COVID-19 Resources List - Updated 4/16/20

 

Health Care Coverage and Health Insurance during COVID-19

For Immediate Release
 

Contact: Krista Nordberg               
Washtenaw Health Plan
734-544-6778
nordbergk@ewashtenaw.org 

Health Care Coverage and Health Insurance during COVID-19

Washtenaw Health Plan is ready to help 

YPSILANTI, Mich., April 14, 2020 – If you lost health care coverage or never had health care coverage, the Washtenaw Health Plan team can help provide information and answer your questions. Options include enrolling in Marketplace coverage though a Special Enrollment Period, COBRA and Medicaid or MIChild. Call the Washtenaw Health Plan at 734-544-6778 or email whp@washtenaw.org. For help in Spanish, call 734-544-2949. For help in Arabic, call 734-544-9729. 

Our Washtenaw Health Plan team members are advocates and problem solvers. We are all Marketplace Certified Application Counselors and trained to help with Medicaid applications. We can help with questions about eligibility for health care coverage for you or anyone in your family. We have experience with helping people with different family sizes, incomes, employment types or immigration statuses.  

“Everything is especially difficult right now, and people may have lost their coverage if it was through an employer,” says Krista Nordberg, director of enrollment and advocacy for the Washtenaw Health Plan. “We can help you look at your options and find the best coverage for you and your family. 

If you lost your job and no longer have insurance: You will qualify for insurance through Medicaid or the Marketplace. Your current income (if you have any) will determine where you apply for insurance. A job loss opens up a Special Enrollment Period, if you want to apply for Marketplace insurance. Or if your income is now $0 or below 138% of the poverty level, you can apply for Medicaid. 

Your employer may offer COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) insurance, but it will probably be very expensive. Check the Marketplace cost estimator and your Medicaid eligibility before you enroll in COBRA. After you enroll in COBRA, you will not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period on the Marketplace. 

Resources for Applying for Health Care Coverage 

  • Medicaid: To apply for Medicaid, go to MIBridges, create an account and complete an application for healthcare coverage. When you are applying, include anyone who is currently on your tax return. Do not include roommates or significant others. 
  • Marketplace: You will need a Special Enrollment Period to enroll on the Marketplace. This can be a letter from your employer about losing your insurance or another life change like a death, birth, marriage, or change in immigration status. If you are income eligible, you will receive tax credits to help pay your health insurance premium. You may also receive cost-sharing lowering your deductible and out of pocket costs. To apply for Marketplace insurance, go to healthcare.gov.
  • MIChild: MIChild is the CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) for Michigan. You can apply through MiBridges. The cost is $10/month per family regardless of the number of children.  

The Washtenaw Health Plan’s website is healthcarecounts.org  which includes informational blog posts about Special Enrollment PeriodsSelf-employmentMIChildMarketplace subsidies and many other healthcare topics.  

Helpful Links  

The Washtenaw Health Plan works directly with people to assess their eligibility for health coverage and to secure coverage. Visit healthcarecounts.org or call 734-544-3030 and leave a message or email whp@washtenaw.org. The WHP office is currently closed to walk-in visits.  Staff are working remotely and can help by email and phone. 

 

Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office Covid-19 Resources Update
 
During these unprecedented times, one of the most significant challenges communities face is uncertainty. To minimize confusion and connect those in need with available resources, we are sharing the list below. If you need assistance with acquiring food, securing internet access, or are wondering how to volunteer your service, give money or donate food, we hope this list will provide direction.

If You Need Help
For a medical or crime related emergency call 9-1-1. For help with social service needs contact 2-1-1. The 2-1-1 line is a 24/7 hotline that can connect you to social services and resources throughout Washtenaw County.

If You Want to Know More About the Virus
Washtenaw County Health Department is the designated source for information on the Coronavirus. As new information becomes available you can find it here Washtenaw.org/COVID19.  

If You Need Food
For a full list of food distribution options, please visit foodgatherers.org/needfood.

If You Need Food and You Have School Aged Children
There are several school districts and youth serving organizations working together to ensure that our community is provided support and resources during this current pandemic. For a full list of school district food distribution sites visit Washtenawisd.org/covid-19.

If You Need Internet Access
With school canceled many families will need internet access for students to maintain their coursework.  A list of free/low cost options is available here.  

If You Need Housing
Call Housing Access of Washtenaw County (HAWC) at (734) 961-1999. 

If You Want to Give
Visit uwgive.org to donate to the Community COVID-19 Relief Fund. 100% of your gift will be used in our community to meet the emerging and critical needs in Washtenaw county by our non-profit partners.
 
If You Want to Volunteer
Visit volunteerwashtenaw.org. Help is needed in the community and there is a special Washtenaw County Coronavirus Volunteer response team – Medical and Non-medical people are needed.

If You Want to Give to Food Specific Resources in Our Community
Donate funds, food, or your time to Food Gatherers.

  • Funds: Food Gatherers will continuously assess the emergency food needs in our community. In this unprecedented situation, financial donations provide Food Gatherers the most flexibility to best respond to these emerging needs. Donate now: www.foodgatherers.org/donate or 734-761-2796.
  • Donate Food: We are accepting food donations during our regularly scheduled hours. For more information visit www.foodgatherers.org/givefood
  • Donate Lunches with Love: These pre-packed meal bags are a great way to provide ready-to-eat food to our community. Learn more: www.foodgatherers.org/lunches
Volunteer: Food Gatherers relies on volunteers to support our operations. For the safety of staff and volunteers, we are implementing additional food safety and sanitary measures in our warehouse and Community Kitchen. Learn more: www.foodgatherers.org/volunteer.