Governor Whitmer Applauds Action to Put More Money in Seniors' Pockets, Lower Costs on Health Care and Prescription Drugs

LANSING. - Today, Governor Whitmer reminded Michigan seniors about resources available to them to help save money. Since Governor Whitmer took office, she's achieved her goal to become the first "age-friendly state" in the Midwest by proposing bold initiatives to lower costs for seniors including a roll back of the retirement tax, expanding access to healthcare, lowering the cost of prescription drugs including insulin, and more. Changes from the federal government are also building on Governor Whitmer's work to put more money back in Michigan seniors' pockets.

"We must do more to help older Michiganders retire with dignity - right now stressors are forcing them to make impossible choices between medication, food, rent, and other bills," said Governor Whitmer. "I am committed to ensuring more seniors can access affordable healthcare, drive down the cost of prescription drugs, and cut taxes for seniors so they can retire with their hard-earned money. I will work with anyone to continue our work supporting Michigan seniors."

Social Security Cost-Of-Living Adjustments

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for approximately 70 million Americans will increase 8.7 percent in 2023, the Social Security Administration announced. On average, Social Security benefits will increase by more than $140 per month starting in January.

Hearing Aids

In August, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the sale of over-the-counter hearing aids, which becomes effective today. Residents can access more affordable options for hearing aids over the counter, saving Michiganders up to $3,000.

Retirement Tax

Governor Whitmer has proposed an elimination of the retirement tax to save half a million households an average of $1,000 a year. Under the previous administration, the legislature and Gov. Rick Snyder imposed a retirement tax on Michigan residents.

Expanding access to healthcare and lowering the cost of prescription drugs

Under Governor Whitmer's leadership, nearly 900,000 people are covered by Healthy Michigan, and the governor expanded dental care for Michiganders covered by Medicaid or Healthy Michigan plans. The governor also expanded access to telemedicine and signed bipartisan legislation requiring all insurers to cover telehealth. Governor Whitmer also created and consistently supported funding for a dementia care unit with DHHS to reduce the burden of dementia in the state.

Governor Whitmer will work with anyone to get things done for Michigan, and that's why she worked with the legislature and signed bipartisan legislation to protect Michiganders against surprise medical billing, to lower the cost of prescription drugs and increase pharmacy oversight based on recommendations from the Prescription Drug Task Force.

Insulin

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive to determine how the State of Michigan can lower the cost of insulin, including by developing its own manufacturing capabilities. Michigan is home to over 912,000 Michiganders with diabetes, and far too many are forced to ration or forgo insulin.

The recently signed Inflation Reduction Act will lower the cost of energy, health care, and prescription drugs for Michiganders. Specifically, the law includes a $35 a month cap on insulin for Medicare recipients. According to the most recent data, 122,000 Michiganders on Medicare used insulin, and the Inflation Reduction Act caps their insulin costs at $35 a month.

Making Michigan an Age-Friendly State

Under Governor Whitmer's leadership, Michigan became the first "Age-Friendly State" in the Midwest to ensure Michigan prepares for dramatic and imminent demographic changes and that communities can take steps to accommodate all ages, including making Michigan the most affordable state to retire in 2022. The governor has consistently invested in programs supporting older Michiganders including increasing nursing home support payments; expanding services to age in place, senior home care, and access to senior centers; improving preventative services, transportation options, health screenings and services, and meal delivery; reducing hospital readmission; combatting elder abuse, and more.