August 2024 Newsletter

Executive Director Search

FCOM is in the midst of an Executive Director search.

The position is part-time, 20 hours per week, and will be modestly paid to start. Experience working with non-profit administration and grant writing preferred. The FCOM office address is in Zeeland, but the person may work from home or remotely. The ability to travel is a must. We have had some interest but still looking for a good fit. If you or someone you know may be interested, email Ann at admin@fcomi.org.

2025-2026 Budget Appropriations

The recent Dept. of HHS Governor’s Recommended Budget for Fiscal Years 25 – 26 Highlights, contains two areas which may benefit some of our clinics:

(1) $35 million to implement recommendations of the Racial Disparities Task Force

(2) $26.6 million to continue expansion of programs to support reproductive and maternal health.

See attached Executive Budget that breaks down the funds. We want our organization and any clinics that fall under the funding guidelines to be recognized as eligible for the funds and have requested a meeting with HHS. If one or more appropriations seem to fit your clinic, talk to your state representative or senator. This is a perfect instance of a request for assistance.

Clinic EIN Information

If your clinic accepts donations, your EIN number should be listed on your website. This could be on your home page, or donations page where it is easily visible.

Consider adding the following or similar language to indicate to donors your legitimacy as a tax-exempt organization:

“Approved by the IRS as a 501©3 tax-exempt organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law. EIN ______________.”

World Medical Relief Michigan Resource

World Medical Relief runs 6 programs for residents in Michigan: Some only to Metro Detroit Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties but the Prescription Program and Diabetes Program are eligible to low-income people in all of Michigan. See attached 2-page flyer for your use. Call WMR at 313-866-5333 with any questions.

Upcoming Conferences

Telehealth Conference

Ann Heler will be attending the state-wide 3-day meeting “Telehealth Post Pandemic: A Roadmap for the Coming Decade” in Lansing, Aug. 7 – 9. Her assigned work group is Patient Equity.

2024 NAFC Charitable Healthcare Symposium

September 29 through October 1

Atlanta, Georgia--- Loews Atlanta Hotel

Information available on the NAFC website.

BCBSM Health Safety Net Symposium

September 5, 2024 - Kellogg Center, Lansing

The registration form has been sent to the clinics by Kim Kratz and team.

If you did not get that email, contact Kim at kkratz@bcbsm.com. Information and registration is also available on the BCBSM website. FCOM will have an exhibition table there again this year.

Legislative Updates

NEW: 25 – 26 Budget Appropriations - Racial Disparities Task Force and Expansion of Programs to Support Reproductive and Material Health. See Executive Budget above.

Senate Bill 482 – Medical waste being able to be stored 90+ days if the sharps container is not filled to more than ¾ capacity. 7/15/30 passed and presented to the Governor.

Broadband expansion – We continue to support all the work to extend broadband capability across the state and financial assistance for those who cannot afford access to the internet. MIHI is laying more cable and increasing access. Contact MIHI at help@mihin.org if your area still has spotty or little or no connectivity. This is on-going.

House Bill 5114 – Carrie Rheingans (D) Ann Arbor -Expanding the definition of mental health providers to include Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants. Up for second reading in the House.

HB 4580 and 4131 -Human services; medical services; reimbursement rate for telehealth visits; require to be the same as reimbursements for office visits. Health insurers; coverage for health care services provided through telemedicine; modify. Law signed by the Governor in June!

Medicaid Unwinding Continues

See Michigan’s website with current information

www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/end-phe

FCOM Facebook Page

FCOM members are encouraged to post your events, news or other clinic information on our Facebook page. Check it out and be sure to "like" and follow FCOM.