Bringing down the cost of prescription drugs

Bringing down the cost of prescription drugs

by | Dec 16, 2024 | Regional News

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Hi there,

The most important formative moment in my public service career was the moment my mom was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer and my family had to figure out how to pay for the care and prescriptions she needed.

As a result, the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs is a deeply personal issue for me. I also know it has remained one of the most significant challenges faced by Michigan’s working families. I cannot say how many times I’ve been pulled aside by constituents back home worried about how they’re going to be able to pay for care.

Accordingly, lowering healthcare and drug costs has remained one of my top priorities throughout my years in Congress. Over three terms, I’ve taken many votes and championed many bills aimed squarely at that goal. There are a couple of which I’m particularly proud that I would like to talk about:

Major victories to lower costs in the Inflation Reduction Act

In 2022, Congress passed – and I voted for – the Inflation Reduction Act, which was a landmark piece of legislation that covered a number of different issues, including healthcare costs.

The healthcare provisions in the IRA were an incredible victory in a decades-long fight to lower costs that have and will continue to make a lasting difference for folks in Michigan and around the country.

First, it finally allows Medicare to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies, use its buying power to secure the best deal on prescriptions, and pass those savings on to its members. The first ten drugs selected for negotiations were announced last year, and in August it was announced that those negotiations will save Medicare beneficiaries billions on their prescriptions when the lower prices go into effect in the new year.

Next, the IRA capped the price of insulin – a drug that those with diabetes depend on to live – for seniors on Medicare at $35 per month. Some of the most heart-wrenching stories of our drug cost crisis have come from those who have had to ration their insulin because they can’t afford more, and this cap will make that a thing of the past for those on Medicare.

Getting bipartisan legislation signed into law

One of my proudest achievements as a Member of Congress is the Real Time Benefits Act. Its story began in 2019 when I was hearing from constituents in my district loud and clear that they were really frustrated with the price of pharmaceuticals and how confusing it was to understand and compare the price of their prescriptions.

Based on that feedback, I got to work on bipartisan legislation that required transparency for the cost of prescription drugs for those on Medicare Part D. I spoke with doctors, nurses, and pharmacists who all felt that Americans deserve to comparison-shop for drugs – just as we do for any other product.

The bill was signed into law by then President Trump at the end of 2020, and now Medicare Part D plan sponsors are offering real-time, personalized price comparison tools to patients and doctors. The tools are finally reaching patients – an important moment for so many constituents.

I had the chance to meet with some of those constituents earlier this year after the tools the legislation created became available for use. It was truly a full circle moment.

My career in Congress began with a commitment to lower healthcare and prescription drugs costs, and I can confidently say that commitment remains six years later. I’m incredibly proud of the progress we have made, but there’s plenty more work to do on our health care system, and I’m looking forward to finishing the job.

– Rep. Elissa Slotkin
Warnings About Holiday Scams Using Artificial Intelligence

Warnings About Holiday Scams Using Artificial Intelligence

by | Dec 11, 2024 | Regional News

Michigan Department of Attorney General Press Release banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 11, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

Attorney General Nessel Warns Consumers About Holiday Scams Using Artificial Intelligence

LANSING – As part of her ongoing Holiday Scams Campaign, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is re-issuing her Artificial Intelligence and Scams alert to warn residents about the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) by fraudsters to take advantage of consumers. Rapid advancements in AI are being misused to create deepfake audio and video scams so realistic that they can even fool those who know us best.

“Artificial intelligence can be used legitimately as a tool to help make our everyday lives easier,” said Nessel. “It is unfortunate that this technology is being exploited by bad actors intent on scamming and defrauding the public. This alert will help you avoid falling victim to con artists who use voice cloning tricks to play on your emotions and steal your money.”

Scammers can clone a person’s voice using audio data collected from public social media posts or videos. They can then call victims, spoofing the phone number of a loved one to impersonate them in distress and make urgent demands for money.

To guard against such scams, Attorney General Nessel recommends the following:

  • Establish a family verification phrase: Use a code word or phrase that only your family knows to confirm identity during suspicious calls.
  • Do not trust caller ID: Scammers can spoof phone numbers to make calls appear legitimate.
  • Verify the situation: If something feels off, hang up and call the person back using a known number.
  • Beware of unusual payment requests: Scammers often demand payment through cryptocurrency, gift cards, or money transfers—methods that are hard to trace or reverse.

Nessel’s alert also notes that scams often share common warning signs, including:

  • High-pressure tactics to act immediately.
  • Use of fear or enticing offers.
  • Demands for sensitive information or unusual payment methods.

If you’ve fallen victim to a scam:

  • Notify local law enforcement.
  • File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at 877-382-4357.
  • Report fraudulent charges to your bank, credit card company, or payment app.
  • Contact the issuer of any gift card or money transfer service used.

Victims can also contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team at 877-765-8388 or file complaint online.

For more tips, visit the Attorney General’s Recognizing a Scam page, and to view all the holiday scam alerts, visit the Department of Attorney General’s website.
ORION TOWNSHIP MAN DIES IN HOUSE FIRE

ORION TOWNSHIP MAN DIES IN HOUSE FIRE

by | Dec 11, 2024 | Local News

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF ORION
Orion Township Fire Department

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ​​​​​                                                                             CONTACT: Ryan Allen, Fire Chief

                                                  248.391.0304 (ext. 2001)

​​​​​​​​

ORION TOWNSHIP MAN DIES IN HOUSE FIRE

ORION TOWNSHIP, MI (December 11, 2024) – A 61-year-old Orion Township man died early
today from injuries sustained in a house fire. Orion Township Fire Department (OTFD)
personnel were sent to a home in the 2400 block of Indianwood Road at approximately 5:30
a.m. Firefighters were told a resident of the home was trapped in the basement. OTFD retrieved
the man and transported him to a local hospital where he later died of smoke inhalation as
determined by the Oakland County Medical Examiner. Another resident in the home at the time
escaped without injury. The Oakland County Sheriff's Office Fire Investigations Unit and OTFD
are investigating to determine the cause of the fire.

Shoppers encouraged to contribute to a loved ones’ future

Shoppers encouraged to contribute to a loved ones’ future

by | Dec 10, 2024 | Regional News

Treasury Logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2024

Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167

Shoppers encouraged to
contribute to a loved ones’
future this holiday season with
the Michigan Education Trust

MET gift brightens the season by empowering dreams and ensuring a lasting legacy 

LANSING — With the holiday shopping season in full swing, Michigan families seeking meaningful alternatives to fleeting gifts like toys and gadgets can turn to the Michigan Education Trust (MET) to offer a gift that grows over time and secures a future filled with opportunity for their loved ones.

One such family embracing the idea is that of Saginaw County mother Meaghan Mitchell, who has made MET, the 529 prepaid tuition savings program administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury, a key part of her holiday shopping list for her two young daughters.

“Investing in my daughters’ education is the ultimate gift,” said Mitchell, whose daughters are both under the age of 6. “This holiday season, I’m asking family and friends to join together to consider giving them something that lasts a lifetime. MET gives me peace of mind knowing their college savings are secure, no matter how much tuition rises in the future.”

Mitchell added that her children will still get plenty of toys, games and clothing.

“That is Santa’s job,” she said.

MET allows families to prepurchase college credits at today’s prices, for use at Michigan public universities and colleges, protecting against future tuition hikes.  In addition, MET funds can be used to pay out-of-state and Michigan private college and university tuition. MET credits can also be transferred to other eligible family members.

For a short time, a special holiday bonus allows purchasers to use coupon code HOLIDAY24 to waive the $25 online enrollment fee on new contracts purchased around the holidays. The waiver begins Dec. 12, 2024, and runs through Jan. 2, 2025.

“MET is an ideal way to ensure a brighter future while celebrating the spirit of giving during holiday season or any other time,” said MET Executive Director Diane Brewer. “This time of year is about creating memories and giving meaningful gifts. What better way to embody the holiday spirit than by giving a gift that supports your loved ones’ dreams for years to come?”

Families can open a MET contract by purchasing as little as one credit hour or contribute to an existing one with as little as $25. Contributions are eligible for state tax deductions, making it a smart gift for both parents and grandparents. Purchases made before Dec. 31, 2024, qualify for a Michigan state income tax deduction this year for eligible Michigan residents.

Why choose MET this holiday season?

  • Tax Benefits: Contributions may be deductible from Michigan income tax.
  • Flexibility: MET funds can be used at universities, colleges and technical schools across the country.
  • Peace of Mind: MET protects against future tuition increases.

To make this holiday season truly unforgettable, consider a gift that grows with your family. Whether you’re a parent like Meaghan Mitchell, a grandparent or simply someone who wants to make a difference, MET is a gift that resonates far beyond the holiday season.

About MET

The Michigan Education Trust (MET) is Michigan’s 529 prepaid tuition savings program that allows parents, grandparents and others to save by buying future college credits at today’s tuition rates. Established in 1986, MET has helped tens of thousands of Michigan families save for higher education.

More information about MET is available at SETwithMET.com or 800-MET-4-KID. MET also hosts webinars throughout the year to inform families about the program’s features and benefits and offers one-on-one consultation sessions to make saving with MET more accessible.
Gov. Whitmer Makes Appointment to the Bench 

Gov. Whitmer Makes Appointment to the Bench 

by | Dec 10, 2024 | Regional News

 

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 10, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Makes Appointment to the Bench

 

LANSING, Mich. —Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointment of Reid Felsing to 56A District Court in Eaton County.

 

“I am proud to appoint Reid Felsing to the bench in Eaton County,” said Governor Whitmer. “With his years of experience as a magistrate, professor, and legal practitioner, I know he will uphold the rule of law and serve his community with distinction.”

 

56-A District Court – Eaton County

 

Reid Felsing started his legal career as the supervising attorney and public interest fellow for the Small Business and Nonprofit Clinic at MSU College of Law. After his fellowship, he joined Knaggs Brake, P.C., in Lansing, Michigan, working five years as an associate attorney. He continued teaching as an adjunct professor at Michigan State University, Saginaw Valley State University, and Lansing Community College. He also served as the magistrate at the 56A District Court in Eaton County.

 

Currently, he is the owner of The Law Office of Reid Felsing, established in 2017. He serves as a Michigan Appellate Assigned Counsel System (MAACS) roster attorney, representing indigent clients throughout Michigan. He is also on the assigned counsel lists in Ingham and Eaton counties, and is admitted to practice before the Eastern District Court of Michigan and Western District Court of Michigan. He is a member of both the Ingham and Eaton County Bar Associations.

 

Reid Felsing holds a Bachelor of Arts from Saginaw Valley State University in political science and criminal justice, a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University College of Law, and an LL. M. in Corporate Law and Finance from Western Michigan University’s Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

 

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Governor Whitmer for the opportunity to serve the people of Eaton County,” said Reid Felsing. “I am humbled to be in a role to serve my community as its district court judge.”

 

This appointment was made to fill a partial term following the resignation of Judge Julie A. O’Neill. Judge Felsing’s term will commence on January 6, 2025, and expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2027.

 

  Judicial appointment
Meyer steps down at Avondale

Meyer steps down at Avondale

by | Dec 10, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Meyer steps down at Avondale.

Written Monday December 9th at 7:20 PM

Avondale will have a new varsity football coach next fall.

Yellow Jackets coach Bob Meyer has stepped down coaching the program after three years in Auburn Hills.

A very accurate source confirmed the news that Meyer stepped down after the season ended.

Meyer led the Yellow Jackets to a 22-10 record with three postseason appearances and won the Gold in his last two years. Avondale lost twice to Walled Lake Western in the postseason.

It will be very interesting to see what Avondale does with their coaching search and the transition period that awaits them.

Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.