The Right Connection - Health

Starting January 1, 2014, all Americans must have private health insurance or be enrolled in a qualified government health plan or face penalties. 

To apply for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, compare plans, and/or enroll, go to: www.HealthCare.gov. This site helps people shop for and enroll in affordable health insurance. 

If you want free help in understanding, applying, and/or enrolling in the health coverage through the Marketplace, there are people available to help:

1. Navigators provide impartial education about the Health Insurance Marketplace and health plans, helping applicants determine whether they qualify for subsidies or Medicaid, and assisting them in the enrollment process. For a list of Macomb County navigators, go to: https://localhelp.healthcare.gov/#/, type in your zipcode and local navigators will be displayed.

2. Certified application counselors (CACs) can also provide assistance with the enrollment process. They are similar to Navigators, but their role is more limited and their focus tends to be strictly on helping people enroll, without the more extensive assistance that some Navigators can provide.

3. Insurance brokers and agents are certified in their state and can also explain plan details and help consumers determine subsidy or Medicaid eligibility, and they can also make plan recommendations based on a client’s particular situation.

In addition, Michigan offers several medical assistance programs. Each program covers different groups of people and each program has different eligibility requirements. When you apply for a program, your age, income, financial resources, and other information will be used to determine if you are eligible. You must also meet the financial and non-financial eligibility conditions for that program:

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) offers several ways to apply for health care coverage. Online applications are encouraged and will be processed faster than paper. After completing the application, you will be notified of the programs you and your family members are eligible for. See below for ways to apply and receive help.

FOR IN-PERSON APPLICATION ASSISTANCE

Find a Navigator go to www.michigan.gov/mibridges and connect with a Navigator. (Search for nearby Navigators by entering the person’s address)

Macomb County Health Department has a Navigator (English or Spanish) (586) 469-5520.

Information on understanding your health coverage, finding a provider, where to go for medical help, making an appointment, preparing for your visit, deciding if the provider is a correct match, next steps after an appointment and understanding the insurance card and questions to consider is available at: https://cha.macombgov.org/sites/default/files/content/government/cha/pdfs/Insurance-Guide.pdf

Low cost and confidential primary health care services for youth ages 10-21,including medical care, counseling, and educational services. Services are by appointment and with parental consent if the youth is under 18 years of age:

Free prevention and primary health care program for Macomb County infants and children. A Public Health nurse provides health information and nursing services to individuals, clinics, community and schools. Available from the Macomb County Health Department - Public Health Nursing Services:

https://health.macombgov.org/Health-Programs-FamilyHealthServices-Public
HealthNursing

Assistance to Macomb County families/children with special medical conditions in securing medical treatment and costs is available from the Macomb County Health Department - Children's Special Health Care Services, St. Clair Shores, (586) 466- 6855.

https://health.macombgov.org/health-programs-HPP-ChildrensSpecialHealthCareServices 

One-on-one education for youth and their parents on how to use an asthma inhaler and/or spacer, how to play sports/be active/be outdoors while controlling asthma, etc, how to avoid emergency room care for asthma, etc. is available from Kids Health Connections, (586) 459-5108.
https://khcmi.org/ 

Immunizations for Macomb County children and adults against the following diseases: diphtheria, influenza, pneumonia, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps,poliomyelitis, rubella, hemophilus influenza, Hepatitis B, or vorcilla (chicken pox). A small fee is required unless the person has Medicaid or Medicare, in which case, the immunizations are free. Some commercial insurances can be billed for the immunization services. A parent or guardian must be available to complete and sign the clinic health form for each child. The registration form is available at: http://health.macombgov.org/sites/default/files/content/government/health/pdfs/ImmunizationRegistrationForm032017.pdf

The Medical Screening and Consent for Vaccination form is posted at:http://health.macombgov.org/sites/default/files/content/government/health/pdfs/MedicalScreeningQuestionnaireandConsentforVaccination2017.pdf

Information to bring:

• Immunization record(s) for all persons being immunized.
• Insurance card(s) for all persons

Available from:

HEAD LICE HOTLINE: (734) 929-9080

Booklet: MICHIGAN HEAD LICE MANUAL: A comprehensive guide to identify, treat, manage, and prevent head lice is posted on the web at:  
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/-/media/Project/Websites/mdhhs/Folder2/Folder41/Folder1/Folder141/MI_HL_Manual_Final_2013.pdf?rev=0d98bd1c91e149d2b727edb96b95cf84&hash=312BC846BFB2985CC713526A85BC853C 

Treatment for head lice is available (infected persons can try using over-the-counter lice shampoos but if this doesn't work or if it is a severe case, they need to go to a provider for a prescription) at:

Head checks and non-toxic head lice treatment by a practitioner who will go strand by strand through the hair to eliminate lice, nits, and the nit glue that attaches the eggs to human hair is available for a cost (a military discount is available). All services are by appointment only and available from Rapunzel’s Lice Boutique, Sterling Heights, (734) 929-9080. http://rapunzelslice.com/services/

Information on contraceptive methods, pregnancy testing, pelvic and breast examination (birth control supplies are available on a sliding fee scale). Available from:

Pregnancy testing is available at:

Options counseling is available from:

• Specialized preventive services provided to pregnant women, mothers, and their infants who have Medicaid to help reduce infant deaths and illnesses (Maternal Infant Health Program - MIHP). For a list of MIHP service providers, go to: http://www.michigan.gov/mihp. Then click on “MIHP Agency Directory.”

• A free home visiting program for Medicaid-eligible pregnant people, infants up
  to 1 year old, and their families is available where a parent is paired with a nurse
  and social worker to help the parent and the baby stay healthy. Home visits are
  designed to meet your family’s needs and talk about topics such as: pregnancy, labor
  and delivery, breastfeeding and nutrition, infant growth and development, building a
  strong network of support, and community resources such as housing, transportation,
  childcare, etc. Available from the Macomb County Health Department Maternal Infant
  Health Program (MIHP). For more information call (586) 465-8429 or go to:
  https://www.michigan.gov/mihp 

• Emergency Food is available through various food pantries in Macomb County. Eligibility is determined by calling 2-1-1 or (800) 552-1183.

• Nutrition education and supplemental food coupons for low-income pregnant females, new mothers, and children under age 5 who have medical or nutritional needs. Available from the Macomb County Health Department - WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Supplemental Food Program, Mt. Clemens, (586) 469-5471 or Community First Health Center, New Haven, (586) 749-5173.

• Free nutritional education and consultation for Macomb County individuals and families. There are no income guidelines. Available from the Macomb County Health Department, Mt. Clemens, (586) 412-3396 or visit their website at: https://health.macombgov.org/Health-Programs-HPDC-NutritionServices 
  

• Nutrition education programs are available from MSU Extension. For a list of
  programs, go to: https://www.canr.msu.edu/nutrition/index 

Information and support for breast-feeding is available from the La Leche League. For a list of local groups, go to https://llli.org/get-help/ 

Information and support for breast-feeding is available from WIC and Maternal Infant Health Programs:

Hospitals may offer information on breastfeeding. Check with your local hospital.

Chiropractic care is available from participating chiropractic doctors who make time available to treat at least one qualified armed-service member (all Active Military, their Families, Wounded Warriors and/or All Gold Star Dependents), a week at no charge. Eligible Individuals include: all Military Personnel currently on active duty and their immediate family members; any veteran with a service-related disability and Gold Star dependents. To locate a chiropractor, go to www.patriot-project.org 

Traditional American Indian healing and spiritual practices combined with contemporary Western medicine (prevention and treatment) is available from American Indian Health and Family Services (Detroit), (313) 846-6030.
http://www.aihfs.org/

Access to safe, affordable medicines provides generic at cost plus 15%, plus the pharmacy fee, if any and a $5.00 mailing cost. With all medications listed on the Internet site, you will need to request a new prescription from your U.S.-based provider to place an order. Available from Cost Plus Drug Company, https://costplusdrugs.com

A website summary of currently available patient benefit programs offered by the pharmaceutical companies providing a variety of ways to find help with the cost of medications. Search for assistance based on illness or condition, by the drug’s brand name or generic equivalent, or by manufacturer. The site also lists resources for finding human assistance filling out paperwork or making applications, and service organizations that support specific conditions. Users must access the information via a computer – there is no telephone alternative at this time. For more information, go to: www.needymeds.org

Prescription Assistance website (www.pparx.org) helps qualifying patients who lack prescription coverage get the medicines they need through the public or private program that is right for them. Many will get their prescriptions free or nearly free. This site offers a single point of access to more than 275 public and private patient assistance programs, including more than 150 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies. To access the Partnership for Prescription Assistance by phone, call toll- free, (888) 477-2669.

Prescription discount cards are available for Macomb County residents any time the prescription is not covered by insurance. Present the card at a participating retail pharmacy and save an average of 20% on prescription medicine. There are no restrictions and no limits on how many times you may use the card. To print a copy of the discount card and find a participating pharmacy and a price estimate for the prescription, go to http://nacorx.org or call (877) 321-2652.

Thirty (30) day supply of generic drugs on the current covered list of covered drugs for $4.00 per prescription fill or refill if picked up in person. Available from:

Ninety (90) day supply of 125 medicines for $20.00, $30.00 or $40.00. Available from Rx Outreach, (800) 769-3880.   https://rxoutreach.org/find-your-medication/ 

Help for underinsured patients with chronic disease, cancer, or other life-altering conditions to obtain the medications they need, assisting patients throughout the United States who meet income qualification guidelines and have private insurance or a Medicare Part D plan but cannot afford the co-payments for their specialty therapeutics. Patients may receive their prescription from a participating pharmacy or fill their prescription on their own and submit a receipt for reimbursement. The Chronic Disease Fund requires that patients are compliant with their prescribed treatment. Available from the Chronic Disease Fund, Plano, Texas. (972) 608-7141 or (877) 968-7233. 
https://www.mygooddays.org/patients/assistance-types 

Prescription Drug Coverage for recipients of Medicare who are enrolled in Medicare Part D (prescription benefit). Low-income persons below 150% of poverty can receive “extra help” from Social Security (800) 772-1213 at reduced or no premium. For advice about which provider to choose, call the Area Agency on Agency’s Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program, (800) 803-7174 or the Office of Senior Services, (586) 469-6313 or Social Security, (800) 633-4227. Website: http://www.medicare.gov

Prescription medicines for low-income people ages 18 and older living in Michigan - If approved, you can receive your medications for $8.30 per prescription and may have your medications mailed to your home. Available from World Medical Relief, (313) 866-5333. Website:   
http://www.worldmedicalrelief.org/local-programs 

Information on how to identify, treat and manage bed bugs is available at the following websites:

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/emergingdiseases/Bed_Bug_Manual_v1_full_reduce_326605_7.pdf

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/emergingdiseases/Getting_the_Bed_Bugs_Out_Guide_442175_7.pdf

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/emergingdiseases/mattress_fact_sheet_275417_7.pdf

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/emergingdiseases/bed_bug_complete_web2_304873_7.pdf

Free testing, medication and medical consultation to persons diagnosed or suspected of having tuberculosis and their contacts. Available from the Macomb County Health Department in Mt. Clemens and Warren, (586) 469-5421.
https://health.macombgov.org/Health-Programs-DC-TuberculosisProgram 

Free and confidential testing, treatment, diagnosis and counseling for sexually- transmitted diseases (STDs). Available from the Macomb County Health Department in Mt. Clemens and Warren by appointment only. Call (586) 465-9217.

https://health.macombgov.org/Health-HelpMeFindIt-Location

Low-cost confidential testing, diagnosis, treatment and counseling for sexually- transmitted diseases (STDs). Available from Planned Parenthood, (586) 558-0101.
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center/michigan/warren/48093/warren-health-center-3834-90630

HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing provides anonymous counseling and testing – but not treatment – on an appointment only basis. Services are provided at no charge to persons age 12 and over. For more information call the Macomb County Health Dept.,
(586) 465-8434.
https://health.macombgov.org/Health-Programs-DC-HIVAIDSCounselingTesting 

Free pre-test counseling, testing and post-test counseling for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Contact Michigan AIDS Hotline, (800) 872-2437.

Pre-test counseling, testing and post-test counseling for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Available from Planned Parenthood, (586) 558-0101.
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center/michigan/warren/48093/warren-health-center-3384-90630/hiv-testing  

Transportation to health care appointments for Medicaid clients is available from their Medicaid Health Care Plans. Clients are encouraged to contact their Health Plan and schedule transportation services ahead of time. NOT provided by HMOs are: trips for dental, substance abuse, or community mental health services.

These services are provided in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb by Modivcare, as well as all transportation for "straight Medicaid" cases, especially dialysis patients. Customers must call two days in advance from 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. to schedule rides. The number is (866) 569-1902. A link to the Medical Services Bulletin about the services is posted at: www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch/MSA_10-56_339333_7.pdf

More information about Modivcare is at their website - they are a national corporation providing Medicaid transportation in many states: https://www.modivcare.com/contact-us-business. Modivcare has the responsibility for providing medical transportation to many customers receiving Medicaid in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.

MAGGIE'S WIGS 4 KIDS OF MICHIGAN                                                                                                                           

Custom wigs for children aged 3 - 18 who have hair loss due to cancer, alopecia (loss of hair), trichotillomania (pulling hair out), burns and other disorders at no charge. A doctor’s note is needed on letterhead stationary stating that the child or teen is in need of a wig. The application form is posted at: https://www.wigs4kids.org/our-services/wig-creation.html  Available from at Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids, (586) 772-6656 (St. Clair Shores). http://www.wigs4kids.org/

HELP FOR YOUTH IN GRIEF                                                                                                    

Personalized assistance to youth who have lost a parent providing practical, professional, and personal assistance at each stage of the grieving and recovery process. Through partnerships with business professionals and social service organizations, a team of volunteers is assembled to meet each family’s unique needs. Available from the Yatooma's Foundation for the Kids, (888) 987-KIDS www.forthekidsfoundation.org

FUN ACTIVITIES FOR ILL YOUTH                                                                                          

Fun opportunities for children aged 2½ - 18 with life-threatening illnesses and their families. The Rainbow Connection’s Special Response program assists families with information and referrals to other needed services (e.g. utility assistance, counseling, etc.). Available from The Rainbow Connection, Rochester, MI. For more information, call (248) 601-9474, or go to: www.rainbowconnection.org

HOUSECLEANING FOR WOMEN WITH CANCER                                                               

Free professional housecleaning, and maid services (once a month for four months) for women currently undergoing treatment for any type of cancer is available from the Cleaning for A Reason Foundation which recruits professional residential maid services who are insured and bonded to participate. The Foundation limits the number of applications accepted on a daily basis from Monday through Thursday. Applications are available online only: www.cleaningforareason.org

HOUSECLEANING FOR WOMEN WITH CANCER

Free professional houscleaning, and maid services (once a month for four months) for women currently undergoing treatment for any type of cancer is available from the Cleaning for A Reason Foundation which recruits professional residential maid services who are insured and bonded to participate. The Foundation limits the number of applications accepted on a daily basis from Monday through Thrusday. Apllications are available online only: www.cleaningforareason.org

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT                                                                                                               

A free online directory of organizations that loan home medical equipment for free or at low-cost. Available at https://loanclosets.org/michigan/macomb

Free loan of portable wheelchair ramps for families with a child under age 18 with Cerebral Palsy or other paralysis-causing conditions living in Wayne, Oakland or Macomb Counties. For more information, call (248) 557-5070 or https://www.mi-ucp.org/accessibilityandmobility 

OTHER SERVICES

Hoarder service clean up (with client in or out of the house) is available fromClean Out Michigan. Free estimate, fully insured. For more information, call (989)
341-4954 or visit https://www.hoardercleanoutmichigan.com

Clean up after suicide/homicide, unattended death remediation, and hording cleanup is available from USA Biocare, (248) 621-3232.  https://www.usabiocare.com/