in March, I was able to stay in touch hearing about relevant issues and what matters most to the hardworking people of Macomb County.
Carmi Finn, spokesperson for Moms Demand Action, parents, and area students visited Senator Wojno during their rally day at the state Capitol last February.
Senator Wojno had the opportunity to present a tribute to David Waltz and Bradley Smith from St. John Lutheran School in Fraser on their new school addition.
Senator Wojno attended the Macomb County Awards Breakfast that honors students and instructors throughout the county. SSG Horace Pruitt (at left), Center Line High School’s JROTC instructor, has played a leading role in developing partnerships with local military service members.
Damon Williams (at right), principal of Great Oaks School in Warren, and members of his staff had the opportunity to provide a tour of their educational center that serves pre-K through 8th grade students to Senator Wojno.
Senator Wojno attended a ribbon cutting at DC3S in Sterling Heights. DC3S is a center for collaboration and synergy between business, military, and the area community
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Protect Against Elder Abuse & Fraud
I was appointed this session to the newly created Elder Abuse Task Force by Attorney General Dana Nessel, where I joined Michigan Supreme Court Justices Richard Bernstein and Megan Cavanagh, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, and more than 30 other officials from around the state.
Our Attorney General created this Task Force to implement various initiatives to streamline reporting and reduce the risk of elder abuse. More than 73,000 older adults have been victims of abuse — and many more are targets. Seniors are vulnerable to abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and much of it is unreported or underreported.
We need to ensure that our vulnerable adults are receiving the care and protection they deserve. -Sen. Wojno
If you or someone you know might be a victim of elder abuse, the attorney general’s office recommends that you should:
- Take photographs and written notes on what you observed, when you observed it, and who was present, along with any further helpful information;
- Immediately report incidents to the nursing home or health care facility administrator, if applicable; and,
- Report the abuse to the Office of the Attorney General at (800) 242-2873 and to the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Adult Protective Services at (855) 444-3911.
Meals on Wheels
Macomb County Meals on Wheels (586) 469-5228 | mca@macombgov.org
No one should go without access to healthy meals. If you, or a senior you know, are struggling to pay for food, Meals on Wheels can help.
This program provides five nutritious meals per week to homebound, older adults. They also offer liquid nutrition for those who are unable to eat solid food and who have a prescription from their physician.
To qualify for Meals on Wheels, an adult must be:
- 60 years of age or older;
- Homebound (e.g. unable to leave home without assistance and unable to drive);
- Unable to cook for him/herself;
- Have no one willing or available to prepare meals on a regular basis; and,
- Able to feed him/herself.
For more information or to determine if you’re eligible for Meals on Wheels, contact Macomb County Meals on Wheels at (586) 469-5228.
Senator Wojno Provides State COVID-19 Vaccination Information and Resources
Our health care professionals and public servants have been hard at work since the start of the pandemic. Michigan is playing a major role in the manufacturing of COVID vaccines and we want to make sure that you have access to this important information as availability is expanded. Remember to do your part and stay safe by wearing a mask when you go out, staying at least six feet apart from others, avoiding crowds, and washing your hands often.
COVID-19 Resources
Michigan.gov/Coronavirus Hotline at (888) 535-6136
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Latest Information
- Testing Sites Near You
Macomb County
Health Department Helpline (586) 463-3750
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
Home Heating Help
In the dead of winter, heating bills can become a burden that cause many to struggle just to keep their house warm, but fortunately, The Heat and Warmth (THAW) Fund can help.
THAW has multiple utility assistance programs available, including affordable payment plans for customers of DTE’s Low Income Self Sufficiency Plan (LSP) and the Consumers Energy Consumers Affordable Resource for Energy (CARE) plan. They also offer resources for utility payment assistance and/or state emergency relief.
See if you qualify by calling (800) 866-THAW (8429) or visiting THAWFund.org/Programs.
In addition, here are some helpful phone numbers if you have questions about your heating bill:
• DTE Energy: 1-800-477-4747
• Consumers Energy: 1-800-477-5050
• Michigan Gas Utilities: 1-800-401-6402
Make Sure Your Health is Covered with Medicare
Access to affordable and dependable health care is an issue for people of all ages but, fortunately for older adults, Medicare is an available option.
Medicare is the federal government program that provides health care coverage if you are age 65 or older, under age 65 and receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for a certain amount of time, or under age 65 and living with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
The links provided will help to ensure you receive answers to all your Medicare questions
-Sen. Wojno
You may be automatically enrolled in Medicare when you turn 65 if you meet certain criteria. If you aren’t automatically enrolled, you can enroll online in just a few minutes. Simply fill out a Medicare application through the Social Security website at SSA.gov/ Benefits/Medicare or visit your local Social Security office.
Medicare offers multiple options for insurance coverage, including planning for hospital stays, medical costs, or prescription drugs.
In addition, Medicare Advantage through private insurance
is available to those who need or want additional health care coverage options.
Visit Medicare.gov or call (800) 633-4227 for more information about how you can qualify for coverage.