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

McLaren Recognized as Top Performer on Healthcare Equality index

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation developed the Healthcare Equality Index to ensure that members of the LGBTQ community have access to safe and equitable healthcare. McLaren Port Huron was recently recognized as a top performer on their scale.

Eric Cecava, President and CEO of McLaren port Huron said, “We strongly believe that sexual orientation or gender identity should never be a barrier to receiving excellent health care. The Healthcare Equality Index recognition is a testament to the foundational policies we have in place to create an inclusive environment at McLaren Port Huron.”

Over 100 more healthcare facilities participated in the Healthcare Equality Index survey in 2021 compared to the number of participant in 2020.

According to the Human Rights Campaign’s website, there are three tiers of recognition on the scale. As a top performer,  “healthcare facilities have demonstrated that they have adopted a minimum number of LGBTQ inclusive policies and practices in the areas of LGBTQ Patient Services and Support, Employee Benefits and Policies and Patient and Community Engagement.”

Cecava said, “With the McLaren Foundation’s Ally Project and this recognition, we will continue our journey to creating an inclusive environment for our community. Over the next year, we will focus on staff education and implementing inclusive practices for our LGBTQ patients, visitors and employees.”

For more information, visit https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/professional-resources/hei-scoring-criteria

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

What’s Happening Around Michigan’s Thumbcoast During the Holidays?

The Blue Water Area Convention & Visitors Bureau just released their Michigan Thumbcoast 2021 Holiday Guide. The guide can be found on their website, BlueWater.org, and includes events, tree farm experiences, and a fun Elf Off the Shelf Tour that includes an opportunity to win a $100 shopping gift card.

Michigan’s Thumbcoast is made up of the shoreline communities from Algonac up to Port Austin. Holiday events start mid-November and include Santa parades and tree-lightings along with theater performances and the YMCA’s annual Jingle Bell Run.

There are five tree farms in the area, with Western’s Tree Farm in Applegate on the north end and Egle U-Cut Tree Farm in St. Clair on the south.

BlueWater.org also features a map for shoppers with all of the wonderful boutiques that offer unique clothing, gifts and antiques.

This year’s Elf Off the Shelf Tour starts on Friday, November 26th and goes through November 28th. Participants can visit Pixie Glitter Flake the Elf in Port Huron, Marysville, St. Clair and Marine City. Those who snap a selfie with the elf can tag Discover the Blue on social media, and they will automatically be entered to win a $100 shopping gift card.

To learn more, visit https://www.bluewater.org/michigan-thumbcoast-2021-holiday-guide/

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Secretary of State Will be Open Late on Wednesdays

Starting November 3, 2021, Michigan Secretary of State offices will be open late on Wednesdays. Every Wednesday, offices will be open from 11 AM until 7 PM.

Thousands of appointments are released online twice per day, so getting an appointment at a Secretary of State branch is not challenging like it was during the pandemic. It simply involves checking the website at 8 AM or noon to see available appointments for the following day or further into the future.

Those without internet access can also call or walk in to receive an appointment. The number to book by telephone is 888-SOS-MICH or 888-767-6424. Those who visit a branch office will be served immediately if there is availability, or a Secretary of State agent will schedule a convenient appointment for them to return.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said, “We continue to offer numerous convenient options for Michiganders to conduct their business with us, including expanded online transactions, self-service stations at grocery stores, and now evening office hours. We are heeding the call for evening hours from community organizations and leaders and adding another way we’re making government work for the people.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand