Dear Neighbor,

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

Rep. Hope to Host Coffee Hour in June

Mark your calendar! Join me for a Coffee & Conversation event on Monday, June 3, from 4-5pm.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 during the event. See you then!

Rep. Hope’s Treatment Court Bill Signed Into Law

My bill (House Bill 4523), which expands eligibility for defendants to participate in mental health courts, was signed by the governor last week. This means that more individuals struggling with their mental health can receive treatment instead of jail or other criminal sanctions. This bill is part of a larger package of bills (House Bills 4522–4525) to expand the use and accessibility of treatment courts. These bills were also signed into law. 




 

Rep. Hope Listens to Domestic Violence Survivors’ Experiences in the Court System

I recently heard from domestic violence survivors being served by the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing. During our meeting, several women shared their experiences with the family and criminal court systems along with their ideas to improve the experience of domestic violence survivors in the courts.

It was disheartening to hear about the many struggles these women have faced while seeking justice. However, I am inspired by their strength. I look forward to working with them to create a more just and compassionate court system for women and children who have been impacted by family violence.

Rep. Hope Recognizes Intern, Grayson, on House Floor

Last week, I recognized my departing intern, Grayson Eckland, on the House floor. Grayson has helped countless constituents since he began his internship last fall. Grayson has been an asset to my team, always treating people with kindness and respect. I know he will accomplish great things in the future!

 





Sincerely,

Kara Hope

State Representative 

House District 74

 

In Case You Missed It…

 

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 you and your pet’s risk of disease by:

  • Steering clear of tick-infested areas by walking in the center of trails, and avoiding contact with overgrown grass and brush.
  • Contacting your veterinarian about tick prevention products for your pets.
  • Using insect repellent.
  • Treating clothes with permethrin, an insecticide 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. 

Save Money on Groceries with Double Up Food Bucks

I know groceries are expensive right now, especially for our neighbors who may be 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 over 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 this 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 its 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 the 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 at (800) 803-7174 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 have missed their initial enrollment window and lost their Medicaid coverage can enroll in Medicare Parts A and B, Part C and/or the 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.