George James

Medicare and Health Insurance Marketplace Enrollment Open; Watch for Scams

It’s open enrollment time for those using the Health Insurance Marketplace or Medicare. The enrollment period ends on December 7th for Medicare and January 15th for the marketplace.

There are 174 different plans available in the marketplace and costs have been reduced due to federal subsidies.

Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox said, “Many people worry it is either too expensive or too complicated to sign up for a health plan. Fortunately, Michigan remains one of the least expensive states in the country to purchase health insurance and there is free, local enrollment help available by visiting LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov or calling 800-318-2596.”

Fox also warns seniors to be on the lookout for Medicare scams. She says to be wary of unsolicited calls, door-to-door sales and flyers, and people who say they are “from Medicare”. Even mail that looks like it could be from the government should be inspected to see if it’s legitimate.

Medicare recipients do not need to give their Medicare ID number to anyone unless they are actually enrolling in a plan, according to Fox.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

CMH Players Bring “We’re All Connected” to Citadel

The CMH Players will be bringing live theater to audiences this month. The CMH Players are composed of individuals receiving mental health services from St. Clair County Community Mental Health as well as local community actors and SCCCMH staff.

This year’s show is called “We’re All Connected”. It will be performed at the Citadel Theatre in Downtown Port Huron at noon and 7 p.m. on Friday, November 5th, and 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 6th. The noon show on Friday, November 5th is free. The other shows cost $5 per ticket.

“We’re All Connected” is a series of skits that address the concept of stigma. The show teaches how our similarities are greater than our differences.

The CMH Players have put on over 22 plays since starting in 2005. Community sponsors make the CMH Players productions possible. Sponsorships from $50-$1000 are available.

For advance tickets, contact Bethany Murdick at 810-966-3706. Tickets will also be available at the door if seating permits.

For Sponsorship: Mark Hutchinson (810) 966-3386

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Whitmer Asks MCCA to Refund Auto Insurance Money

Michigan’s auto insurance reform efforts could be leading to refund checks for many state residents who pay for auto insurance.

On November 1st, Governor Gretchen Whitmer wrote a letter to the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association asking for a $5 billion surplus to be refunded to the customers. Bipartisan cost-saving legislation is the reason for the surplus.

In the letter, Whitmer said, “Billions in surplus funds should not be held by insurers to invest for their own profit or be conditioned on the renewal of a policy. The surplus belongs to Michigan policyholders and should promptly be returned directly to them in full, in the form of refund checks.”

While auto insurance reform saves money for most consumers, those with auto accident injuries are voicing concern. The Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council reports on their #MICare Crisis Dashboard that 18,000 patients rely on the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association for coverage of expenses from lifelong injuries related to auto accidents. The coverage can now be capped with the new laws.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

EGLE Wants You to Compost that Jack-o-Lantern

Halloween has come and gone, the good candy has been pilfered from the treat bags, and the pumpkins might be headed for the trash can. Not so fast, says the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

What to do with those slowly rotting jack-o-lanterns is a perennial question around this time of year. EGLE encourages people to compost pumpkins to reduce the amount of waste in landfills and to help nourish the soil.

EGLE recommends starting your own compost heap if possible and using it year-round to recycle food and garden scraps into rich soil. If that’s not possible, they recommend seeking out community composting options.

Aaron Hiday, statewide composting coordinator at EGLE, is encouraging composting for both individual households and communities.

Compost bins can be purchased at home improvement stores or can be constructed with things like old pallets and scrap wood.

Donating pumpkins to a farm with livestock could be an option as well, as most local livestock, like cows, sheep, horses, and chickens love pumpkins.

Visit the links below to learn about composting facilities in St. Clair County and state-wide.

https://recyclesearch.com/profile/michigan-directory/places?q=food+scraps

https://www.stclaircounty.org/offices/landfill/recycle_cmpstdrop.aspx

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Summer Storm Cleanup Efforts Ongoing with FEMA, State Help

The Village of Armada and Armada Township were both hit hard by storms in July, including a tornado touchdown, and will now get money from the Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund.

The Village of Armada will receive $41,468 and Armada Township will get $92,456. White Lake, Southfield, Farmington, and Farmington Hills will also receive shares of the $1.2 million assistance.

Food benefits are also available for those who may have lost food in the storm or lost income. In-person interviews will be held with MDHHS to approve eligibility for assistance.

The Federal Emergency Management Administration will have their Hazard Mitigation Team at the Menards store on Van Dyke Avenue in Warren from now until November 9th on Mondays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Team will be sharing strategies on cleaning up after flooding or other disasters and giving free information for both general contractors and do-it-yourselfers. 

For more information about Michigan’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4607

For food assistance: applications will be accepted:

  • Wednesday, Nov. 3, from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
  • Thursday Nov. 4, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Friday, Nov. 5, from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 6, from 8 a.m.-noon
  • Monday, Nov. 8, from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 9, from 8 a.m.-noon.

Residents can apply at three Kensington Church locations:

  • Macomb County.
  • Kensington Church, 25000 Hall Road, Clinton Township.
  • Oakland County
  • Kensington Church, 4640 S. Lapeer Road, Lake Orion.
  • Kensington Church, 1825 E. Square Lake Road, Troy.

 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Old Newsboys Raising Funds to Keep Kids Warm

No one likes cold feet in the winter. Thanks to the Port Huron Old Newsboys, St. Clair County kids should be able to have toasty warm feet all winter long.

The local charitable organization has been providing access to warm socks, underwear, and boots to kids in need for over nine decades. Families who sign up for help from the Old Newsboys get a voucher to Meijer where they can purchase brand new socks, underwear, and boots of their liking to get them through the cold winter and beyond.

To pay for these necessities for around 1000 children, the Old Newsboys are trying to raise $70,000. Almost all of the money raised goes to the children. The organization is run by volunteers and there is no paid staff.

The Old Newsboys organization partners with MDHHS to verify eligibility for families that request assistance. Michelle Brown, a volunteer, said that the application period is closed because the target goal of 1000 children has been met. If donations pick up, they will be able to help more children.

To donate to the Old Newsboys, look for donation canisters in local restaurants, donate online, or mail a check.

https://www.facebook.com/PortHuronOldNewsboys/

Old Newsboys

PO Box 100

Marysville, MI 48040

Old Newsboys Fund at Community Foundation of St. Clair County

https://www.stclairfoundation.org/fund/old-newsboys-association-of-port-huron-fund/ 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland