Michigan
How can Michigan maintain care for 500k residents who gained Medicaid health insurance during COVID?
In accordance with the Michigan League for Public Coverage (MLPP), over half 1,000,000 Michiganders joined the state’s Medicaid medical health insurance applications in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing the full variety of Michiganders receiving Medicaid medical health insurance to three million. However they stand to lose their protection once more at any time when the federal authorities revokes the general public well being emergency declared in January 2020.
The federal Households First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020, handed in March 2020, assured uninterrupted Medicaid protection for enrollees all through the pandemic public well being emergency no matter modifications in earnings or different components. So, regardless of the upheaval brought on by the pandemic, the nation’s uninsured charge truly decreased in 2020, largely on account of this steady protection provision and Medicaid.
“The [Families First Act] was one of many first main issues that we have been doing as a nation to handle the COVID pandemic. This helped each people in addition to well being methods and supplier organizations to supply steady look after a number of the most weak individuals within the state of Michigan,” says Monique Stanton, MLPP president and CEO. “It is so vital for people to have entry to well being care protection, particularly throughout a pandemic, however anytime they want bodily well being care in addition to behavioral well being care.”
As the general public well being emergency winds down, specialists in public well being and public coverage worry that huge numbers of People will lose their protection and endure dire well being penalties in the event that they now not can afford wanted well being care. On Might 18, 2022, the nationwide Heart on Funds and Coverage Priorities (CBPP) held a briefing to spotlight how states can ease this transition by prioritizing three core areas: discovering methods to succeed in out and successfully talk with Medicaid enrollees; streamlining the Medicaid renewal course of; and serving to people who’re now not eligible for Medicaid to efficiently transition to different forms of applications. As a result of President Biden has not issued the 60-day advance discover required for ending the present public well being emergency, which is ready to run out in July, the following potential finish date will likely be in mid-October.
“What’s distinctive about this second is that we even have somewhat little bit of certainty, one thing that is been actually arduous to return by in the course of the pandemic. We now know that now we have a minimum of 5 extra months earlier than the general public well being emergency ends,” says Jennifer Wagner, CBPP director of Medicaid eligibility and enrollment. “State officers have extra time to plan and implement modifications that shield protection for individuals. And with examples of greatest practices from different states, in addition to steerage and waivers from [the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services], there are a lot of issues that states can do to reduce protection loss on the finish of the general public well being emergency.”
Pandemic modifications can inform Medicaid shifting ahead
In the course of the pandemic, hundreds of thousands of individuals have confronted housing instability, many have moved, and plenty of have new contact data because of this. Most individuals haven’t been in contact with their state division of well being and human providers for the reason that pandemic started. CBPP employees say now could be the time for these companies to succeed in out to their insurance coverage and the US Postal Service to substantiate contact data so enrollees know when and find out how to take motion to proceed their protection. State companies additionally must develop public-facing outreach and supplies which might be straightforward to know and out there in a number of languages.
“We do not have to return to how issues have been pre-pandemic, the place we frequently noticed hours-long wait occasions at name facilities, reliance solely on mailed notices for essential data, and eligible individuals steadily dropping protection at renewal and never discovering out till they went to get their prescription crammed or to see a physician,” Wagner says. “This presents a possibility and an obligation for states to place in place insurance policies and methods that change elementary issues in Medicaid, like how they impart with their enrollees, how they accomplice with neighborhood teams and managed care organizations, and the way they use digital knowledge sources to confirm eligibility.”
In the course of the briefing, state companies have been urged to undertake user-friendly strategies to succeed in individuals – for instance, texting and e mail – as a part of efforts to streamline the Medicaid enrollment course of.
“We all know that about 97% of individuals with incomes lower than $30,000 per yr have a cellular phone. Textual content messaging is rapidly changing into the norm for a way people need and count on to obtain updates. States needs to be aware of this,” says Farah Erzouki, CBPP senior coverage analyst. “Individuals oftentimes lose protection for procedural causes in the course of the renewal course of, like not submitting a kind even when they’re nonetheless eligible for Medicaid. States can get forward of this by growing the speed of automated renewals.”
Michigan unwind in course of
Stanton believes Michigan is heading in the right direction. Whereas different states nonetheless have legislative hurdles to beat, right here the ball is already within the courtroom of the Michigan Division of Well being and Human Companies (MDHHS).
“The MLPP will not be essentially asking for laws or an funding in funds. It is actually working in partnership with MDHHS, in addition to suppliers and Medicaid well being plans, and making certain that there’s a sturdy, easy, environment friendly technique to guarantee that we’re capturing as many individuals as potential to get them recertified in a well timed manner,” Stanton says. “One among our first huge asks was actually to make sure that the state of Michigan took the total quantity of allotted time to have the ability to do that.”
The MLPP’s extra suggestions to the MDHHS embrace participating native companions and stakeholders to assist form Michigan’s plan for “unwinding” from the general public well being emergency. Partnering with Medicaid managed care organizations and community-based organizations might assist guarantee efficient communication with individuals at present on Medicaid. In the course of the pandemic, extra digital choices for enrollment have been made out there. Persevering with to permit Medicaid and Youngsters’s Well being Insurance coverage Program (CHIP) enrollees to resume on-line or by telephone in addition to in particular person might assist guarantee continuation of protection for individuals who are eligible. When individuals are disenrolled, noting whether or not they have been ineligible reasonably than unable to finish the recertification course of, after which following as much as re-enroll those that are arduous to succeed in, might guarantee fewer Michiganders fall via the bureaucratic cracks.
“One other advice is growing the share of Medicaid and CHIP renewals which might be accomplished through ex parté — utilizing different third-party digital knowledge sources to confirm eligibility,” Stanton says. “You might use SNAP eligibility to substantiate that this particular person would even be eligible for Medicaid. That can also take employees burden away from a number of the staff.”
Persevering with Medicaid protection not solely advantages these enrolled, but in addition helps well being care methods and suppliers, particularly these serving weak populations like these experiencing homelessness or substance use issues.
“Working with the people who they serve to guarantee that they’re doing that recertification is an enormous piece,” Stanton says. “Are we ensuring this particular person truly is ineligible, or did we simply lose contact with them they usually’re floating out someplace within the state? Are we actually ensuring that we’re being proactive and interesting with these individuals to get them recertified?”
One other vital piece of the transition is ensuring that people who find themselves now not eligible for Medicaid are linked with employer-based medical health insurance or the Well being Insurance coverage Market for reasonably priced protection.
“In the event that they now not qualify for Medicaid, we need to guarantee that there is a good course of to get them linked so they’re able to get their well being care wants met,” Stanton says. “We need to guarantee that they’re capable of keep that stage of well being care protection.”
To unwind from the general public well being emergency, MDHHS’ present methods embrace sending notifications to Medicaid beneficiaries and providing webinars to get enter from suppliers and different neighborhood companions on its unwind toolkit. As well as, its web site is being frequently up to date with the newest data because the division restarts processes and releases up to date insurance policies. Michiganders with Medicaid can begin the renewal course of mid-June by updating contact data and reporting any modifications to their family or earnings on-line at michigan.gov/mibridges. They may obtain a yearly renewal kind within the mail, which, except on-line or telephone choices are added per MLPP’s suggestions, will must be crammed out and returned. MDHHS will share unwind data through textual content messaging, web site, and Fb, Twitter, and radio ads.
“A very powerful factor for us is to make sure that this can be a well-thought-out, seamless course of,” Stanton says. “As a result of now we have over 3 million individuals which might be at present enrolled in Medicaid, we have to be sure that they’re capable of get their well being care wants met.”
Estelle Slootmaker is a working author specializing in journalism, ebook enhancing, communications, poetry, and youngsters’s books. You may contact her at Estelle.Slootmaker@gmail.com or www.constellations.biz.
Lead picture by Adobe Inventory. Monique Stanton picture courtesy of Monique Stanton.
Michigan is a swing state with a significant impact on the presidential election. From the 1970s to the 1980s, Michigan voted Republican before voting Democrat from the 1990s to 2012.
Things changed again in 2016 when Michigan voted for Donald Trump, giving him a narrow win against his opponent at the time, Hillary Clinton. While the Great Lakes State voted in favor of Democrat Joe Biden in 2020, it’s anyone’s guess what will happen during this year’s election.
With Election Day only about a month away, the question becomes this: If Trump gets re-elected, how will that impact Michigan residents’ finances? Here are a few possibilities.
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Positive Impact on Select Industries
If you live in Michigan and work in certain industries, a Trump presidency could be a good thing for your wallet.
“A Trump presidency would have a positive impact on the finances of Michigan residents,” said Kevin Jerry, a nationally recognized expert in tax method changes and owner of Kevin A Jerry MST & Associates.
It might depend on the industry, though. In particular, Michigan is known for its automotive, manufacturing, tech, engineering, defense and professional services sectors. If Trump is elected, his policies could also support growth and innovation in these areas, good news for those hoping for higher wages or better opportunities.
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Expansion of the Tax Cuts and Job Act of 2017
The Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA) of 2017 has had a massive impact on tax law. Most of the changes it’s brought about — specifically those that impact individual finances — are set to expire in 2026.
Trump was the one who originally signed the TCJA into law. If he’s elected for a second term, he could very well expand it beyond its current timeline.
“The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 will most likely be reinstated,” said Jerry. “That means the R&D tax credit, bonus depreciation on commercial buildings and residential rentals, as well as a continued 21% C Corporation tax will mean more jobs at higher wages because higher corporate profits will lead to more investments in plant, equipment and people.”
Some Prices Could Go Down
According to Jerry, a Trump presidency would have a largely beneficial impact on taxpayers. It’s possible that some of his policies would bring prices down, which would alleviate some financial stress.
However, certain policies could have an adverse effect on prices.
Trump has proposed enacting a tariff on foreign-made goods. This could support domestic businesses, which would be good for entrepreneurs and business owners. But it would also lead to higher prices on imported products. For those who primarily buy domestic goods, this might not have much of a direct impact, but only time will tell.
Housing Prices Could Continue To Rise
According to the S&P Corelogic Case-Shiller Index, U.S. housing prices are at an all-time high. The median sales price is $412,300.
As of now, Trump hasn’t specifically indicated how he plans to address the housing crisis issue. If prices remain as high as they are, or if interest rates continue to remain high (though there has been some improvement on that end), homeownership could remain out of reach.
There is potentially good news, however. The median sales price of single-family homes in Michigan is $260,000, significantly lower than the national median. For those who’d benefit from potentially higher wages or better career opportunities, this could make homeownership more achievable. There’s just no guarantee that prices will drop.
Stocks Could Benefit
The stock market has always been volatile, regardless of who’s in office. For individuals who’ve invested in stocks, a Trump presidency could be beneficial.
A recent CNBC survey found that 67% of individual investors feel that Trump would be good for the stock market. During his initial term, the Nasdaq rose 137%, while the S&P 500 rose 68%. In contrast, the Nasdaq has only risen 34% and the S&P 500 has risen 44% under the Biden-Harris administration (as of June 2024).
Regardless of location, those who rely heavily on stocks — either for passive income or as part of their retirement planning — could benefit from Trump. For long-term investors, the current U.S. president might not have as much of an impact.
Editor’s note on election coverage: GOBankingRates is nonpartisan and strives to cover all aspects of the economy objectively and present balanced reports on politically focused finance stories. You can find more coverage of this topic on GOBankingRates.com.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: If You Live in Michigan, Here’s How Trump Might Affect Your Wallet
Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel exited for a play in the first half of Friday’s Big Ten home opener against the Michigan State Spartans. After being hit on a throw, Gabriel went down with an apparent injury and was treated by Oregon’s athletic trainers. As a result, he was required to leave the field for a play.
Backup Dante Moore entered, which officially marked his Big Ten debut.
Moore then took over the reins for good in the fourth quarter before the Ducks secured the 31-10 win. On Moore’s first full drive, Oregon went three-and-out after an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on second down set the Ducks back. After that, Moore completed a seven-yard pass to Jurrion Dickey before running for six yards on 3rd and 18.
He wasn’t able to see anymore significant action, as the Spartans drained out most of the remaining clock before knocking in a field goal with 10 seconds to play. Moore then took the final kneel down to seal the win.
In a short sample size, Oregon Ducks coach Dan Lanning still had high praise for the backup quarterback.
“What he shows on the game field is the same things we see in practice,” said Lanning. “I think he was able to operate cleanly tonight, but I want to be able and go watch the tape and see what I can pick from that.”
Moore, a transfer from UCLA, fixes to be the starter for the Ducks once Gabriel moves on next season. He said prior to the 2024 campaign that he’s feeling “way more comfortable.”
“Overall, going through fall camp, I’m way more comfortable,” Moore said. “Checking calls, checking protections — I’m just feeling more comfortable from what Coach Stein has taught us.”
Last season with the Bruins, he went 114 of 213 passing for 1,610 yards, 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Headed into Friday’s meeting with the Spartans, Moore had appeared in just one game this season, as he saw action in the 49-14 win over Oregon State on Sept. 14. He went 3 of 3 passing for 15 yards in mop-up duty.
A Detroit native, Moore came out of Martin Luther King High School as a five-star quarterback and one of the best players in the 2023 recruiting class. He had offers from programs like LSU, Auburn, Georgia, Michigan, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State and many more.
He was a part of a talented 2023 quarterback class that included big names like Arch Manning, Nico Iamaleava, Malachi Nelson. Jackson Arnold, Avery Johnson, Jaden Rashada and current Oregon Duck quarterback Austin Novosad.
Across four years in high school, Moore went 623 of 893 passing for 9,880 yards, 135 touchdowns and 20 interceptions.
If Moore can continue to enter games while Gabriel is healthy, that will spell success for the Ducks, as it signals that Lanning feels comfortable with a big lead.
Barring an injury to Gabriel, it’s unlikely that Moore will see action in next week’s pivotal Big Ten matchup against the Ohio State Buckeyes next Saturday at Autzen Stadium. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. PT.
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Former President Donald Trump’s chances of defeating Vice President Kamala Harris have improved significantly over the past week in Michigan, according to a bookmaker.
Trump’s odds of winning Michigan’s presidential election were up by 14 percentage points with online betting platform Polymarket on Friday. Michigan is considered among at least seven battleground states that could decide the presidency on November 5.
While Polymarket still listed Harris as a 52 percent to 48 percent favorite in Michigan, the Democratic nominee saw her advantage over the Republican slip from a much wider lead of 67 percent to 34 percent only one week earlier on September 27.
Newsweek reached out for comment to the Trump and Harris campaigns via email on Friday.
Scott Olson
Polls suggest that Michigan is very likely to be a tight contest. While Harris has been a slight favorite for the past two months, Trump has been gaining ground in the state in some recent surveys.
A pair of Republican-leaning polls conducted late last month showed the former president with a 1 percent to 2 percent lead over Harris. An average of recent polls compiled by FiveThirtyEight shows the vice president leading Trump by 1.6 percent as of Friday.
Trump was defeated by President Joe Biden in Michigan by 2.8 points in 2020. He won the state by less than 11,000 votes over former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2016, becoming the first Republican to win Michigan since former President George H.W. Bush in 1988.
The Wolverine State is among the three so-called “blue wall” swing states that are considered vital for Democratic hopes of winning in November. Polls and betting odds in the other two states, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, are also tight.
Polymarket, which was funded in part by early Trump backer Peter Thiel, has also given the former president a significant odds boost in Pennsylvania over the past week. Trump is a 55 percent to 46 percent favorite in the Keystone State as of Friday, up from a nearly even contest one week earlier.
The FiveThirtyEight Pennsylvania polling average show Harris with a very small 0.6-point lead over Trump as of Friday.
In Wisconsin, Harris was a slight Polymarket betting favorite on Friday, although her 52 percent chance of winning was down from 56 percent the previous week. The Badger State polls showed the race neck-and-neck, with Harris holding another 0.6-point lead in the FiveThirtyEight average.
Polymarket is among several online betting platforms that offer odds on the presidential election. Nearly all of the bookmakers show Harris and Trump with roughly even chances of winning the overall election in November.
While betting on elections was technically illegal for many years in the U.S., a federal appeals court earlier this week sided with betting platform Kalshi in a lawsuit that effectively legalized the practice.
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