Whitmer Calls on Trump to Pass Bipartisan Recovery Plan 

Whitmer Calls on Trump to Pass Bipartisan Recovery Plan 

by | Jul 28, 2020 | Uncategorized

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 28, 2020

Media Contact: [email protected]

 

PHOTOS AND VIDEO: Governor Whitmer Calls on Trump Administration, Congress to Pass a Bipartisan Recovery Plan

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer once again called on the Trump Administration and Congress to work on a bipartisan recovery package that includes support for state governments, frontline workers, and small business owners. The governor was joined by Chief Medical Executive and MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, State Budget Office Director Chris Kolb, Detroit Regional Chamber President and CEO Sandy Baruah, and Paola Mendivil, co-owner of El Granjero Mexican Grill in Grand Rapids.

 

To view video of the governor’s press conference, click  https://www.facebook.com/MichiganStatePolice

 

 

 

 

 

MDHHS announces initiative to eliminate hepatitis C

by | Jul 28, 2020 | Uncategorized

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 28, 2020

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

MDHHS announces initiative to eliminate hepatitis C
in Michigan on World Hepatitis Day

LANSING, Mich. – In recognition of World Hepatitis Day, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is launching the We Treat Hep C Initiative to take important steps towards eliminating hepatitis C in Michigan. This initiative is designed to bring down the cost of hepatitis C medication for Medicaid and the Michigan Department of Corrections.

Organizations around the world, including the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, commemorate World Hepatitis Day on July 28 to raise awareness about viral hepatitis. Viral hepatitis – a group of infectious diseases known as hepatitis A, B, C, D and E – affects millions of people worldwide, causing both acute and chronic liver disease, and can be fatal.

Hepatitis C (HCV) is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation, sometimes leading to serious liver damage. The hepatitis C virus spreads through contaminated blood. Approximately 115,000 people in Michigan are known to have HCV, though when taking undiagnosed persons into account that number may be as high as 200,000. In recent years, Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAA) were developed to treat HCV. This oral medication can cure the disease when taken every day for two to six months. With success rates of more than 90 percent, these drugs have the potential to virtually eliminate the disease.

Over the past several years, MDHHS has covered the cost of hepatitis C medications for thousands of Medicaid and Healthy Michigan Plan (HMP) beneficiaries, and MDOC has covered the cost of these medications for thousands of incarcerated individuals. However, the high prices associated with these drugs have strained program budgets.

In the coming weeks MDHHS will announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) for drug manufacturers of DAAs to provide a significant discount to these programs. In return for this discount, the product will be the preferred DAA for Medicaid and MDOC, with minimal prior authorization requirements.  The RFP will be posted on the State of Michigan Vendor Self Service System, found at Michigan.gov/vsslogin.

“MDHHS is committed to working with clinicians throughout the state to ensure that persons impacted by HCV can access these lifesaving medications wherever they live,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “We endeavor to achieve a future where HCV is no longer a threat to the health of Michiganders.”

In addition, MDHHS has partnered with the Michigan Public Health Institute to engage stakeholders and community partners on testing, linkage to care and treatment of HCV.

Testing and treatment capacity for HCV are highly dependent on engaging, training and eliminating barriers within the clinical community.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/Hepatitis.

Michigan Drivers and Businesses Saving Nearly $97 Million

by | Jul 28, 2020 | Uncategorized

Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Orders to Result in Michigan Drivers and Businesses Saving Nearly $97 Million

Media Contact: Laura Hall, 517-290-3779, [email protected]
Consumer Hotline: 877-999-6442 or Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints

LANSING, MICH. Michigan consumers and businesses will see an estimated savings of $96,767,175 as a result of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services’ (DIFS) orders requiring that insurers provide adjustments or credits for worker’s compensation policies and partial refunds of automobile insurance premiums. During COVID-19, many insurance companies saw a significant drop in claims, so the premiums paid by their customers could not be justified.

“Consumers and businesses should not be required to pay insurance premiums that do not reflect the changes they have made to day-to-day activities during the pandemic,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “As a result of COVID-19, businesses have made significant changes to the way they operate, and individuals have significantly reduced the amount they are driving, both of which have significantly reduced insurers’ payments on claims.”

In three orders, DIFS Order No. 2020-10-M, DIFS Order No. 2020-11-M, and DIFS Order No. 2020-13-M, DIFS required insurers offering worker’s compensation or automobile insurance policies to file plans with DIFS to issue adjustments, credits, endorsements, or refunds, as appropriate, due to reduced utilization during COVID-19 or demonstrate why such plans were not warranted at that time. The orders also required detailed communication plans to inform policyholders about the refunds, credits, or adjustments and how they will be applied.

“As a consumer protection agency, DIFS is working to put money back into the pockets of people and businesses hurt financially by the outbreak,” said Fox. “Consumers and businesses should communicate with their agents or insurance companies if they would like to make additional adjustments to save money on their premiums.”

Filings received by DIFS show a mix of strategies to put money back into the pockets of both drivers and employers, including direct premium refunds, credits, and payment accommodations. Projected savings are based on approved insurer filings.

Drivers or businesses with questions about their refunds or adjustments should contact their insurance company or agent to determine when and in what form they will receive their savings. DIFS has a consumer hotline to assist policyholders with questions or disputes that cannot be directly resolved with their insurers. Contact DIFS Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 877-999-6442 or file a complaint at Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints.

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.

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

Humane Society Warns Consumers of Heightened Puppy Scams

Humane Society Warns Consumers of Heightened Puppy Scams

by | Jul 28, 2020 | Uncategorized

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Media Contact:

Ryan Jarvi
(o) 517-335-7666 (c) 517-599-2746

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, July 27, 2020

AG Nessel, Humane Society of the United States Warn Consumers of Heightened Puppy Scams During Pandemic

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Humane Society of the United States are urging consumers to be wary of puppy scams as many people seek to purchase or adopt dogs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Given the increased number of those staying at home during the ongoing public health emergency, many are turning to the internet to adopt a furry friend for companionship. The Michigan Department of Attorney General has seen a surge in complaints of internet scammers exploiting this situation. Several Michiganders have recently been tricked into paying for pets that do not exist. And, because these thieves are often outside the country, the prospects of getting money back are extremely low.

“Scammers are looking for any way to take advantage of consumers during this pandemic and puppies are unfortunately not exempt,” Nessel said. “While many people may be eager to bring home a puppy during this time, I urge Michiganders to be vigilant in their search to avoid being scammed. My office continues to prioritize protecting residents from predatory and deceptive business practices, and these puppy scams will ultimately result in heartbreak and financial loss. Always do your homework before making any purchase online to avoid being taken advantage of.”

In addition to the deceptive practices of advertising puppies that do not exist or charging exorbitant fees, scammers are taking advantage of the pandemic as they use it as a reason to avoid in-person visits and demand additional fees.

“Taking advantage of Michiganders by exploiting our love of animals is as cruel to the people as it is to the dogs. We are very grateful to General Nessel’s office for taking this issue seriously,” said Molly Tamulevich, Michigan State Director for the Humane Society of the United States.

Each year, consumers in the U.S. spend more than $1 billion buying puppies without realizing they may be doing business with scammers, puppy mill operators or both. Puppy mills are inhumane, dog breeding operations that keep dogs in overcrowded and unhealthy conditions and, depending on location, many are not regulated or inspected. Breeders hide their poor conditions by meeting buyers at offsite locations or selling through pet stores or online.

Since 2018, the Michigan Department of Attorney General has received nearly 50 complaints of alleged puppy scams – 26 of these complaints came in this year alone.

The Michigan Department of Attorney General previously provided tips to help consumers spot and avoid puppy scams. Consumers should remain hyper-vigilant when purchasing a puppy online. The below best practices can help consumers avoid falling victim to these scams:

  • Research the breed
  • Research the breeder
  • Research the advertised puppy
  • Do not purchase a puppy sight-unseen
  • Use a credit card to make the purchase
  • Retain all documents and communications from the breeder
  • Consider contacting your local shelter

Michigan consumers who believe they have been a victim of a puppy scam can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection team online.

Whitmer: McConnell Plan Must Do More

by | Jul 28, 2020 | Uncategorized

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 27, 2020

Media Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer: McConnell Plan Must Do More to Protect Working Families, Frontline Workers, Small Businesses 

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer released the following statement after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Republicans in Congress released their proposed plan to continue the fight against the coronavirus.

 

“After delaying action for months on the next COVID-19 relief aid package, President Trump, Sen. McConnell, and Republicans in Washington released a plan that fails to support states and communities as they continue to respond to the pandemic and denies adequate relief to the millions of hardworking Americans who have lost their job as a result of the Trump Administration’s mishandling of this crisis.

 

“Last week, 1.4 million people across the U.S. filed initial unemployment claims, the first increase since April, yet this proposal would reduce pandemic-related unemployment benefits that have been a lifeline for so many, including more than 1.1 million in Michigan who were relying on the $600 supplement to make ends meet before it expired last week. Making matters worse, Congressional Republicans and the White House are also proposing a move to a system that would calculate emergency unemployment benefits based on previous wages that would likely result in weeks, if not months-long, delays of getting critical relief to individuals and families already struggling to stay afloat. Our working families cannot go that long without this important economic lifeline. I hope Republicans in Congress will do the right thing and extend benefits at their current levels to help the more than 25 million unemployed workers impacted by this deadly pandemic.

 

“In April, Sen. McConnell said that he would rather see states declare bankruptcy than provide us with the federal support we need to protect our families and loved ones. The plan he announced today reflects that sentiment. It doesn’t include any additional funding for states like Michigan to provide crucial services to our residents. At a time when this country needs strong federal leadership, the Trump Administration and Mitch McConnell have once again fallen short. We need leaders who will help working families recover from this pandemic, not just the wealthy and well-connected.”

Interchange construction requires closing northbound I-75

by | Jul 27, 2020 | Uncategorized

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                       MONDAY, JULY 27, 2020

 

CONTACT: Rob Morosi, MDOT Office of Communications, [email protected]

 

Interchange construction requires closing northbound I-75 exit to Big Beaver Road tomorrow in Oakland County

 

Fast facts:

– Starting Tuesday morning, crews will close the northbound I-75 exit to Big Beaver Road.

– The exit will close Tuesday at 5 a.m. until late August.

– Exiting traffic will be detoured to Crooks Road/Corporate Drive interchange.

 

July 27, 2020 – Weather permitting, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) contracting crews will be closing the northbound I-75 exit ramp to Big Beaver Road starting Tuesday, July 28 at 5 a.m. The ramp closure is required for ongoing interchange construction at I-75 and Big Beaver Road.

 

During the closure, exiting traffic will be detoured to the Crooks Road/Corporate Drive ramp. Posted detours will direct traffic back to Big Beaver Road. The exit ramp is expected to remain closed until late August.

 

Follow I-75 modernization progress on the web at www.Modernize75.com, or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Modernize75 or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Modernize75.