The OutCenter in Benton Harbor is continuing its Medicaid project. Director Mary Jo Schnell tells WSJM News the education campaign started in December of 2020 when the OutCenter got support to reach out and inform people in the LGBTQ community about eligibility for Medicaid. Many lost health insurance when laid off due to COVID.
“We really wanted to make sure that folks in the state of Michigan really understood what the possibilities were,” Schnell said.
Schnell says there are all kinds of reasons why someone wouldn’t apply for Medicaid when the qualify, sometimes because of a stigma.
“So the idea behind this project, and it’s an exciting project, is really to educate folks.”
The virtual engagement project was started to combat misinformation and an overall lack of information. The team is headed by two nurses, Kate Mood and Karen Moldovan, who created guides, discussion panels, and video interviews with community partners. Schnell says it was slated to end in June, but was a success, and so it’s continuing. You can find more information on the OutCenter’s Medicaid project at its website.
