[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Dear Friend,<\/span><\/p>\n Last year, our communities faced enormous challenges with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and extreme weather events. It\u2019s my sincere hope that this newsletter finds you and your families safe and healthy as we embark upon another year full of growth, journey, and discovery together. We are resilient, and I know we will get through this together.<\/span><\/p>\n Michigan seniors are a particularly resilient group who have lived experiences too numerous to count, and who have thus earned the right to enjoy their future with dignity and financial security. As your State Senator, my goal is to make sure you can spend these unprecedented times focusing on what matters most to you, and I\u2019m working hard in Lansing to ensure that we provide the stability you deserve.<\/span><\/p>\n Every letter, email, and call to our office has helped me to better represent you, and I hope to continue hearing from you as we begin a new year that I know will be filled with better opportunities. If you would like to share your ideas or need assistance regarding state government, you can contact my office by calling me toll-free at <\/span>(855) DIST007<\/b> (855-347-8007)<\/b>, or <\/span>(517) 373-7350<\/b>. You can also email me at <\/span>SenDPolehanki@senate.michigan.gov<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n Working for You,<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/polehanki\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/04\/polehanki2.jpeg” alt=”Senator Polehanki Signature” title_text=”polehanki2″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Dayna Polehanki<\/b> [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/polehanki\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/03\/MDS_Polehanki_W3A6037-214×300.jpg” title_text=”MDS_Polehanki_W3A6037″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Website:<\/b> SenatorPolehanki.com<\/span><\/a> [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u201cHelp is just a phone call away. Please cut out and save these useful numbers in case you need assistance.\u201d \u2014 <\/span>Sen. Polehanki<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n Adult Home Help\/Chore Services \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..(800) 292-2550<\/span> [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) are warning seniors to protect themselves and their personal information from potential scams and high-pressure sales tactics.<\/span><\/p>\n Fraudsters posing as Medicare \u201crepresentatives\u201d are calling unsuspecting consumers about their Medicare coverage and asking for Medicare ID numbers or other personal information, such as a Social Security Number or date of birth. Once the scammers have this information, they can use it to make unauthorized changes to your Medicare plan.<\/span><\/p>\n DIFS and MDHHS have some important tips for protecting yourself:<\/b><\/p>\n If you have questions or concerns about your Medicare coverage, DIFS and MDHHS urge you to contact Medicare directly at <\/span>Medicare.gov<\/b><\/a> or by calling <\/span>(800) 633-4227<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n Insurance fraud, including Medicare fraud, results in higher health care costs for participants and taxpayers alike. That is why it\u2019s so important to know how to protect your Medicare card and number. If you or a loved one has experienced this type of scam or high-pressure tactic, contact DIFS at <\/span>Michigan.gov\/DIFSComplaints<\/b><\/a> or call <\/span>(877) 999-6442<\/b> to file a complaint.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 3600 Commerce Court, Building E, Wayne, MI 48184<\/span> If you\u2019re looking for information about aging well, check out the seniors\u2019 section of the Wayne County Senior Services website at waynecounty.com\/departments\/seniorservices.<\/a> Many resources are available for volunteering, donations, meals, legal issues, and local services, as well as other valuable information. Be sure to check out their Senior Resource Directory \u2014 it has quite a bit of good information!<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Senior Alliance\u2019s Friendly Reassurance Program is designed to help homebound<\/span> Program Services<\/b> Participant Information<\/b> Please call The Senior Alliance to learn more at (800) 815-1112.<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Anxiety. Depression. Stress. The isolation accompanying social distancing can heighten them all, particularly more for seniors, who are in a higher-risk category for contracting COVID-19.<\/span> Here are some other coping strategies for weathering the pandemic:<\/b> [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In 2011, the Michigan Legislature decided to relieve corporations of $1.64 billion in taxes and ASSISTANCE shifted $1.4 billion of that amount to the people of Michigan in the process when they passed taxes on seniors\u2019 pensions. The three-tiered taxation system created in 2012 to generate this lost revenue meant that seniors have been paying more of their hardworking dollars in taxes ever since.<\/span><\/p>\n These existing taxes are unfair for our seniors and, during the worst pandemic of a century, it\u2019s unconscionable that corporations are allowed to post record profits while Wayne County seniors continue to foot the bill for the state\u2019s tax shortcomings.<\/span><\/p>\n Removing this unfair, tiered tax system remains a priority of mine in the Legislature, which is why I co-sponsored Senate Bill 3. This bill would eliminate the tiered approach to taxing pensions and treat every retired person \u2014 no matter their age or date of birth \u2014 the same under Michigan\u2019s pension tax law. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this legislation this year.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Our health care professionals and public servants have been hard at work since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, making sure that everyone has access to important information and resources. Even as more people can get vaccinated, it\u2019s important that all of us continue to do our part to stay safe and stop the spread of this virus by wearing a mask in public spaces, staying at least six feet apart from others, and<\/span> [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n State of Michigan<\/b>
<\/b>State Senator<\/span>
<\/span>7th District<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>Email:<\/b> SenDPolehanki@senate.michigan.gov<\/span>
<\/span>Toll-free:<\/b> (855) 347-8007<\/span><\/p>\nSENIOR SERVICE NUMBERS TO ASSIST YOU<\/b><\/h2>\n
<\/span>Adult Protective Services,<\/span>
<\/span>for reports of suspected abuse and neglect \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.(855) 444-3911<\/span>
<\/span>Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division,<\/span>
<\/span>for cases of identity theft \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.(877) 765-8388<\/span>
<\/span>Attorney General, Offi ce of Elder Abuse \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.(800) 242-2873<\/span>
<\/span>Bridge Card (EBT) \u2013 Customer Service \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..(888) 678-8914<\/span>
<\/span>COVID-19 Hotline \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.(888) 535-6136<\/span>
<\/span>Disability Ombudsman \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..(800) 288-5923<\/span>
<\/span>Domestic Violence Hotline \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026(800) 799-7233<\/span>
<\/span>Elder Care Services \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.(800) 677-1116<\/span>
<\/span>Elder Law of Michigan, Inc. \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.(866) 400-9164<\/span>
<\/span>Energy Assistance \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026 2-1-1<\/span>
<\/span>Home Heating Tax Credit Status \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026(517) 636-4486<\/span>
<\/span>Medicaid Customer Help \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..(800) 642-3195<\/span>
<\/span>Medicare\/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..(800) 803-7174<\/span>
<\/span>Medicare, includes Part D for pharmacy \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026(888) 633-4227<\/span>
<\/span>Medicare Savings Program \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.(800) 772-1213<\/span>
<\/span>MI Enrolls \u2013 Medicaid Managed Care \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.(888) 367-6557<\/span>
<\/span>Michigan Department of Health & Human Services,<\/span>
<\/span>Medicaid Benefi ciary Support \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026(800) 642-3195<\/span>
<\/span>Michigan Long-Term Care Ombudsman \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026(866) 485-9393<\/span>
<\/span>Michigan Stroke Network \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.(866) 522-8676<\/span>
<\/span>Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.(800) 642-4838<\/span>
<\/span>National Alliance on Mental Illness \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..(810) 232-6498<\/span>
<\/span>Nursing Home Complaints\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026(800) 882-6006<\/span>
<\/span>Relay Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.. 7-1-1<\/span>
<\/span>Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.(517) 372-6666<\/span>
<\/span>Social Security Administration \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026(800) 772-1213<\/span>
<\/span>State SSI Supplement \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026(800) 481-4774<\/span>
<\/span>Substance Abuse Hotline \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.(800) 662-4357<\/span>
<\/span>Suicide Prevention Crisis Hotline \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..(800) 273-8255<\/span>
<\/span>TAX statements for Adult Home Help \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..(800) 292-2550<\/span>
<\/span>The Emergency Food Assistance Program \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026(734) 721-4470<\/span>
<\/span>THAW \u2013 The Heat and Warmth Fund \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026. (800) 866-THAW (8429)<\/span>
<\/span>The Senior Alliance Area Agency on Aging 1-C \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..(734) 722-2830<\/span>
<\/span>Volunteers of America Michigan \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026(248) 945-0101<\/span>
<\/span>Wayne County Health Department \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026(734) 727-7100<\/span>
<\/span>Wayne County Meals on Wheels \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026(734) 259-7584<\/span>
<\/span>Wayne County Senior Services \u2026\u2026\u2026..(734) 326-5202 or (800) 851-1454<\/span>
<\/span>Wayne County Veterans Services \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.(313) 224-5045<\/span><\/p>\nPROTECT YOURSELF FROM MEDICARE SCAMS<\/b><\/h2>\n
\n
Wayne County Senior Services<\/b><\/h2>\n
<\/span>(734) 326-5202 or (800) 851-1454<\/span>
<\/span>seniornutrition@waynecounty.com<\/b><\/a><\/p>\nTHE SENIOR ALLIANCE\u2019S FRIENDLY REASSURANCE PROGRAM FOR AGES 60+<\/b><\/h3>\n
<\/span>individuals aged 60 and older remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible by providing reassuring telephone calls, social support, and safety checks. This program aims to reduce isolation and help program participants feel safer and more connected to their community.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/b>\u2022 Ongoing telephone calls to a homebound individual<\/span>
<\/span>\u2022 The call is placed at a prearranged time each day<\/span>
<\/span>\u2022 Calls can be made up to five days a week, Monday through Friday<\/span>
<\/span>\u2022 Calls are made by TSA trained staff<\/span>
<\/span>\u2022 This service is provided at no cost<\/span>
<\/span>\u2022 If the recipient does not answer the phone, a procedure of safety checks is followed<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/b>\u2022 Must be temporarily or permanently homebound<\/span>
<\/span>\u2022 Be age 60 or older<\/span>
<\/span>\u2022 Must agree to program guidelines<\/span><\/p>\nCOVID-19: SOLACE DURING SECLUSION<\/b><\/h3>\n
<\/span>While it\u2019s perfectly fine to take a walk in the neighborhood and enjoy some fresh air, seniors<\/span>
<\/span>should still take precautions when out and about. Wear a mask if you go to the doctor\u2019s office or grocery store and maintain a social distance of at least six feet from others.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/b>\u2022 Connect with friends and family through phone calls, social media, and video chatting<\/span>
<\/span>\u2022 Call your neighbors just to say hello and see how they\u2019re doing<\/span>
<\/span>\u2022 Reach out to more distant friends or family to reignite old relationships<\/span>
<\/span>\u2022 Take breaks from the media and avoid watching the news all the time<\/span>
<\/span>\u2022 Stretch, eat balanced meals, sleep, and exercise regularly<\/span>
<\/span>\u2022 Maintain routines, especially if you are already under treatment for mental illness<\/span>
<\/span>\u2022 Contact your health care provider if you feel overwhelmed<\/span><\/p>\nSENATE BILL 3: Repealing the Retirement Tax<\/b><\/h3>\n
COVID-19: INFORMATION & RESOURCES<\/b><\/h3>\n
<\/span>avoiding crowded indoor places when possible.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/b>COVID-19 Hotline (888) 535-6136<\/span>
<\/span>Michigan.gov\/Coronavirus<\/span><\/a>
<\/span>Michigan.gov\/COVIDvaccine<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n