*October 9, 2024*



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Dear Friend,

My office is always working to ensure that Michiganders have access to the tools and resources they need to keep themselves and their families healthy.

From free COVID-19 test kits to high-quality, affordable health care plans, to support for our seniors so they can get the Medicare plan that’s right for them, I want to make sure you have the information you and your family need to stay healthy.

A safe, healthy Michigan is a prosperous Michigan. Let’s keep working together to keep our state healthy, happy, and strong.

Sincerely,

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Gretchen Whitmer

Governor






*Stay Healthy This Fall – COVID-19 Testing*

Fall is here and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is encouraging you to get free COVID-19 at-home tests through the federal government’s COVID-19 tests website [ [link removed] ] and reminding you about additional testing resources available to you too.

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the Chief Medical Executive for the State of Michigan, is also encouraging families to consider other respiratory diseases including RSV and the flu as we head into fall and winter when these diseases are most commonly spread.

All U.S. residents can go to COVIDTests.gov [ [link removed] ] to receive up to four free at-home tests per household through the U.S. Postal Service. Additional testing options in Michigan include on-site testing, Neighborhood Wellness Centers, and libraries providing free COVID-19 tests. For more information on those, click here. [ [link removed] ]

Staying home if sick and learning more about Respiratory Virus Protection Strategies [ [link removed] ].






*Enroll in a High Quality, Affordable Health Care Plan*

If you need health insurance for 2025, it’s time to start thinking about your options to sign up for an affordable plan.

Since I took office, ensuring every Michigander has access to quality, affordable health care has been one of my top priorities. See the options below to enroll in a plan and check out our progress to expand access to quality, affordable health care in Michigan. 

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*An Affordable Plan for Everyone*

* The annual Health Insurance Marketplace open enrollment period is *November 1, 2024 - January 15, 2025*.
* Michiganders can shop for a health plan by visiting the Health Insurance Marketplace [ [link removed] ] or by calling 800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325). New rules [ [link removed] ] have streamlined the number of available plans to make it easier for Michiganders to take advantage of savings.
* For questions about health coverage, visit gov/HealthInsurance [ [link removed] ] or call DIFS 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442.

*Seniors — Medicare Open Enrollment *

* The annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period is *October 15, 2024 - December 7, 2024.*
* During this time, seniors enrolled in Medicare can review and change their coverage for the following year. Michiganders can explore their options by visiting the Medicare Website [ [link removed] ] or calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Additional information about Medicare can be found at the Michigan Departments of Insurance and Financial Services Website [ [link removed] ].
* Navigating Medicare can be confusing. Michigan Medicare Assistance Program (MMAP) [ [link removed] ] is an additional resource to help Michiganders understand their options and answer any questions about Medicare.
* Over the next several weeks, MMAP will be traveling to community sites throughout Wayne County and Downriver to provide seniors with free and unbiased information about their Medicare plans. See the list of events [ [link removed] ] where you can speak with a certified MMAP counselor about your Medicare plans. To learn more or request assistance, visit mmapinc.org [ [link removed] ].

*Plan First! **— Family Planning Services for Every Eligible Michigander*

* Plan First! is a limited health coverage program administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), providing free family planning services to thousands of Michiganders.
* With Plan First!, we are ensuring that families have access to resources they need to decide when and if they want to start a family and important health care services like birth control, cancer screenings, and STI testing.
* Plan First! is a limited Medicaid benefit covering family planning services for those who do not qualify for traditional Medicaid. Eligible Michiganders can take advantage of in-office visits with providers, access birth control and other contraceptive products, and receive testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and other services.
* Learn more about Plan First! benefits and services at michigan.gov/PlanFirst [ [link removed] ].

*Our Progress to Keep Michigan Healthy*

The balanced, bipartisan budget [ [link removed] ] I signed in August will make Michigan a healthier, more affordable place to live. Last October, I signed bipartisan legislation [ [link removed] ] enshrining cost-saving provisions of the Affordable Care Act into state law, including requirements for preventative care, protections for preexisting conditions, and allowing children to stay on their parents’ plans until they turn 26. In May, I signed bipartisan legislation requiring insurance providers to offer equal coverage for mental health and substance use disorder treatments.

The new budget goes a heck of a lot further by:


* Establishing new behavioral health clinics to serve *35,000 *patients.
* *Zeroing out premiums* for MIChild, insurance for children in poverty.
* *Funding the Crisis Line* so you can get emergency mental help support when you need it.
* Continuing Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies [ [link removed] ] initiative to reduce racial infant and maternal health disparities.

When I was in the Michigan Legislature, I worked across the aisle to establish the Healthy Michigan Plan, which expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The plan now covers over 1 million Michiganders.

In tandem with the Biden-Harris administration, we’ve lowered the cost of prescription drugs and bolstered access to quality, affordable health care. Medicare now negotiates the prices of ten expensive, commonly used prescription drugs directly, and insulin now costs $35 a month for everyone. Click here to see how this will help save money for people with Medicare and what drugs will be offered at a lower price. [ [link removed] ]

Let’s keep working together to build a healthier, happier Michigan.

*Appointments Opportunities*

As we build a bright future for Michigan, I invite you to play an active role in moving our great state forward. Check out my current appointment opportunities [ [link removed] ] available through January 2025.

Your voice and expertise matter, and I am dedicated to ensuring that our Cabinet, Executive Office, and all state boards and commissions reflect the diversity and talent that Michigan has to offer. These opportunities span over 240 boards and commissions across state agencies, addressing a wide range of critical issues. Your skills and passion can make a real difference.

To see the full list of boards and commissions or to apply for an appointment opportunity, visit www.michigan.gov/appointments [ [link removed] ].

*Sign Up for Text Updates*

My office is always working hard to make sure Michiganders are in the loop. We are committed to improving transparency and accessibility so that you can learn about the work we’re getting done together, links to public resources, or information to keep you safe and healthy.

Sign up for texts today and never miss an important update from my office:

*Text GovWhitmer to (844) 495-1818 to subscribe!*

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