Updates About People

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has launched the first round of Michigan’s medical debt relief program, wiping out more than $144 million in medical debt for nearly 210,000 residents. The effort, in partnership with the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt, is partially funded by a $4.5 million allocation in the state’s 2024 budget. It targets individuals with incomes at or below 400% of the federal poverty level or whose medical debt exceeds 5% of their annual income. No application is required and eligible recipients will be notified by mail.

This statewide initiative builds on earlier localized efforts in Wayne, Oakland, and Kalamazoo counties and reflects the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration’s broader commitment to reducing the financial strain of healthcare. State officials cited rising medical costs and recent cuts to Medicaid as key motivators behind the program. The first round of relief prioritized some of the hardest-hit counties, including Macomb, Kent, Genesee, and Ingham. The debt forgiveness program complements the administration’s broader strategy to lower costs for Michigan families, alongside initiatives such as tax relief, expanded early childhood education, and improved access to affordable insurance. Additional rounds of debt forgiveness are expected in the months ahead.

The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) has selected Laura Hall to rejoin the department as Senior Chief Deputy Director. Hall previously served as DIFS’ Communications Director before becoming Director of Policy, Communications, and Engagement at the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). In her new role, Hall will be responsible for overseeing all department operations and its regulation of the insurance and financial sectors. DIFS Director Anita Fox praised Hall’s return, citing her leadership and public service experience as key assets to the department’s mission of ensuring access to safe and secure financial and insurance services for Michigan residents.

Attorney General Dana Nessel has formally intervened in Consumers Energy’s request to raise electric rates by approximately $436 million, potentially the largest request filed in decades. The proposed hike, submitted to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), would increase electric bills for Michigan residential customers by 13.3% and take effect in May 2026, if approved. In addition to the rate increase, Consumers Energy is also seeking to recoup $24 million in deferred distribution costs through a separate 12-month charge.

The multi-billion dollar company announced the latest hike to electric rates just seven days after the MPSC approved a separate $154 million rate increase that went into effect in April. The Attorney General’s office has stated they will be closely examining the filing to prevent state residents from paying unnecessary costs.