For the past two holiday seasons, Genesee Health Plan (GHP) staff has adopted families in need who live in Genesee County and the Flint community. GHP staff come together and purchase items that each family needs based off their Christmas list, including toys, household items, clothing, and shoes.
This year, GHP staff showed an overwhelming amount of generosity during the month of December, ensuring that each family had most, if not all of the items on their Christmas lists. Once all the gifts were collected, GHP staff helped wrap gifts for each family, leaving parents and guardians with joy, hope, and a little brighter holiday for their family.
The adopted families picked up their gifts from the GHP office and were welcomed by GHP Director of Operations, Linda Gibson, GHP President/CEO, Jim Milanowski, GHP staff and their Community Health Worker. Everyone goes through times of hardship, difficulty, and extreme circumstances that challenge how one will get through it. That is what makes our adopt a family tradition so important and meaningful, as well as the work that we do at GHP. As a community, we must come together to help those in need and continue to help our neighbors that are struggling and do our best to lift each other up. That is the meaning of community.
Thank you to all GHP staff for making this year so meaningful, joyful, and special for those families in need!
No one in Genesee County should be without health care coverage, Genesee Health Plan can help.
Yes, you read that right. When it comes to ensuring thousands of Genesee County’s hard-working adults, seniors, and families have the health care they need, Genesee Health Plan (GHP) wants to make sure no one is without health care coverage and has worked hard to achieve this in the Genesee County community for over 20 years.
Genesee Health Plan covers preventative health care services to the uninsured and underinsured, including doctor visits, mammograms, cancer screenings, dental, outpatient mental health services, prescription drugs, labs, and X-rays and dental coverage for seniors and veteran’s who do not have dental coverage.
The uninsured and underinsured in Genesee County includes individuals who work multiple part-time jobs to make ends meet but don’t receive health care coverage from their employers, those who don’t qualify for Medicaid, seniors who haven’t worked enough to qualify for Medicare and individuals who may have purchased insurance through the HealthCare.Gov Marketplace but found it unaffordable. Genesee Health Plan also helps young people who are unable to remain on their parents’ health care coverage and veterans who don’t receive coverage through the V.A.
Genesee Health Plan would not be able to provide this quality, affordable health care to Genesee County residents without the Health Care Services Millage, which has provided a dedicated source of funding necessary for sustaining the health care coverage it has provided since 2006. Voters across Genesee County and from many different backgrounds support Genesee Health Plan and utilize the coverage. In the latest millage election of 2018, Genesee Health Plan garnered 65% of the vote on the Health Care Services Millage, which shows the wide range of support in Genesee County.
100% of the money raised from the millage has been spent on direct health care services for patients. This can be verified on the Genesee Health Plan website, and annual independent audits make sure the funds continue to be used that way. Transparency is a core value at Genesee Health Plan, as well as the commitment to ensure voter millage dollars only be used for direct care.
In addition to the coverage that GHP provides, GHP also has a team of caring and dedicated staff to help individuals enroll into coverage that they qualify for and that best suit their health care needs, including Medicaid, HealthCare.Gov Marketplace and Medicare during Open Enrollment.
Genesee Health Plan continues its efforts in Genesee County by providing quality, affordable health care coverage and enrollment into a variety of health care programs. No one in Genesee County should be without health care coverage.
Learn more about Genesee Health Plan at geneseehealthplan.org, or call 844.232.7740.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 21, 2022
Shannon Ciszek, Communications Coordinator, Genesee Health Plan, 810.232.7740, sciszek@countyhealthplans.org
Enrollment assistance available for Genesee, Saginaw, and Bay County residents
FLINT – 2023 Open Enrollment through the Federal Health Insurance Exchange – also known as HealthCare.gov (Affordable Care Act/Obamacare) – began Nov. 1 and ends Jan. 15, 2023.
Additionally, GHP will offer enrollment services for the following health care coverage options, with staff available to help residents determine which plan to enroll in:
“Our priority is to make sure community members in Genesee, Saginaw and Bay County know what their health care coverage options are and to help them enroll in coverage that best fits their needs,” said GHP President and CEO Jim Milanowski. “The continuation of the CMS grant will allow us to ramp up our efforts in addressing barriers that community members face when enrolling and accessing health coverage.”
To help assist residents in Genesee, Saginaw, and Bay County with questions about health care coverage, GHP hosted a Health Care Phone Bank on Nov. 16, staffed by volunteer operators from GHP, Greater Flint Health Coalition, Hamilton Community Health Network and Valley Area Agency on Aging. Community members called in with questions ranging from Medicare to Medicaid and HealthCare.Gov Marketplace. In total 134 calls were answered, with 45 calls about Medicare, and 35 about HealthCare.Gov. All other calls were related to Medicaid and miscellaneous health care coverage questions.
“On average each year, 4,650 seniors are aging into Medicare in Genesee County,” said Valley Area Agency on Aging President and CEO, Yaushica Aubert. “Based on the number of those enrolling into Medicare for the first time, and the number of calls received about Medicare during the phone bank, it’s prevalent that the aging population needs help with neutral enrollment options and what better organization for us to partner with than Genesee Health Plan to help our senior community members ensure they have and understand their health coverage.”
In August of 2021, Genesee Health Plan (GHP) received a three-year federal Navigator Cooperative Agreement Award from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to Support Navigators in Federally-facilitated Exchanges. Under the grant, GHP will continue to help Genesee, Saginaw and Bay County residents enroll in health care coverage during 2023 Open Enrollment. GHP is one of 60 recipients nationwide and one of 3 organizations in Michigan to receive the grant for 2021-2024.
“I was proud to secure federal funding to help Genesee Health Plan continue their critical work helping mid-Michigan residents better understand their health coverage options,” said U.S. Congressman Dan Kildee. “In Congress, I will continue working to ensure every Michigander has access to high-quality, affordable health insurance.”
This project is supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $324,365 with 48% funded by CMS/HHS ($324,365) and 52% ($348,702) funded by non-government sources with a total project cost of $673,067. The contents are those of author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
This past week Genesee Health Plan and Sovita Credit Union announced the winners of their 7th Annual Health Heritage Essay Contest! First and second place winners from the elementary, middle, and high school level received a plaque and a gift card. Students entering the essay contest were asked to have a discussion with their families about their health history and why it is important, what they learned from these discussions, how they would like to improve their health, and the difference in health outcomes between racial and ethnic groups.
Parents were also given the chance to enter a contest for a $100 gift card when they discussed their health history with their child and wrote an essay about how it impacted their family. The parent contest was sponsored by the National Center for African American Health Consciousness. Chelly Osbourne, mother of first place middle school winner Mekhi Hughes, was the winner of the parent contest this year.
The winners of the 7th Annual Health Heritage Essay Contest are as follows:
High School:
1st Place
Ayden McCracken
11th Grade
2nd Place
Sidney Santana
12th Grade
Middle School:
1st Place
Mekhi Hughes
8th Grade
2nd Place
Taylor Wright-Williams
5th Grade
Elementary School:
1st Place
Avery Hubbs
3rd Grade
2nd Place
Riley Brown
6th Grade
On Sept. 9., GHP Community Health Workers worked with Sleep in Heavenly Peace – MI, Flushing, an American nonprofit, volunteer-based organization that builds and delivers beds to children in need. GHP Community Health Worker at Accelerated Learning Academy, Virginia Riggs, organized and helped spearhead this event. Our Community Health Workers and several volunteers (including students) participated in a nationwide building bunks across America and built 30 twin-size beds/bunk beds at the Accelerated Learning Academy for students in need! Check out some of the photos from the event!
Photo Gallery available at end of release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, August 9, 2022
Shannon Ciszek, Communications Coordinator
Genesee Health Plan, 810.232.7740, sciszek@countyhealthplans.org
FLINT – The Genesee Health Plan (GHP) honored local health care champions, community partners and leaders for their commitment to increasing access to health care coverage in Genesee County during the 2022 Health Care Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony on Friday, August 5, at the Genesys Conference & Banquet Center in Grand Blanc, with special thanks to Huntington Bank as the official event sponsor.
Special guest, Congressman Dan Kildee, provided remarks on the importance of community partnerships, highlighting the continued need for Genesee Health Plan’s services and how it is needed now more than ever given the ever-changing health care landscape. Kildee has been a long-time supporter of GHP since the plan’s inception in 2001.
“It is an honor to celebrate the important work of the Genesee Health Plan. In the richest country in the world, affordable health care should be a right—not a privilege,” Kildee said. “I am proud to have secured federal funding to help the Genesee Health Plan expand their efforts to provide free assistance to those who need help signing up for health coverage. In Congress, I will keep fighting to deliver resources to our community to help lower costs and increase access to care.”
This year, Kay Doerr was inducted into the 2022 Health Care Hall of Fame for her dedication, advocacy and leadership that helped improve the health of the community. Her public health leadership in the community has spanned over three decades, as Doerr served on the Genesee County Board of Health where she led efforts to draft and pass a community supported health equity policy in Genesee County, one of the first in the nation. Doerr has worked tirelessly to pass policies addressing tobacco use reduction, both locally and nationally.
“Kay Doerr has been a pillar in our community and continues to fight to bring healthcare access to everyone,” said Domonique Clemons, Genesee County Commissioner Board Chairman. “Kay has dedicated years of service and I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this award.”
Doerr has played a central role in connecting Genesee County residents to GHP’s services, having served on the GHP Board of Directors from 2011 until her retirement in 2020. She also served as chairperson from 2015-2020. Doerr is proud to have served on the GHP Board because GHP is invested in promoting health, providing access to health care for the uninsured and forging community partnerships for the best delivery of services. She enjoyed serving as an “ambassador” for GHP, spreading the word on the range of services provided by the health plan. Without GHP, many people would fall through the cracks in terms of accessing health care.
“I deeply appreciate being inducted into the GHP Health Care Hall of Fame,” Doerr said. “It’s been an honor to be involved in the good work of Genesee Health Plan, and I’m proud to live in a community that values and supports access to health care.”
Other award recipients honored include:
Community Partnership Award:
The Community Partnership Award honors an individual or organization that joined GHP in an enduring partnership, worked hand-in-hand to improve wellness and health education, or supported quality, affordable health care for GHP members. Health Alliance Plan, Ascension Genesys Hospital, and Hamilton Community Health Network were this year’s official partner sponsors for the event. Omar Sims, Executive Community Liaison, Marketing & Community Outreach for Health Alliance Plan, introduced the Community Partnership Award.
“The Genesee County community is fortunate to have such dedicated community leaders like Mother Sandra Jones who works tirelessly to ensure that everyone who comes through her doors receives the help they need and access to a variety of services and resources,” said Jim Milanowski, president and CEO of GHP. “Genesee Health Plan is honored to recognize and award R.L. Jones Community and Outreach Center because they are a crucial part of the Flint community.
Medical Leadership Award
The Medical Leadership Award honors a medical leader who provides exemplary quality of care, serves as a patient advocate, and demonstrates a commitment to strengthening health care in the community. Genesee Community Health Center and Genesee Health System were this year’s official awards sponsors for the event. Jean Troop, executive director of Genesee Community Health Center, introduced the Medical Leadership Award.
“We are so incredibly proud of Dr. Kakarala and the work she has done to strengthen the relationship with Genesee Health Plan and other health care partners to improve patient health outcomes,” said Stacey Doyle, executive Director of Genesee County Free Medical Clinic.
Another highlight of the ceremony was listening to the 2022 Health Career Scholarship Contest award winners read impactful excerpts from each of their essays. GHP has partnered with Sovita Credit Union for the past three years to award two Genesee County high school seniors with $1,500 scholarships. Students were asked to write an essay explaining what they have learned from their exploration of their family’s health history, career field chosen, how learning about their family health heritage impacted their chosen field and if the coronavirus pandemic impacted their field of study. Below are the winners:
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Check out this press release from our friends at the Miracle League of Greater Flint! Exciting news and congratulations!
Mundy Township – August 1, 2022: Significant investment from the state of Michigan will enhance recreational opportunities for people of all abilities at Mundy Miracle Commons in Mundy Township.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently signed legislation creating more opportunities for quality outdoor recreation by authorizing $45.6 million in Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grants. The new legislation includes $256,400 in funding for the Miracle League Field at Mundy Miracle Commons. The grant funding will help the Miracle League of Greater Flint and Mundy Township create prefabricated dugouts with wraparound shade screening, fencing, and field lighting. Other amenities to be constructed include team/spectator benches, sidewalk connections from the parking lot, trash receptacles around the site, and interpretive signage identifying ecological points of interest around the site.
“This grant will allow us to realize the vision that was outlined in our original strategic plan for the Mundy Miracle Commons,” said Chad Young, Mundy Township Manager. “We are dedicated to delivering on the promise of creating an inclusive, recreational experience for our residents that will also create a new economic impact for our business partners along the Hill Road corridor. This is a dream realized for our community.”
In 2015, Mundy Township joined forces with the non-profit organization the Miracle League of Greater Flint to raise funds for the creation of the fully-accessible baseball field, the first in Genesee County. Nearly $300,000 has been raised to date to fund the field, and the new grant funding will allow the project to move forward. Construction bids will go out in August 2022, with construction completion in 2023.
“We are thrilled that this project will get underway this year,” said Brian Caine, League Director of the Miracle League of Greater Flint. “This is a game changer for people who want to play sports but have not had a field that is inclusive and accessible. We cannot wait to see the first pitch thrown out in 2023!”
The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund is a restricted fund that was established in 1976 to provide funding for public acquisition of land for resource protection and outdoor recreation, as well as for public outdoor recreation development projects. It is funded through interest earned on funds derived from the development of publicly owned minerals, primarily oil and gas, and can only be used for public outdoor recreation. Over the past 40-plus years, the Trust Fund has granted more than $1 billion to local units of government and the DNR to develop and improve public outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan.
Mundy Miracle Commons opened to the public in 2020. Located near US 23 at 1286 W. Hill Road in Mundy Township, the public park features a two-mile paved walking trail that was designed for recreational activities for people of all abilities. A new Japanese garden is being dedicated at the park on Friday, August 5 with light refreshments at 4:00 p.m, and a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5:00 p.m. The public is welcome to attend. Mundy Township officials and the Miracle League of Greater Flint will be available for media interviews to provide updates on the park and field project.
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This past Saturday, Genesee Health Plan (GHP) participated in the Genesee County Free Medical Clinic’s Healing Hands 5k Run/Walk held at Mott Community College. Despite the rain and storms, our GHP staff made it to the finish and were awarded 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in their age groups. Our staff had a great time and GHP congratulates all who participated!
Pictured is Linda Gibson, Maria Crothers, Perlita Irish and Lori Roe.
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