MI COVID Alert hits half a million downloads

MI COVID Alert hits half a million downloads

by | Dec 17, 2020 | Regional News

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 17, 2020 

CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, wheatonb@michigan.gov

MI COVID Alert hits nearly half a million downloads in first month
New app anonymously shares test results in continued effort to slow COVID-19 spread

LANSING, Mich. – A month after its statewide launch, the MI COVID Alert app has reached nearly 500,000 downloads.

Today the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB) announced there have been 461,192 downloads of MI COVID Alert. The state also rolled out a second option for users to receive the PIN required to anonymously share a positive COVID-19 test result.

“So much about fighting COVID is hard, but this is easy: Please download MI COVID Alert on your phone,” said Robert Gordon, director of MDHHS. “It protects your privacy, and it will help protect us all. If we hit even a million downloads by January 2021, we’ll be safer until a vaccine is available to the broader population.”

Even when just 15% of a population used an exposure notification app like MI COVID Alert, researchers from Oxford University found a potential to reduce infections and deaths. Already, nearly 9% of Michigan residents ages 18 to 64 have downloaded MI COVID Alert.  When a person tests positive for COVID-19, they are eligible to receive a randomly generated PIN. This PIN allows people to share test results anonymously in MI COVID Alert.

After a positive test result is entered into the app, close contacts – people who have been within six feet for 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period – will receive an anonymous push notification letting them know they may have been exposed to COVID-19 and the number of days since the possible exposure took place. No personally identifiable information is required or shared with other users. With the total number of COVID-19 cases and people exposed to the virus recently, some COVID-positive residents may not receive a call from their local health department right away.

However, app users can now retrieve a PIN two more ways by:

  • Calling their local health department; or,
  • Contacting the Michigan COVID-19 hotline at 2-1-1 or 888-535-6136 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

MI COVID Alert uses randomly generated phone codes and low-energy Bluetooth technology to gauge proximity between phones with the app instead of using GPS. The use of this technology protects the privacy of all users and prevents tracking someone’s exact location. Michigan worked with Apple and Google to make MI COVID Alert compatible with similar apps in other states. The exposure notification feature included in recent iOS and Android operating system updates only works with a companion app like MI COVID Alert, which is available for iOS and Android phones by visiting Apple and Google app stores.

Or for more information about the app, go to the MI COVID Alert webpage. The app works in conjunction with traditional contact tracing, mask wearing, hand washing and social distancing, but is not a replacement for these precautions or participation in contact tracing. People who are exposed to COVID-19 should get tested and consider quarantining for 14 days from the date of possible exposure. If a person is still symptom-free on day 10, they can end quarantine early. However, they should continue monitoring for symptoms for four additional days.

Anyone who needs testing may visit the COVID-19 website to find a testing location near them. They may also contact the Michigan COVID-19 hotline to locate and schedule an appointment.

Other states, including Virginia, Arizona, New York, Alabama and New Jersey, launched similar exposure notifications apps. Additional states have apps in development.
Whitmer announces Healthy Michigan Plan top 850,000 enrollees

Whitmer announces Healthy Michigan Plan top 850,000 enrollees

by | Dec 17, 2020 | Health and Wellness, Regional News

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 17, 2020

Contact: Bob Wheaton, [email protected], 517-241-2112

 

Gov. Whitmer announces Healthy Michigan Plan top 850,000 enrollees

Expanded Medicaid program helps low-income residents afford coverage

 

LANSING, Mich. – The Healthy Michigan Plan is now providing health care coverage to more than 850,000 low-income residents for the first time, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced today.

 

There are now 853,211 people enrolled in the Healthy Michigan Plan, the state’s expanded Medicaid program.

 

“Every Michigander deserves quality, affordable health care, especially during a pandemic. As Senate Democratic Leader, I was proud to work across the aisle with a Republican governor and legislature to expand health coverage for Michiganders through the Healthy Michigan plan,” said Governor Whitmer. “Now, as we continue working to eradicate COVID-19 and with the Affordable Care Act under constant attack in the courts, it’s more important than ever that we protect the Healthy Michigan plan and ensure health care for Michiganders across the state. I will continue working with everyone who wants to protect and expand health care for Michiganders.”

 

COVID-19 affected the finances and health of so many Michiganders that the number of Healthy Michigan Plan beneficiaries jumped from just under 682,000 in late March to more than 850,000 now. Michigan instituted policies to help families access affordable health care coverage such as deciding to avoid terminating Healthy Michigan Plan coverage and freeze premiums for as long as the COVID-19 public health emergency exists. The state qualified for additional Medicaid funding from the federal government through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

 

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has also worked to streamline the application process over the past few years to ensure people eligible to receive benefits are able to access them without unnecessary burdensome requirements.

 

Gov. Whitmer and (MDHHS) have strongly supported the Healthy Michigan Plan. When she was State Senate Democratic leader, Whitmer helped pass the bipartisan legislation that created the Healthy Michigan Plan, which was enacted in April 2014.

 

In March, Whitmer and MDHHS preserved Healthy Michigan Plan coverage for tens of thousands of people by supporting swift action on the legal challenge of work requirements that had been adopted by the Republican Legislature. Policies like work requirements that take away health insurance undermine the purpose of Medicaid which is to provide health care coverage to low income and vulnerable populations.

 

“MDHHS is committed to expanding access to health care coverage for Michiganders,

said MDHHS Director Robert Gordon. “I’m proud that Michigan has been able to provide this coverage to hundreds of thousands of our residents. Coverage has improved their health outcomes – and when people are healthier they are better able to take care of their families and our state is more productive.”

 

Healthy Michigan Plan coverage is available to Michiganders ages 19-64 years old who have an income at or below 133 percent of the federal poverty level – or $16,971 annually for a single person – and meet other eligibility requirements, such as not qualifying for other Medicaid programs. Expanded Medicaid plans are allowed under the federal Affordable Care Act if states decide to implement them.

 

According to 2017 research from the University of Michigan, the Healthy Michigan Plan more than doubled primary care usage, reduced enrollees’ reliance on the emergency room by 58 percent, cut uncompensated care by nearly 50 percent, and added $2.3 billion to our state’s economy.

 

Apply for the Healthy Michigan Plan at www.michigan.gov/MIBridges or by calling the Michigan HealthCare Helpline at 855-789-5610. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/HealthyMiPlan.

 
MDHHS updates priority group information for vaccination

MDHHS updates priority group information for vaccination

by | Dec 17, 2020 | Health and Wellness, Regional News

MDHHS updates priority group information for vaccination; launches COVID-19 vaccine dashboard

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2020
Contact: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112

LANSING, MICH. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has updated information in its priority groups for vaccination administration document and launched a COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard to help Michiganders track information about the vaccine across the state.

MDHHS expanded its guidance to allow Michiganders 16 years of age and older to receive the vaccine and also provided updated information on pregnant women and the vaccine. While there is not currently data on the safety and efficacy of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine in pregnant women, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that pregnant women may be offered the vaccine within the priority groups upon consultation with their medical provider.

“The arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine is an important step toward reducing the toll the virus is taking on our state,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “As we receive further guidance from our federal partners, these prioritizations may change. While we roll these vaccines out across the state, it is important everyone continues to do their part in fighting this pandemic by wearing masks, washing hands, and avoiding gatherings.”

The COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard includes data from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry on the number of providers enrolled to provide the vaccine, the amount of vaccine received and doses administered. The dashboard will be expanded over the coming weeks to include vaccination coverage rates by age and race.

MDHHS is following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for prioritization of distribution and administration of COVID-19 vaccines. CDC recommendations are based on input from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). ACIP is a federal advisory committee made up of medical and public health experts who develop recommendations on the use of vaccines in the United States. MDHHS has also obtained input from a stakeholder group of Michigan public health and health care leaders and reviewed correspondence from the public.

Phases are as follows:

  • Phase 1A includes paid and unpaid persons serving in health care settings who have direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials and are unable to work from home, as well as residents of long-term care facilities.
  • Phase 1B includes some workers in essential and critical industries, including workers with unique skill sets such as non-hospital or non-public health laboratories and mortuary services.
  • Phase 1C includes individuals age 16 years or older who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness due to underlying medical conditions, and people 65 years and older.
  • Phase 2 is a mass vaccination campaign for all individuals aged 16 years or older.

MDHHS has provided additional prioritization guidance within these categories. It is important to note that vaccination in one phase may not be complete before vaccination in another phase begins. Vaccination in these phases will likely overlap. The timing of the start of vaccination in a phase is dependent on guidance from CDC and ACIP, the supply of vaccine from the manufacturer, how vaccine is allocated from the federal level to Michigan and the capacity to administer the vaccine to populations.

Vaccine distribution will roll out over a series of weeks, and current estimates are that by late Spring 2021 enough vaccine will be available for everyone who is recommended to receive it. There will be no out-of- pocket costs to individuals for the vaccine, however, healthcare providers may bill insurance for administrative costs. The COVID-19 vaccine will require two doses, separated by three or four weeks depending on the manufacturer. Michiganders should receive both doses in order to have full protection from the virus. Individuals who receive the vaccine may experience mild side effects such as low-grade fever, sore arm and fatigue, which indicate that the vaccine is working. There is a robust state and national process for tracking vaccines and reporting side effects.

MDHHS stresses Michiganders should continue to wear masks, social distance from those not in their household and wash their hands often, even after receiving the vaccine.

Michigan residents seeking more information about the COVID-19 vaccine can visit Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine. As additional information and resources become available, it will be posted to this site.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

# # #

Michigan COVID-19 Vaccination Interim Prioritization Guidance

Additional food assistance for Michigan families through December

Additional food assistance for Michigan families through December

by | Dec 17, 2020 | Regional News

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 17, 2020 

CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, wheatonb@michigan.gov    

Additional food assistance for 350,000 Michigan families
in response to COVID-19 extended through December

LANSING, Mich. –  Approximately 350,000 Michigan families will continue to have access to additional food assistance benefits during December as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced today.

Michigan previously approved the additional food assistance beginning in March – and now that is being extended for the month of December with approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service.

“No Michigander should have to worry about how they’ll put food on the table for themselves and their families, especially during a pandemic,” Gov. Whitmer said. “That’s why my administration is working hard to provide some support to families who need it most. I will continue working with MDHHS to help every Michigander get through this crisis.”

Eligible clients will see additional food assistance benefits on their Bridge Card by Dec. 30, with payments beginning for some households on Dec. 21. Additional benefits will be loaded onto Bridge Cards as a separate payment from the assistance that is provided earlier in the month.

More than 1.2 million people in Michigan receive federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through the state’s Food Assistance Program

Households eligible for Food Assistance Program benefits will receive additional benefits in December to bring all current SNAP cases to the maximum monthly allowance for that group size.

This change only applies to customers not currently receiving the maximum benefit amount. The 350,000 households that receive increased benefits represent more than 50 percent of the more than 680,000 Michigan households that received food assistance in September. The remaining households already receive the maximum benefit.

“During the holiday season in particular we want to help families who struggle to put food on the table as a result of the pandemic,” said MDHHS Director Robert Gordon. “This additional food assistance is critically important to make sure Michigan residents have nutritious food to eat.”

Below is the maximum allowable benefit for SNAP customers based on their respective household size:

One Person

 

 Two Persons Three Persons Four Persons Five Persons Six Persons Seven Persons  

Eight Persons

 
$204 $374 $535 $680 $807 $969 $1,071 $1,224

The federal government is providing additional funding to states for food assistance under House Resolution 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act.

Eligible families do not need to re-apply to receive the additional benefits. People who receive food assistance can check their benefits balance on their Michigan Bridge Card by going online to www.michigan.gov/MIBridges or calling a consumer service representative toll-free at 888-678-8914. They can ask questions about the additional benefits by calling or emailing their caseworker.

Customer service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Spanish and Arabic service is available. If you are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing or speech-impaired, call the Michigan Relay Center at 7-1-1.
Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Bench 

Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Bench 

by | Dec 16, 2020 | Regional News

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

December 16, 2020

Contact: press@michigan.gov

 

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Bench

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today appointed Yasmine Isshak Poles to the 6th Circuit Court of Oakland County and Miriam A. Perry to the 15th District Court of Ann Arbor.

 

“I am honored to appoint Judge Poles and Judge Perry to both the Circuit and District courts,” said Governor Whitmer. “I am confident that they will both serve their court, their community, and the state well.”

 

6th Circuit Court of Oakland County

 

Yasmine Isshak Poles currently serves as the principal of the Law Offices of Yasmine I. Poles, PLLC. In her practice, she specializes in criminal defense, custody, and employment matters. She also serves as corporate counsel and director of human resources for Success Mortgage Partners, Inc. and Title Partners, Inc. Prior to her private practice, Poles served as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Macomb County for 12 years.

 

Poles is a member of the Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect, Chaldean Chamber of Commerce, Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, Michigan Association of Justice, and Women Lawyers Association of Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Michigan and earned her Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University School of Law. Yasmine lives in Birmingham with her husband Paul and their two children.

 

“I’m incredibly honored and humbled to receive this appointment from Governor Whitmer,” Poles said. “I want to thank the Governor for her confidence in me and for this tremendous opportunity to serve the people of Oakland County. I am truly the epitome of the American Dream and I will dedicate myself to impartiality and fairness.”

 

This appointment was made to fill a partial term, which will expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2023, to fill the seat of Judge Hala Y. Jarbou who stepped down effective September 25, 2020 following her appointment to the United States District Court of the Western District of Michigan. If Poles wishes to seek a full six-year term, she would be required to run for reelection in November of 2022.

 

15th District Court of Ann Arbor

 

Miriam A. Perry currently serves as a clinical teaching fellow in the University of Michigan Law School’s Veterans Legal Clinic. Prior to the fellowship, Perry worked as an assistant public defender for Washtenaw County, representing clients in a wide range of criminal proceedings. She has also served as a judicial attorney for the 3rd Circuit Court of Wayne County and a law clerk for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

 

Perry is a member of the Black Women Lawyers Association, National Bar Association, Washtenaw County Bar Association, Women Lawyers Association, NAACP, and Ann Arbor Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Spelman College and earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School. Miriam is a life-long resident of Ann Arbor.

 

“I am humbled, honored, and grateful for the appointment to the 15th District Court,” Perry said. “My life’s work has revolved around serving people in this community. I am looking forward to helping ensure that a culture of fairness and impartiality exists for all people, in all cases.”

 

This appointment was made to fill a partial term, which will expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2023, after Judge Elizabeth Pollard Hines stepped down effective November 1, 2020. If Perry wishes to seek a full six-year term, she would be required to run for reelection in November of 2022.

 

Judicial appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate