Dear Neighbor,

Here is some information that I hope you will find helpful, including some updates and news from your state government.

MDHHS Issues Mask Advisory

In response to rising COVID-19 rates, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued a mask advisory for the upcoming holiday season. Specifically, MDHHS recommends that everyone over 2 years old should wear a mask indoors regardless of their vaccination status. This advisory came on Friday — the day after Michigan experienced its highest seven-day-case rate of 2021.

CDC Recommends All Vaccinated Adults Receive COVID-19 Booster

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently recommended that all vaccinated adults receive a COVID-19 booster shot six months after receiving their second COVID-19 vaccine shot. Everyone ages 5 and older in Michigan is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. In addition to the health department, Sparrow Health Systems, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Meijer and other pharmacies are administering the vaccine and the booster.

Medicare Enrollment Period Open Through Dec. 7

The Medicare open enrollment period began Friday, Oct. 15, and ends Dec. 7. During this period, you can shop for your Medicare 2022 Prescription Drug Plan or make changes to current Medicare coverage. Coverage for newly selected plans begins Jan. 1, 2022. Even if you are happy with your current plan, it is recommended to take the time to compare and make sure you are receiving the best possible coverage.

The Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) offers Medicare beneficiaries and their families assistance with understanding the eligibility process, enrollment, coverage, medical bills, Medicare supplementals and long-term care insurance. To get connected with a MMAP Counselor near you, call (800) 803-7174 or go to https://mmapinc.org/ and click on “Get Started.”

Enjoy the Holiday!

I want to wish you and your loved ones a very happy Thanksgiving. Each and every day, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as your state representative. And I look forward to continuing to work with you to make our communities and state the best they can be, even in these uncertain times.

My office will be closed from Tuesday, Nov. 23, to Friday, Nov. 26, in observance ofThanksgiving. If you need assistance over this break, please contact us at (517) 373-0587 or by email at karahope@house.mi.gov. We will get back to you as soon as we are back in the office.

Sincerely,

Kara Hope

State Representative