Michigan Family Connections Fall 2017 News

Michigan Family Connections Fall 2017 newsletter is a publication of the Michigan Family to Family Health Information Center and the Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Family [phone Line 800-359-3722]. Here are two items that will help families seeking medical and other benefits for their special needs children:

ACA OPEN ENROLLMENT IS GOING ON NOW—DON’T WAIT! 

With so much uncertainty around the Affordable Care Act, some individuals and families are waiting to see what happens. But it is important to note that there are important deadlines to meet if you need to purchase coverage. Don’t wait and take a chance on missing out on enrollment.

The Kaiser Foundation recently did an analysis on individuals eligible for Marketplace insurance. The results show that 54% or 5.9 million people who are uninsured and eligible to purchase coverage on the Marketplace would pay less in premiums than they would owe as a penalty for lacking coverage.

Within that, about 4.5 million (or 42%) could obtain a bronze level plan at no cost in 2018, after taking income-related premium tax credits into account. For more information on the results of this analysis, go to the Kaiser Foundation website here
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For more information, or for assistance in finding help with enrollment, please visit: www.healthcare.gov .

December 15, 2017—Enrollment closes

For individuals who enroll during this open enrollment period, coverage will begin on Jan 1, 2018.

MICHIGAN MILITARY FAMILY SPECIAL NEEDS COALITION

The Michigan Military Family Special Needs Coalition was recently formed as a partnership between the State Family Program Office, and Michigan military families with special needs. The purpose of the Coalition is to improve support and gather resources for all military and veteran families in Michigan requiring medical or educational consideration for family members. A family member with special needs is defined as a:

• Spouse, child or incapacitated adult, who, regardless of age, has special medical needs and requires medical care for a chronic condition, receives ongoing services from a medical specialist or has significant behavioral health concerns. 
• Child (birth through age 21) with special education needs who is eligible for, or receives, either early intervention services through an individualized family service plan, or special education services through an Individualized Education Program. 

The Coalition is seeking any Michigan military service members, veterans, or family members who want to assist in improving support and resources for our Michigan military and veteran families with special needs.

Please share this information with any military or veteran family with special needs that may be interested in participating. Any service members or family members interested may contact Jess Ulrey at (517) 481-8301. You can also visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/mmfsncoalition/  .