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Michigan health insurers waive cost-sharing for COVID treatment
Almost all of Michigan’s health insurance companies have agreed to waive cost-sharing, including copays, deductibles and coinsurance for COVID-19 testing and treatments. DIFS can help consumers with health insurance questions and complaints, and the Michigan Health Insurance Consumer Assistance Program (HICAP) can provide tips and help answer questions about health insurance, including special enrollment periods […]
As COVID-19 spreads and Mich. death toll hits 1k, Whitmer signs stronger stay home order
“I’m in the business of saving lives,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said after announcing she is expanding Michigan’s stay-at-home order until April 30. As expected, Executive Order 2020-42 extends the prior “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order, which was set to end Monday. What some conservative critics didn’t seem ready for was that she also imposed more […]
COVID-19 cases surpass 20K, Detroit sees slowdown in cases
The state is reporting that the number of COVID-19 cases has reached 20,346, an increase of 1,376 since Tuesday. A statewide coronavirus hotline is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1-888-535-6136. Information can be found on the DHHS website or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention […]
Whitmer says COVID-19 still ‘going to hit Michigan incredibly hard’ as state nears 20K cases
COVID-19 cases in Michigan reached 18,970 on Tuesday, an increase of 1,749 cases since Monday. A statewide coronavirus hotline is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1-888-535-6136. Information can be found on the DHHS website or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention website. The number of […]
Whitmer: ‘We are nowhere near the end’ of COVID-19 outbreak
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Thursday that the worst of the COVID-19 outbreak in Michigan is probably a month away, and hospitals all across the state still do not have the supplies they need to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus. “We know that the apex is probably not until the end of April or […]
Whitmer closes schools for 2019-20, districts to decide learning plans
In another action to slow the spread of COVID-19, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Thursday that all school buildings will remain closed for the rest of the school year and is instructing school districts to draft plans and adjust to remote learning. “My No. 1 priority right now is protecting Michigan families from the spread of […]
Whitmer declares state of disaster over COVID-19, Senate GOP leader opposes 70-day extension
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer formally declared a state of disaster in Michigan on Wednesday and asked the Legislature to OK an extension on the state of emergency. The governor said the declaration will allow her “administration to respond more effectively to every facet” of the COVID-19 outbreak in Michigan. As of 3 p.m. Wednesday, the state […]
Facing felonies, Macomb County prosecutor resigns
Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith, who was charged last week with 10 felonies by Attorney General Dana Nessel for alleged embezzlement and misconduct in office, announced his resignation Monday. “It is with heavy heart that today I am announcing my immediate resignation from the Office of the Macomb County Prosecutor,” Smith wrote in a statement. […]
Nursing homes see spike in COVID-19 cases, Whitmer asked to take action
Updated, 1:06 p.m. 4/13/20 The spread of COVID-19 often hits older people the hardest. Reports coming from nursing homes around the state are showing that those living in these facilities could be in a particularly dangerous situation. A number of residents and employees working in metro Detroit have tested positive for COVID-19, the new coronavirus, […]
National Guard OK’d to perform humanitarian missions in Michigan
President Donald Trump granted Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s request to order members of the Michigan Army and Air National Guard to perform humanitarian missions across the state during the COVID-19 outbreak. Up to 3,000 members of Michigan’s National Guard, under the governor’s command and control, will help out by running mobile screening facilities, distributing food and […]
Whitmer vetoes spending to funnel more money to COVID-19 response
State health officials say Michigan is still weeks away from a peak in COVID-19 cases and we are still lacking medical equipment in the state. So in order to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer whacked new state budget spending the Legislature had teed up. “We know we’ve got to be […]
Detroit convention center will transform into makeshift medical site
Detroit’s TCF Center, formerly known as Cobo Center, will be turned into a 900-bed medical site in response to COVID-19, the disease caused by a new coronavirus. Many metro Detroit hospitals are nearing capacity as the virus continues to spread. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Detroit District, recommended the large convention center be […]