Detroit Evening Report: State seeks former Medicaid members for new committee; Detroit’s St. Patrick’s Parade + more
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Attendees at Detroit's 2023 St. Patrick's Parade hold an Irish flag.
Tonight on The Detroit Evening Report, we cover the state’s efforts to form a new advisory committee of former Medicaid recipients to share their experiences; Detroit’s 67th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and more.
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Former Medicaid members sought for new committee
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is recruiting former Medicaid recipients from across the state to join its new 15-member Beneficiary Advisory Council. The group will be tasked with identifying barriers to accessing Medicaid services, addressing the social elements that affect health for recipients and making policy recommendations to MDHHS leadership.
Those selected to serve on the committee may receive compensation for their time and reimbursement for childcare and respite services. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on April 14. Questions about the application can be emailed to MDHHS-BAC@michigan.gov.
Related: Michigan Health and Hospital Association CEO says protecting Medicaid protects Michigan
MESP College Savings Program celebrates 25 years
The Michigan Education Savings Plan’s 25th anniversary is this year and it’s offering new benefits to celebrate. The ‘5-29’ savings plan lets people put money aside for college, vocational training and some other educational expenses. Starting next month, those funds can also be used to cover apprenticeship costs and to repay up to $10,000 of student loans. The new benefits align Michigan 529 programs with many national savings programs and are made possible by state legislation passed last year.
Michigan Ukrainian refugees in limbo
Thousands of Ukrainian refugees who migrated to Michigan to escape the war are bracing for possible deportation, after recent reports that the Trump administration will revoke their legal status.
President Donald Trump announced last week that he will soon decide the fate of the roughly 240,000 Ukrainians who fled the conflict, following a Reuters report announcing his administration’s plan.
Detroit’s annual St. Patrick’s Parade returns
Corktown will host the 67th annual Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade this Sunday, March 16, beginning at 1 p.m. at 6th Street and Michigan Avenue. The parade, which features floats, marching bands, pipe and drum bands, and so much more, has brought together people to celebrate Detroit’s rich Irish heritage for over half a century!
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