Dear Neighbor,
Here is some information that I hope you will find helpful, including updates and news from your state representative.
Rep. Hope to Host Coffee Hour in June
Mark your calendar! Join me for a Coffee & Conversation event on Monday, June 3, from 4-5 p.m. at the Oak Park YMCA, 900 Long Blvd. in Lansing. Send an email to KaraHope@house.mi.gov with any questions or topics you would like covered. See you then!
I recently spoke at Citizens for Prison Reform’s annual legislative day. I advocated for greater oversight within MDOC, increased protections for incarcerated people and the importance of rehabilitation. I also met with several formerly incarcerated folks and listened to their stories. As chair of the House Criminal Justice Committee, I am committed to increasing transparency in our state’s corrections facilities.
Protect Yourself Against Ticks This Summer
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging Michigan residents to learn how to prevent tick-borne diseases while exploring the outdoors. You can reduce your risk of disease by:
- Steering clear of tick-infested areas by walking in the center of trails, avoiding contact with overgrown grass and brush.
- Contacting your veterinarian about tick prevention products for your pets.
- Using insect repellent.
- Treating clothes with permethrin, which kills ticks on contact.
- Checking for ticks daily, inspecting all parts of your body and removing attached ticks with tweezers.
- Bathing after spending time outdoors.
- Washing clothes in hot water and drying on high heat to kill any lingering ticks.
For more information, visit michigan.gov/emergingdiseases/ticks.
Office Closed for Memorial Day
My office will be closed May 24-27 for Memorial Day. If you need emergency food, housing or utility assistance during this period, please call 211. They may be able to help.
During this Memorial Day weekend, take time to remember the heroic men and women who bravely sacrificed their lives to serve our country and preserve our democratic republic.
Sincerely,
Kara Hope
State Representative
House District 74
In Case You Missed It…
Save Money on Groceries with Double Up Food Bucks
I know groceries are expensive right now, especially for our neighbors struggling to put food on the table. Double Up Food Bucks is here to help. Those who shop for groceries with a SNAP/Michigan Bridge Card can double their benefits to purchase fresh, Michigan-grown fruits and veggies using Double Up Food Bucks. The program is available at 230+ participating farmers markets, farm stands and grocery stores across Michigan. With farmers market season around the corner, it’s a great time to use the program! Learn how it works and find a participating location near you at DoubleUpFoodBucks.org.
Find Opioid Resources at Attorney General’s New Website
The Michigan Department of Attorney General recently unveiled their new opioid resource website. If you or someone you know is interested in getting help, the MDAG website has information on treatment options, how to request Naloxone (a drug used to reverse opioid overdoses) and more.
How to Properly Dispose of Expired Medication with MyOldMeds.com
When was the last time you cleaned out your medicine cabinet? Proper disposal of unwanted or expired medicine is an important factor in keeping communities safe and healthy. Not only is it unsafe to consume expired medicine, but leaving it around the house could be harmful for those who accidentally come into contact with it. If you have unused or expired medicine, it is important to dispose of it the right way.
MyOldMeds.com makes disposal of unused or expired medication easy:
Step 1: Find a disposal site near you by using the locator tool on MyOldMeds.com. Visit MyOldMeds.com and enter your zip code into the site’s locator tool to find the disposal option closest to you.
Step 2: Remove any personal information from the medication’s labels and packaging.
Step 3: Dispose of your unwanted medicine by dropping it off in a kiosk or use the mail back option.
How to #StayCovered if You No Longer Qualify for Medicaid
Nationwide, Medicaid beneficiaries have had to renew their coverage to comply with federal legislation. 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 options for low or no-cost coverage:
Purchasing a plan on the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Thanks to savings recently put in place by the federal government, many Michiganders are eligible to buy a Marketplace plan for less than $10 per month. Free local enrollment help is available in-person, over the phone, or by email to help you choose the plan that meets your needs and budget.
Enrolling in employer-sponsored health coverage.
Many employers offer health insurance to their employees and those plans often offer a special enrollment period, for employees who experience a qualifying life event, such as losing Medicaid coverage.
Enrolling in Medicare.
Eligible seniors who missed their initial enrollment window and lost their Medicaid coverage can enroll in Medicare Parts A and B, Part C and/or Medicare Supplement plan. Free help is available to seniors who need assistance enrolling.
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. It is important to take action as soon as possible to reduce the risks that come from a lapse in coverage.
To learn more about how to get the health insurance you need, call the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services at 877-999-6442.