Dear Neighbor,

Happy Women’s History Month! I am honored to serve as the state representative for the 53rd House District and proud to be a strong advocate in Lansing for our community. Please encourage your friends and family to stay connected and subscribe to this e-newsletter. The e-news keeps everyone up to date on legislation and policies coming from the Capitol, coffee hours and other virtual and in-person community events.

In service,

State Rep. Brenda Carter, 53rd House District

In this Issue:

  • Upcoming Events
  • Medicaid Redetermination
  • Public Act 10: Prevailing Wage
  • House Bill 4064: Cursive Writing

Upcoming Events

  • Goldener Walsh Coffee Hour
  • Waterford Senior Center Coffee Hour

Medicaid Redetermination

If you’re on Medicaid, keep an eye on your mailbox, so you don’t lose coverage!

Starting in June 2023, those who participate in Medicaid or the Healthy Michigan Plan will once again have to prove they are eligible for benefits the next time they renew coverage, even if they have qualified before. Renewals had been paused because of the COVID-19 public health emergency but will be restarting due to recent changes in federal legislation.

Here are the steps that Medicaid beneficiaries should take, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS):

  1. Make sure your address, phone number and email address are up to date at Michigan.gov/MIBridges. You can also call your local MDHHS office. If you do not have an online account for MI Bridges to access your Medicaid case or report changes, go toMichigan.gov/MIBridges to sign up for an account. You can also locate organizations that can help you by searching for community partners.
  2. Report any changes to your household or income. You can report changes at Michigan.gov/MIBridges or by calling your local MDHHS office.
  3. If you get a renewal packet, be sure to fill it out, sign the forms and return it by the due date with any proof needed. NOTE: If you do not complete and return the renewal, you may lose Medicaid coverage.

Some Medicaid participants may be told they no longer qualify for Medicaid or the Healthy Michigan Plan. Those Michiganders will receive additional information about other health insurance options, including purchasing a plan on the Health Insurance Marketplace, where affected Michiganders will be able to shop for and enroll in comprehensive health insurance. Thanks to federal subsidies, many Michiganders will be able to purchase a plan for less than $10 per month.

For questions about purchasing a health plan on HealthCare.gov, go to Michigan.gov/StayCovered or call the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services at (877) 999-6442, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Public Act 10: Prevailing Wage

Prevailing wage floor speech

Here I am urging my colleagues to vote in favor of House Bill 4007

I hit the ground running in January by introducing House Bill 4007 to restore prevailing wage in Michigan. Prevailing wages reward hard work and ensure working people can earn a decent standard of living, take care of their families and have a secure retirement. They allow Michigan to continue making progress on critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water infrastructure, high-speed internet and more. I was proud to sponsor this legislation and want to thank Gov. Whitmer for signing my bill into law.

House Bill 4064: Cursive Writing 

In February, I introduced House Bill 4064 to bring cursive writing back to Michigan schools. I believe it is essential that all of our children know how to read and write in cursive. Children must be able to sign their own names and read the documents that founded our great country. I am proud to say that the Michigan Department of Education supports my bill, and I look forward to seeing it pass out of the House soon.