Oakland County To Rescind Swimming Pool Health Order

by Becky Andrus | Jun 3, 2020 | Uncategorized

Oakland County To Rescind Swimming Pool Health Order June 8

Waterford, Michigan – In order to align with State of Michigan emergency orders, effective June 8, Oakland County Health Division will rescind Emergency Health Order 2020-11, which closed all public swimming pools in the county.

All public swimming pools in Oakland County will remain closed until that date when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s order allows outdoor public swimming pools to open with capacity restrictions but keeps indoor public swimming pools closed. The definition of a public swimming pool is found Section 333.12521(d) in the Michigan Public Health Code.

For media inquiries only, please contact Bill Mullan, Oakland County media and communications officer, at 248-858-1048.

Use of Michigan National Guard to Combat COVID-19 Extended

by Becky Andrus | Jun 3, 2020 | Uncategorized

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 3, 2020

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer’s Request to Extend Use of Michigan National Guard to Combat COVID-19 Approved by President Trump

Michigan to Continue Utilizing National Guard to Combat COVID-19 as Part of Reopening State’s Economy

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan National Guard will continue its efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic after President Donald Trump extended federal deployment known as Title 32 authority until Aug. 21. The extension comes after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer sent a letter to the president on May 27 urging him to extend Title 32 authority.

“The Michigan National Guard has been instrumental in our efforts to flatten the curve and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and will continue to play a vital role as we slowly and safely reopen our economy,” Governor Whitmer said. “We need to keep working to expand testing and this extension will ensure we can continue to ramp up testing throughout the state. Moving too fast without the tests we need could put Michigan at risk of a second wave of infections.”

The Michigan National Guard has played a critical role in flattening the COVID-19 curve in Michigan by distributing Personal Protective Equipment, food, and medical supplies, providing warehousing support, disinfecting public spaces, and assisting the Department of Health and Human Services with testing.

Title 32 authority, which allows Guard members to receive federal pay and benefits, was set to expire on June 24 due to a deadline set by the Trump Administration. In addition to allowing Michigan to fully utilize the National Guard for recovery and reopening efforts, the extension of Title 32 authority means that many Guard members will qualify for federal retirement and education benefits made available under the GI Bill. Without an extension, some Guard members would not have been eligible to receive these benefits.

“The Michigan National Guard looks forward to continuing its work with Governor Whitmer in our state’s response to COVID-19,” said Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, Adjutant General and Director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). “This approval allows Michigan National Guard members to continue to serve our communities and protect Michigan families.”

Whitmer Calls on the White House to Help States

by Becky Andrus | Jun 2, 2020 | Uncategorized

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 2, 2020

Media Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Calls on the White House to Help States with Testing, Budget Shortfalls in Testimony to Congress

Gov. Whitmer highlights Michigan’s aggressive action against COVID-19 in remote testimony

LANSING, Mich. — Today, in testimony delivered remotely before the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Governor Whitmer called on the federal government to help states like Michigan ensure and promote widespread testing for COVID-19. The governor also highlighted the aggressive action Michigan has taken in the fight against COVID-19, including the state’s efforts to secure personal protective equipment for frontline workers, expand testing capacity and eligibility, and address health disparities in communities of color.

“Since I first declared an emergency in response to this pandemic, my administration has taken aggressive measures to fight the spread of COVID-19, prevent the rapid depletion of the state’s critical health care resources, and lower the chance of a devastating second wave,” said Governor Whitmer. “We need the White House to create a specific, long-term plan outlining how the federal government will ensure we have adequate testing supplies so we can gather the data we need to make informed decisions about re-engaging our economies. And we would all benefit from a guarantee of free testing nationwide coupled with a robust federal messaging campaign to encourage Americans to get tested.”

“As we re-engage Michigan’s economy, we know it is crucial we do this incrementally. The worst thing we can do is to open up in a way that causes a second wave of infections and death, putting our frontline heroes at further risk and extending the economic crisis. We have to get this right.”

The governor also echoed her calls on the federal government to help states address the significant revenue shortfalls they are facing after dedicating resources to saving lives and protecting frontline heroes.

“Right now, the language in the CARES Act does not provide states with the flexibility we need to address our revenue shortfalls. A broader solution is needed to provide states with additional support and this critical flexibility. I thank members of the House for their work and hope that Congress and the Administration can come together to get it done.”

To view the governor’s full written testimony, click the link below:

The COVID-19 Update

by Becky Andrus | Jun 2, 2020 | Uncategorized

The COVID-19 Update provides the latest news and resources to help community partners plan, prepare, and respond to the coronavirus outbreak.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxbSjGqXyK0

Latest News

Governor Whitmer rescinds safer at home order, moves Michigan to phase four of the MI Safe Start plan

The governor’s order will allow retailers to reopen on June 4 and restaurants to reopen on June 8, both subject to capacity limits. Day camps for children will likewise be permitted to open on June 8. Effective immediately, groups of 100 or less will be allowed to gather outdoors with social distancing. Office work that is not capable of being performed remotely can resume. And in-home services, including housecleaning services, can resume operations.

Consumer Alert: Diagnostic COVID-19 test costs covered by insurance plans

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) are alerting Michiganders that diagnostic COVID-19 testing for those who meet testing criteria should be covered by most health insurance plans without any out-of-pocket cost. There are various ways that costs for the test may be covered, and resources are available to help answer questions.

Michigan acts to ensure Medicaid behavioral health services remain accessible during COVID-19 pandemic; MDHHS requires provider stability plans to be submitted

MDHHS is working with the state’s regional Pre-Paid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPS) on stability for providers of Medicaid-funded behavioral health and developmental disability services. Consistent with their contractual responsibilities, the department will work together with plans to ensure that service providers remain viable.

Michigan issues payments to utilities for low-income customers to help them keep their energy services connected during COVID-19

Eligible state residents having trouble paying their energy bills during the COVID-19 pandemic are having payments made to their utility accounts by MDHHS to keep services connected.

Take Action – How You Can Help

Contact Tracing

To break the chain of infection and continue to slow the spread, we’re calling anyone who has been exposed to coronavirus. If you get a call from MI COVID HELP or your local health department please answer.

Find a Job in Health Care

Health care organizations across Michigan are hiring full-time, part-time, and temporary staff to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Volunteer & Donation Opportunities

You can make a difference to fight and slow the spread of COVID-19. Your time, talent and donations will have an impact now.

Resources

MI Symptom App

MI Symptoms is a symptom survey to be taken daily by Michigan residents, for early detection of COIVD-like illnesses by Michigan public health professionals. This symptom survey may also help us better understand what influences the spread of the virus.

MI Safe Start Map Dashboard

MI Safe Start Map is a dashboard to monitor the status of COVID-19 indicators across the state of Michigan. The dashboard tracks and displays the current risk phase of Michigan regions and counties due to COVID-19.

Mental Health Resources

If you’re feeling emotional distress caused by COVID-19, this page offers many ways you can connect to emotional-support services without leaving home.

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Tool

Visual COVID-19 tool for deaf and hard of hearing.

Executive Orders & Directives

An updated list of the COVID-19 Executive Orders and Directives.

Diagnostic COVID-19 Test Costs Covered by Insurance

by Becky Andrus | Jun 2, 2020 | Uncategorized

Contact: Laura Hall 517-290-3779

Michigan is working to ensure that anyone who needs a COVID-19 test can get one. Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) are alerting Michiganders that diagnostic COVID-19 testing for those who meet testing criteria should be covered by most health insurance plans without any out-of-pocket cost. There are various ways that costs for the test may be covered, and resources are available to help answer questions.

As of March 2020, federal law requires most insurance plans to cover — at no out-of-pocket cost — diagnostic COVID-19 testing and related services provided by a health care provider. These plans include individual and group health insurance plans offered on and off the Health Insurance Marketplace, employer-based plans, non-federal governmental plans, and church plans. Related services that are covered at no cost include office visits (both in-person and telehealth), urgent care visits, and emergency department visits that are related to testing for COVID-19.

Consumers with health insurance seeking COVID-19 testing should contact their insurance company to find out what is covered if they plan to be tested at a site that requires payment up front or indicates they will be billed for the test. Some insurance companies may be required, for tax reasons, to reimburse consumers for out-of-pocket costs, rather than paying those costs directly to health care providers.

Insured consumers who pay up front or receive a bill for COVID-19 testing should contact their insurance company for assistance. Consumers who are unable to resolve the issue with their insurance company can contact DIFS for assistance Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 877-999-6442, or file a complaint at Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints.

In accordance with federal law, consumers with Medicaid or Medicare may also receive a no-cost COVID-19 test and related services provided by a health care provider. Medicare beneficiaries who believe they have been charged inappropriately may contact 800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227); Medicaid beneficiaries should contact 800-642-3195.

To find a testing site, visit Michigan.gov/coronavirustest or call 888-535-6136.

Information around the COVID-19 outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

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