Megan Maxwell, Person-Centered Options Counselor

10/15/2025

‼️Free Drive-Through Mobile Food Distribution, Harrison MI

09/23/2025

🌟 Need a little help with Medicare? 🌟
Did you know there are programs that can help pay your premiums and prescription costs? We’ll walk you through it step by step, and even help you apply! Just give us a call!

We can also compare plans with you to make sure you’re getting the one that fits your needs best. Open Enrollment is coming up fast, and our schedules are filling quickly, so don’t wait to schedule your appointment with a counselor like me.

💸 Worried about the cost? No worries—our counseling services are 100% free!
So what are you waiting for? Call today and let’s get started!

09/22/2025

08/23/2025

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MDHHS launches MI Options call center
to support Medicare needs, long-term care
Free service empowers Michigan residents to navigate health care supports



LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has launched a statewide MI Options system, offering free and comprehensive person-centered options counseling for adults looking for long-term care services and supports. Medicare counseling is also offered through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program and Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act program for those navigating enrollment or reenrollment.

“MDHHS is excited to launch this statewide platform to increase the understanding and awareness of long-term care supports and services, including home and community-based options,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “By providing counseling on topics from Medicare enrollment and prescription cost options to aging in place, individuals across the state will be empowered to make the best choices for their health and well-being.”

Michigan residents can call 800-803-7174, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, to speak with an agent who can then schedule an appointment or provide a referral to a trained, certified counselor in their community. There is no cost to the individual or caregiver for this service. The new MI Options system supports older adults and people with disabilities, providing information to help individuals make informed decisions and exercise control over their long-term care needs by incorporating their personal goals and preferences.

MI Options provides counseling through a network of community-based providers and partners who were identified by a statewide Grant Funding Opportunity. These include regional Area Agencies on Aging, Centers for Independent Living and local nonprofit organizations.

Person-centered options counseling can help with:

Exploring long-term care and support options for adults, including home and community-based services.
Identifying next steps after a major life event to better understand what services and supports are available.
Building actionable steps for pursuing options that align with an individual’s preferences and values.
Medicare counseling can help with:

Medicare enrollment assistance.
Medicare and Medicaid coordination.
Discussions on cost savings, including low-income subsidies.
Prescription drug coverage options.
Billing questions.
Benefits explanation.
The 2024 Home and Community Preferences Survey from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) indicates that at least 75% of Americans age 50+ would like to live in their current homes as long as possible. However, new findings from the 2025 University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging reveal a wide variation in what adults age 65 and older have done, or intend to do, to ensure their homes will meet their needs as they grow older. MI Options counseling can assist individuals in identifying the steps and resources needed to stay happily and safely in their homes and communities longer.

“Too many people wait until the point of crisis to seek out this kind of information,” said Scott Wamsley, director of MDHHS’ Bureau of Aging, Community Living, and Supports. “Beginning these conversations earlier, with the assistance of trained counselors, can help alleviate some of the confusion and anxiety.”

The statewide call center will allow individuals to schedule appointments to meet with a counselor in a setting of their choice in their local community.

To reach a MI Options counselor or to find out more information about the MI Options program in Michigan, call 800-803-7174 or visit Michigan.gov/MDHHSMIOptions.

08/19/2025

Michigan residents can apply for Home Heating Tax Credit until September 30
State funds from this credit reduce heating bills of qualified Michigan renters, homeowners

LANSING, Mich. – With fall around the corner, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is partnering with the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM) to spread the word about the Home Heating Credit, which helps eligible residents manage heating costs during the colder months. Qualified Michigan renters and homeowners have until Tuesday, Sept. 30 to claim the credit — and those who don’t file by the deadline will miss out.

“No one should have to choose between staying warm and covering other essentials like food,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “The Home Heating Credit is a vital resource for Michigan families, especially those on fixed or limited incomes. As we head into the colder months, we want every eligible household to know about this opportunity. Claiming the credit now can help keep the heat on this winter and put more money in Michiganders’ pockets. I encourage every eligible Michigan household to apply, and I’ll keep working to lower energy costs and make a difference for Michiganders.”

Last year, the average qualifying household received $180 in assistance, which is most often applied directly to residents’ utility bills. Some energy providers automatically provide claimants a residential income assistance credit worth up to $20 monthly.

“The Home Heating Credit is a ‘use it or lose it’ benefit, so MDHHS is encouraging Michiganders to claim their credit by the September 30 deadline,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “The Home Heating Credit does more than just lower your utility bill. It can also unlock additional support, like monthly energy discounts or expanded food assistance. If you qualify, don’t wait.”

To qualify, Michigan residents must be either a renter with a contracted lease or a homeowner and meet income requirements. The best way to claim the Home Heating Credit, and a number of other tax credits available to Michigan residents, is through one of the state's trusted, free tax preparation services.

Free tax preparation is a community service designed to help Michiganders improve their financial well-being. Persons with disabilities, limited English-speaking ability, and those who earn less than $67,000 annually are qualified to use these services. Tax preparation providers are trained and IRS-certified volunteers.

“The heating season is only a few months away,” said State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks. “The Home Heating Credit can help with heating bills, allowing individuals and families to spend their hard-earned dollars on other necessities. Local free tax preparation can help taxpayers navigate the paperwork required to receive this very important credit and other credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit. Please don’t hesitate to seek out voluntary assistance if you think you’re eligible.”

Residents can connect with their local free tax preparation site by calling 211 or visiting MichiganFreeTaxHelp.org. Local human services nonprofits, such as United Way and Community Action Agency, can also refer community members to a free tax preparation site.

“No one should miss out on help they qualify for,” said Eddie Fakhoury, executive director of CEDAM. “By working together with the state and local partners, we’re making sure residents get the support they need — and that support ripples out to strengthen entire communities.”

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Home Heating Credit.pdf