October 15, 2019: MMAP Medicare Awareness Day

WHEREAS, it is estimated that 20 percent of the citizens in Michigan, or 2 million people, have Medicare health insurance; and,

 

WHEREAS, The Michigan Aging and Adult Services contracts with the Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP), a 501c3 nonprofit, to administer the State Health Insurance Assistance Program to provide free and unbiased health benefits counseling for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers; and,

 

WHEREAS, MMAP’s 650 counselors, professional volunteers, and paid caseworkers, are trained and certified and serve all 83 Michigan counties; and,

 

WHEREAS, MMAP professionals are not affiliated with any insurance company; and,

 

WHEREAS, MMAP team members who assist people who are new to Medicare understand their options so they can make informed decisions; and,

 

WHEREAS, MMAP counselors help Medicare beneficiaries resolve unpaid claims and file appeals; and,

 

WHEREAS, MMAP team members educate the public about Medicare and Medicaid fraud and how to identify and report it; and,

 

WHEREAS, MMAP team members conduct and participate in public events, including presentations, health fairs, and conferences for human services professionals, to education beneficiaries, their family members, and caregivers about Medicare benefits and services; and,

 

WHEREAS, MMAP staff and volunteers educate low-income Medicare beneficiaries about low-income benefits and assist them with applications for these benefits to help them save money; and,

 

WHEREAS, last year, MMAP counselors helped Michigan Medicare beneficiaries save over $40 million in health care costs; and,

 

WHEREAS, money saved in the local community is returned to the local economy; and,

 

WHEREAS, each year, from October 15 through December 7, all Medicare beneficiaries may select Medicare prescription drug coverage and health plans for the upcoming calendar year; and,

 

WHEREAS, certified MMAP counselors are available to provide confidential health benefits counseling, without conflict of interest, to help beneficiaries compare and enroll in Medicare drug and health plans that meet their personal needs and preferences;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 15, 2019, as MMAP Medicare Awareness Day in Michigan.