The Salvation Army, MDHHS and Partners Mobilize Medicaid Renewal in Flint
*Nicole Hudson, Senior Advisor of Special Projects at MDHHS
For struggling families and individuals in Michigan, receiving consistent medical care is crucial. However, many could lose their Medicaid coverage due to its redetermination resuming post-COVID-19 pandemic.
For this reason, The Salvation Army Harbor Light System is dedicated to ensuring the people of Michigan receive the care they need.
On Wednesday, January 24th, The Salvation Army of Flint hosted a Medicaid renewal event. Leaders and spokespeople from partner organizations gathered at the Salvation Army Flint Citadel to kick off the day.
Representatives expressed their personal commitment to helping people keep their healthcare, and their reasons for partnering with The Salvation Army Harbor Light System for this important task.
“It can be confusing and overwhelming to people, so we are so grateful for the partnership and the dedication of everyone that’s come together today to help the residents of Flint with this process,” said Nicole Hudson, Senior Advisor on Special Projects at MDHHS.
*Nicole Hudson, Senior Advisor on Special Projects at MDHHS
*Patrick Smith, Director of Operations at DocGo Health
*Jamie Winkler, Executive Director, Salvation Army Harbor Light System
“Losing Medicaid coverage will leave already at-risk individuals even more vulnerable. The Salvation Army Harbor Light System is a champion for individuals and families who often don’t get the health care services they need,” said Jamie Winkler, Harbor Light System Executive Director
*Major Randy Hellstrom, Regional Commander of The Salvation Army Mid-Michigan
Representatives who spoke included:
- Jamie Winkler, Executive Director of The Salvation Army Harbor Light System
- Major Randy Hellstrom, Regional Commander of the Mid-Michigan Salvation Army
- Nicole Hudson, Senior Advisor of Special Projects at MDHHS
- Jose Lopez, Community Resource Coordinator at LatinX Community Center
- Guy Gauthier, Vice President of State Markets at Priority Health
- Nicole Felix, Vice President of Legislative and Government Affairs at Meridian
- Nancy Jenkins, President & CEO of McLaren Health Plan
- Patrick Smith, Director of Operations at DocGo Health
- Jim Milanowski President & CEO, Genesee Health Plan
- Ashley Jordan, Director, of Growth and Community Engagement at Molina Healthcare
- Alesha Keelean, Supervisor, Community Outreach
- Clarence Pierce, CEO of Hamilton Community Health Network
At noon, teams of partner navigators were on-site at seven Flint locations to answer questions, provide guidance, and assist people in completing their renewal paperwork online. In the Salvation Army Flint Citadel Gym, Molina Healthcare and Hurley Medical Center had tables set up, ready to assist.
*Victoria from Molina Healthcare prepares to assist with Medicaid sign-up
*Left to right: Evon, DeAnna, Darnell, and Tori from Hurley Medical Center are ready to assist with Medicaid sign-up
At another site, Center for Hope which is part of Catholic Charities, Hamilton Community Health Network, and Priority Health signed up individuals at the soup kitchen.
*Priority Health employee Shanea helps client Scott sign up for Medicaid renewal at Center for Hope
*Scott received Medicaid renewal assistance at Center for Hope
Partners involved include:
- The Greater Flint Health Coalition
- Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS)
- Genesee County Health Department
- Hamilton Community Health Network
- Hurley Medical Center
- McLaren
- HAP
- Molina Healthcare
- Michigan Primary Care Association
- Michigan Primary Care Association
- Blue Cross Complete of Michigan
- Meridian, Priority Health
- UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
- Mott Children's Clinic
- Genesee Health Plan
About The Salvation Army
Founded by William and Catherine Booth in London, England in 1865, The Salvation Army is a faith-based, non-profit organization dedicated to serving people in need without discrimination. This past year, The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit was involved in providing 2,419,620 meals and 539,759 nights of shelter for the homeless. The Salvation Army uses $.84 of every dollar raised to provide direct services to people in need each and every day of the year. If you would like to donate to The Salvation Army, click here.