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Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services implements important new health insurance consumer protections

LANSING — The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is informing Michiganders of important new health insurance consumer protections now in place under bipartisan “surprise billing” legislation signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer last year. “Unexpected medical bills can cause patients significant stress and confusion,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “These new consumer protections can help prevent this problem when a patient, unbeknownst to them, receives a portion of their care from a provider outside their insurer’s network, allowing ...

All Michigan households eligible for food assistance will receive additional payment in June

LANSING – All Michigan families who are eligible for food assistance benefits will receive an additional payment in June in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced. Close to 700,000 Michigan households will benefit under approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service June is the second month that all Michigan households will receive the additional benefits. Previously – beginning in April 2020 – families already receiving the maximum monthly amount of assistance were not eligible for ...

Co-conspirator to face trial in defrauding scheme involving VA, Michigan Treasury

LANSING – A suspect in a scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Michigan Department of Treasury out of nearly half a million dollars will face trial, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced today. The Attorney General's enforcement operation was conducted in close collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General. Earlier today, Sophia J. Quill, 60, waived preliminary exam in Wayne County’s 18th District Court, meaning the case will move to circuit court for trial. The charges against Quill include: — ...

Michigan Reconnect Skills Scholarships open to first 1,000 enrollees

LANSING — A new wave of applicants can now apply for the Michigan Skills Scholarship program – which provides up to $1,500 to aid in tuition coverage at a private training school or program for adults 25 years and older seeking a skills certificate. The scholarship is part of the Michigan Reconnect program and offers certificates in five high-demand professional trade careers in industries: business management, construction, healthcare, information technology and manufacturing. The scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis to the first 1,000 applicants who ...

Have a great summer – Safe and sober, urges the Michigan Liquor Control Commission

As summer heats up, Michiganders are urged to celebrate the season safely at gatherings and activities especially where alcohol might be consumed. Remember to keep your alcohol consumption in check and never drink and drive, urges the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC). “The state’s 19,000 liquor licensees are excited to have their bars, restaurants, hotels, distilleries and wineries now open for patrons to enjoy Pure Michigan,” said MLCC Commissioner Dennis Olshove. “If you drink alcohol, do so responsibly. Make this a great summer to remember for all the right ...

Gov. Whitmer announces Preschool Funding Plan to ensure 22,000 more children can enroll in early education

LANSING — Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced her plan to fund preschool education to ensure that all eligible children in Michigan have access to high-quality, affordable early education opportunities that prepare them for success. The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), the state-funded preschool program for four-year-old children, has not been able to meet demand and currently only 66% of eligible children statewide are served by GSRP or federal Head Start programs. The plan announced today would increase funding for GSRP to ensure eligible 4-year-olds are served. “We have a ...