County Contracts With Software Company To Streamline COVID-19 Contac

County Contracts With Software Company To Streamline COVID-19 Contac

by | Feb 10, 2021 | Regional News

County Contracts With Software Company To Streamline COVID-19 Contact Tracing For Restaurants And Schools

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County is providing free user-friendly screening software to local restaurants and public schools in the county to help enhance safety protocols and streamline the process of screening and tracking for COVID-19.

The county’s Department of Economic Development has contracted with Rochester-based software developer Clear To Go! for its software and app that helps ensure anyone who enters a building is healthy and adheres to current health protocols. The county is paying between $500,000-$750,000 for the cost of the software using federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding passed at the end of 2020. The contract runs through June.

“One of the challenges for restaurants, schools and businesses is screening clients, students or employees and then keeping track of the all the data,” County Executive David Coulter said. “This software allows our schools, businesses and restaurants to stay safe, run more efficiently and be less intrusive for everyone.”

Scott Garretson, co-founder and chief executive officer of the company, said Clear To Go! has performed over 1.5 million screenings and helped clients manage over 15,000 cases. This includes screening apps for employees, case management for human resources and a visitor management system. Its software is in use in several local communities and Lake Orion Schools.

“Clear To Go! provides a simple solution to help organizations of all sizes streamline daily health screening, tracking who was onsite for tracing, and manage cases/quarantines to know when it is safe for them to return onsite,” Garretson said. “The biggest time saving our clients experience is with our case management solution. Managing quarantines and failed screenings to know when a person can return onsite can be very time consuming. We help our clients prioritize cases and allow end users to share additional information with their open case directly to save time.”

According to a published description of the process, employees, guests or students who enter a location are screened with the Clear To Go! iOS, Android or SMS app using a configurable set of key COVID-19 health-related questions and optional temperature check.

Once the individual is cleared, the information then is linked to a Clear To Go! badge allowing that person to work onsite until the next required screening period.

If an employee or guest fails the screening, Clear To Go!’s case management tool provides early warning detection and a central point to ensure an employer’s established processes and protocols are followed, and then tracks all documents and communications from a human resources perspective.

ONTV exceeds its $5,000 goal for FISH

ONTV exceeds its $5,000 goal for FISH

by | Feb 10, 2021 | Local News

ONTV exceeds its $5,000 goal for FISH

Orion Neighborhood Television hosted its 11th annual food drive the week of Feb. 1st. The virtual 5 day drive exceeded its goal and raised $5,325 for the Oxford/Orion FISH Food Pantry.  ONTV also accepted non-perishable food items during the week. ONTV was able to drop off a van full of food to FISH at the end of the week, thanks to the community’s generosity.

ONTV cannot thank the community enough for its continued support. A special thank you to our volunteers who hosted throughout the week: Stacy Calloway, Peggy Barry Bartz and Sammy Taormina. Another thank you goes out to Randy Gower from FISH, Roger Smith for Lake Orion High School and musical guest George Sinnott.

If you missed the food drive but would still like to make a donation to FISH, visit their website at OxfordOrionFISH.org. Oxford/Orion FISH provides emergency aid in the form of food and agency referrals to individuals in Oxford, Lake Orion, Addison and Oakland Township. People who have a need for groceries can call the office at 248.628.3933.

MDHHS partners with GetSetUp

by | Feb 10, 2021 | Regional News

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 10, 2021 

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

MDHHS partners with GetSetUp to help residents
navigate online COVID-19 vaccine information 

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun to provide overview for older adults Thursday 

LANSING, Mich. – Older adults in Michigan experiencing challenges finding COVID-19 vaccine information online now have a trusted source for assistance.

Through its partnership with the national education technology company GetSetUp, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Aging & Adult Services Agency is offering a series of sessions to walk older Michiganders through the Michigan COVID-19 vaccine website. The goal is to help them find their local health department to register online for a vaccine appointment or to be added to the waitlist.

“Older adults have faced various challenges in accessing COVID-19 vaccinations. We want to make it easier for individuals who have access to the internet to sign up online to receive a vaccine,” said Dr. Alexis Travis, senior deputy director of the Aging & Adult Services Agency. “Our partnership with GetSetUp is one way we are removing barriers and ensuring access to reliable and accurate information.”

On Thursday, Feb. 11, at 3 p.m., Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Michigan’s chief medical executive and MDHHS chief deputy medical director, will join a session to provide a brief overview of the landscape in Michigan and to answer some frequently asked questions.

Registration is required. To register, visit www.getsetup.io/michigan or call 1-888-559-1614.  Michiganders without internet access looking for vaccine information should contact the MDHHS COVID-19 hotline at 1-888-535-6136.

“We built GetSetUp to be a powerful community-based platform that could help older adults learn anything,” said Lawrence Kosick, co-founder of GetSetUp. “Right now, learning how to get a vaccine and scheduling an appointment is the top priority for older adults in Michigan, but many struggle with having sufficient technical expertise to find and navigate to the correct website(s) to sign up for the vaccine. Together with MDHHS, we’ve been able to expand our partnership and very quickly begin hosting live, online vaccine information sessions. Based on our experience in Michigan and the support of MDHHS, this is now a program we’ve expanded across the country to help older adults in Michigan and everywhere get the information they need to protect their health.”

In addition to the vaccine information sessions, older Michiganders can access more than 150 free online group classes designed for and led by older adults. Popular classes include how to use a smartphone or tablet, how to use services like video conferencing, email, social media, as well as virtual social hours. More than 45,000 older Michiganders are currently taking advantage of free classes through GetSetUp.

This project is funded in part by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.

Information around the COVID-19 outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.  .
MDHHS issues Requests for enhancing emotional health program

MDHHS issues Requests for enhancing emotional health program

by | Feb 9, 2021 | Regional News

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 8, 2021

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, SutfinL1@michigan.gov              

MDHHS issues Requests for Proposals for

expanding enhancing emotional health program expansion

 

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFPs) to develop and implement mental health services for school-aged youth in Michigan. This RFP is limited to currently existing Child and Adolescent Health Center fiduciary agencies (any model).

The Expanding, Enhancing Emotional (E3) Health Program Expansion seeks to fund additional sites. E3 provides a safe and caring place for all children and adolescents to learn positive health behaviors, coping mechanisms and receive needed support, resulting in healthy youth who are ready and able to learn. A total of $1.6 million is available in this RFP, and MDHHS anticipates issuing approximately 13 awards.

Funded applicants will receive ongoing guidance from the MDHHS project coordinator regarding program start-up, reporting requirements and barriers to program implementation.

Grant applications for the Expanding, Enhancing Emotional Health Program Expansion RFP must be submitted electronically through the MI E-Grants program by 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 3. The program period begins April 1 and ends Sept. 30.

Only fiduciary agencies that currently receive Child and Adolescent Health Center funding (any model) are eligible to apply for this RFP.

For more information or to apply, visit the MI E-Grants website and select “About EGrAMS” link in the left panel to access the “Competitive Application Instructions” training manual. The complete RFP can be accessed under the ‘Current Grants’ section under the “Public Health Administration” link and selecting the “E3E-2021” grant program.

MDHHS issues Interim Guidance for Athletics

by | Feb 9, 2021 | Regional News

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 8, 2021

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, SutfinL1@michigan.gov          

MDHHS issues Interim Guidance for Athletics
Masks must be worn during games and practice or regular COVID-19 testing conducted

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued Interim Guidance for Athletics following its epidemic order announced last week to allow contact sports to resume starting today. The order requires masks are worn during practices and competition. If masks cannot be worn, participants must be regularly tested for COVID-19 consistent with guidelines issued by MDHHS.

“Safety protocols like wearing masks and testing will help keep kids, coaches and families safe and allow our schools to remain open for in-person instruction,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “We also continue to urge hand washing, using separate equipment as much as possible and frequently cleaning and disinfecting any shared equipment and surfaces.”

Contact sports are allowed as long as participants are masked during play or practice. Participants need to maintain six feet of distance when not actively engaged in play and wear face masks at all times. For sports where masks cannot be worn and social distancing cannot be maintained, all participants must be tested consistent with the program specified in the Testing and Additional Mitigation Measures for Athletic Practice and Play section of MDHHS’s Interim Guidance for Athletics.

Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/sportsCOVIDinfo. Sports organizers are encouraged to administer a testing program even if it is not required.

“As a parent and former student-athlete myself, I get how important athletics are to our children’s physical and mental health,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “However, parents and athletes need to understand the risk involved with contact sports if they choose to participate. Sports that require frequent closeness between players make it more difficult to prevent virus transmission even when mitigation measures are in place, including masks. Even when not required, we urge teams to implement a testing program to protect athletes, coaches and their families.”

It is recommended that spectators are limited to two per athlete. Spectators are allowed with up to 250 people in stadiums that seat less than 10,000 and up 500 people at venues that seat over 10,000 people.

Additional recommendations included in the MDHHS guidance include:

  • Wash hands frequently and cover coughs and sneezes.
  • Do not share items that are difficult to clean, sanitize or disinfect. Use separate towels, clothing or other items used to wipe faces or hands.
  • Individuals should use their own gear/equipment and minimize sharing equipment.
  • Individuals are encouraged to provide their own food, drinks and/or water.
  • If a mask is removed during a break, participants must remain at least six feet apart from others.
  • Refrain from pre- or post-event handshakes, hugs, fist bumps, high fives or contact celebrations.
  • Ensure enough time between events or practices to allow for proper cleaning and disinfection of the facilities and shared equipment.
  • Prioritize outdoor, as opposed to indoor, practice and play as much as possible.
  • If playing inside, ensure ventilation systems or fans operate properly. Increase circulation of outdoor air as much as possible, for example by opening windows and doors.
  • Areas with poor ventilation (weight rooms, small spaces) where social distancing cannot be implemented should be avoided.
  • In practices, prioritize noncontact activity, like conditioning and drills, where social distancing can be maintained. Small groups may help reduce the risk of teamwide COVID-19 outbreaks as they allow for greater social distancing, easier contact tracing, and reducing the number of athletes that need to be quarantined.
  • Minimize travel to other communities and regions for practices and competition.
  • Limit the use of carpools, buses or other shared transportation between persons outside the same household. When riding in an automobile to a sports event, encourage players to ride to the sports event with persons living in their same household, and always wear a mask if traveling with persons outside the same household.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine.
Health Insurers Extend Agreements to Provide Coronavirus Testing at No Cost

Health Insurers Extend Agreements to Provide Coronavirus Testing at No Cost

by | Feb 9, 2021 | Regional News

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

February 8, 2021

Media Contact: Laura Hall, (517) 290-3779, halll17@michigan.gov

Consumer Hotline: 877-999-6442, Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints

 

Michigan’s Health Insurers Extend Agreements to Provide Coronavirus Testing and Treatment at No Cost to Patients

LANSING, MICH — Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) have announced that the state has secured agreements from nearly all of the state’s health insurers to extend their commitments to waive all out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, and treatments. These agreements cover more than 92% of the commercial health insurance market in Michigan.

 

“As we continue working to combat this global pandemic and save lives, the very last thing that Michiganders should have to worry about is whether their health insurance will cover the costs of their care,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “I’m pleased that these agreements with health insurers will be extended to ensure Michigan residents everywhere can equitably access COVID-19 testing, treatment and vaccinations as we work together to end this pandemic.”

 

As an extension of previous agreements, consumers with individual and group health plans listed below will not be charged cost-sharing, including copays, deductibles, and coinsurance, for medically appropriate COVID-19-related medical treatment, such as primary care visits, diagnostic testing, emergency room visits, ambulance services, and approved medications and vaccines.

 

“Eliminating financial barriers to getting care helps Michiganders focus on prevention and getting well, not on how they are going to pay medical bills,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “Protecting Michiganders’ health and financial wellness during this pandemic continues to be our top priority, and I am grateful that so many of Michigan’s health insurers have agreed to continue to do their part.”

 

The insurers who have agreed to waive cost-sharing are:

  • Aetna (expires February 28, 2021)
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Care Network (expires March 31, 2021)
  • HAP, Alliance Health (expires March 31, 2021)
  • McLaren Health Plan (expires March 31, 2021)
  • Meridian Health Plan (expires April 21)
  • Molina Healthcare Michigan (expires March 31, 2021)
  • Oscar (expires March 31, 2021)
  • Physicians Health Plan (PHP) (expires June 30, 2021)
  • Priority Health, Priority Health Insurance Co. (expires March 31, 2021)

 

Federal law requires health insurers to provide no-cost coverage for COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, though not necessarily for COVID-19 treatment, during the federal public health emergency, which is currently set to expire on April 21, 2021. Consumers with Medicaid or Medicare may also receive a no-cost COVID-19 test, vaccination, and related services provided by a health care provider.

 

Consumers with coverage from an insurer not named in the state agreement, such as Humana, Paramount, or United should contact their insurance company to find out about their coverage before incurring costs.

 

DIFS can help consumers with health insurance questions and complaints and can provide information about the upcoming Health Insurance Marketplace Special Enrollment Period that will be open from Feb. 15 through May 15. Contact DIFS Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 877-999-6442 or Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance.

 

The mission of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is to ensure access to safe and secure insurance and financial services fundamental for the opportunity, security, and success of Michigan residents, while fostering economic growth and sustainability in both industries. In addition, the Department provides consumer protection, outreach, and financial literacy and education services to Michigan residents. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/difs or follow the Department on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.