Governor Whitmer Extends Michigan State of Emergency

Governor Whitmer Extends Michigan State of Emergency
New Orders Continues State of Emergency Until October 1, 2020, at 11:59 pm

Today, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order 2020-177, extending the state of emergency in Michigan to address the COVID-19 pandemic until Thursday, October 1, 2020, at 11:59pm.

This is good news for doctors whose licenses expire the November, as the extension of the state of emergency means that these doctors continue to fall under the continuing education provisions of Executive Order 2020-150, which allows licensees to renew without the required CE, as long as they do so while Michigan is in a declared state of emergency.

While the state of emergency could be extended beyond October 1st, it is not guaranteed, so we recommend renewing as soon as possible, if you want to take advantage of this provision. The State of Michigan's license renewal site is now live for chiropractors whose licenses expire in 2020.

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Executive Order Re-Iterates Safeguards to Protect Michigan Workers During Pandemic

Also today, Governor Whitmer issued Executive Order 2020-175, amending an order creating workplace standards that apply to all businesses across the state to add new safeguards for sports and exercise facilities, which were opened yesterday in another order.

The standards for health care facilities have not changed, but we recommend that every office review them to ensure that they are reflected in your practice’s Preparedness and Response Plan. The section on health care facilities begins on page 12 of the new order.

DIFS Issues Insurance Bulletin Regarding VA Enrollment and No-Fault Insurance

On Wednesday, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) issued Bulletin 2020-37-INS, regarding enrollment in the Veterans’ Affairs (VA) Health System and auto no-fault insurance. Beginning July 1, 2020, Michigan’s new auto no-fault law allows individuals who have qualified health coverage (QHC) to make certain choices regarding their no-fault coverage. The bulletin advises Veterans and their dependents that enrollment in VA benefits does not qualify as QHC because it excludes or limits coverage for injuries related to motor vehicle accidents.

Under Public Acts 21 and 22 of 2019, QHC is health or accident coverage that does not exclude or limit coverage for injuries related to motor vehicle accidents, and for which any annual deductible for the coverage is $6,000 or less per individual; or enrollment in both Medicare Parts A and B.

DIFS has received inquiries from Veterans and their dependents who use the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as their primary health care provider regarding whether enrollment in VA benefits is considered to be QHC for purposes of no-fault auto coverage.

VA coverage does not qualify as QHC because the VA is a health care provider and does not provide health insurance. As a provider, according to the bulletin, VA has limited authority to reimburse veterans for emergency care in a non-VA facility, even when Veterans who are injured in a motor vehicle accident need emergency care in such a facility. As a result, not all enrolled Veterans would be eligible for reimbursement for automobile injury related care provided by a non-VA facility. Because of this limitation on reimbursement for care related to motor vehicle accidents, VA enrollment does not qualify as QHC.

Veterans are strongly encouraged to consider their insurance needs and budget and to consult with an auto insurance agent, an insurance company, or a financial advisor when selecting an auto insurance policy.

Any questions regarding this Bulletin should be directed to: Department of Insurance and Financial Services Office of Consumer Services, 530 W. Allegan Street – 7th Floor, P.O. Box 30220, Lansing, Michigan 48909-7720. Toll Free: (877) 999-6442; AutoInsurance@michigan.gov. .