From making record investments in our infrastructure, to bringing jobs and investments home, to keeping our communities safe, I am proud of the work we have done over the last few months.
Let’s keep our foot on the accelerator and continue our efforts to lower costs and deliver on the kitchen-table issues that matter most to working families.
 Gretchen Whitmer
Governor of Michigan
On August 10, 2022, President Biden signed the PACT Act into law. The PACT Act is the most significant expansion of benefits and services for veterans who experienced toxic-substance exposure and their survivors in over thirty years.
If you are a veteran or a survivor of a veteran that may have been affected by toxic substance exposure, you can apply for benefits now. And veterans that apply by August 9th, 2023 could be eligible for 12 months of backdated compensation. I encourage you to check your eligibility to ensure you receive the compensation that you deserve.
Since taking office, I have met with thousands of veterans and their loved ones to hear their stories. Michiganders who served our nation in uniform and their families deserve access to compensation for all that they sacrificed for our state and nation. For more details, please feel free to reach out to your Representative or Senator.
As governor, one of my top priorities is ensuring that every Michigander has access to quality, affordable health insurance. During the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), extra benefits were provided, such as food assistance and Medicaid. With the end of the federal PHE this May, Michigan is once again required to conduct the process of redetermining eligibility for Medicaid, and we are building on efforts by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) to help families stay covered and save money.
In May 2023, I issued an executive directive aimed at ensuring as many Michiganders as possible have access to affordable insurance. The directive instructed all state departments to cooperate with and assist MDHHS and DIFS, including by working together to distribute information to Michiganders about the redetermination process and how to renew eligibility.
To help Michiganders through this process, the State has:
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Communicated with impacted Michiganders by mail, text message, and targeted advertising campaigns.
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Launched two new websites by MDHHS and DIFS to provide information to consumers about redetermination and alternative health insurance options.
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Added staff to the MI Bridges Help Desk and Customer Service lines to help Michiganders navigate the transition.
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Reached out to employers to help ensure that individuals are informed about their employer-based health insurance options, including the existence of a special enrollment period for those affected by redetermination.
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Nationwide, Medicaid beneficiaries will have to renew their coverage to comply with federal legislation. This means that thousands of Michiganders may transition away from Medicaid. In Michigan, annual renewals began again in June 2023 and will continue through May 2024. During this time, MDHHS will review the Medicaid eligibility of more than 3.1 million Michiganders, and those who are no longer eligible for benefits must take action to maintain healthcare coverage to protect themselves and their families.
If you receive Medicaid, you should take the following steps to prepare for redetermination:
If you receive notice that you or a family member are no longer eligible for Medicaid or MIChild benefits, don’t worry, you have other options, including for low- or no-cost coverage. Having health insurance is important, not just for when you are sick or hurt, but also to help you stay healthy and avoid big medical bills. For more information about your health insurance options, visit Michigan.gov/StayCovered or call DIFS at 877-999-6442, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
We are using every resource available to us to spread awareness of the reinstated federal Medicaid eligibility requirements and to help Michiganders stay insured and have access to quality, affordable health care.
I am committed to building a state government that represents Michigan. That applies to the 240+ boards and commissions that serve the state. I encourage Michiganders to bring their talent and experience to state government and apply for an appointment to a statewide board or commission. Review our openings and apply at www.michigan.gov/appointments.
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