Friends of Genesee Health Plan Launch Campaign to Renew Health Care Services Millage

County commissioners, business leaders, and community members gather to advocate for millage renewal this November

FLINT – The Friends of the Genesee Health Plan launched its campaign to support the renewal of Genesee County’s Health Care Services Millage on Thursday, Sept. 10, with

remarks from county and business leaders and former GHP members who have benefited from the coverage.

“Genesee Health Plan isn’t a luxury—it’s a safety net that catches our neighbors when life happens,” said Jim Milanowski, President and CEO of the Genesee Health Plan. “For the past 25 years, we’ve provided basic, affordable health care coverage to residents who need it most. The Health Care Services Millage has provided a dedicated funding source for the Genesee Health Plan for the past 20 years.”

Dale Weighill, Chair of the Genesee County Board of Commissioners, emphasized the board’s long-standing partnership with GHP. 

“The Genesee County Board of Commissioners has stood behind the Health Care Services Millage since its inception,” Weighill said. “Three times, Genesee County voters have said yes to this safety net. Today, we’re asking you to say yes again.”

GHP uses the Health Care Services Millage to provide coverage for Genesee County residents who don’t qualify for Medicaid but can’t afford private insurance, those employed without employer-sponsored coverage, and workers between jobs. 

Former GHP members and a local physician also shared their perspectives during the event. 

“As a family physician in Flint, I see firsthand the difference it makes when patients can get the care they need. Whether it’s access to preventive screenings, mental health services, or the medications they need, I’ve seen GHP step in and fill gaps that can make all the difference in a patient’s ability to stay healthy. That kind of access doesn’t just improve health—it strengthens our entire community,” said Dr. Jennifer Edwards-Johnson.

Edwards-Johnson serves as a GHP board member, as well as Associate Dean of Community Academic Programs and Flint Community Assistant Dean at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine. 

“GHP serves as a critical coverage bridge during major life transitions,” Milanowski said. “Genesee Health Plan is locally funded and locally governed. Every decision is made right here by people who live and work in Genesee County. As federal health programs face uncertainty and eligibility requirements shift, we have control over this coverage option.”

Andrew Younger, Executive Director of the Flint and Genesee Chamber of Commerce and a GHP board member, spoke to the plan’s role in supporting small businesses and working families. 

“A healthy workforce is a productive workforce,” Younger said. “And a productive workforce strengthens our entire local economy. That’s why the Flint & Genesee Chamber is proud to support the renewal of the Health Care Services Millage this November.”

One in four Genesee County residents has received care through Genesee Health Plan over the past 25 years. For most homeowners, the millage costs approximately $40 per year—about $3.33 per month—for a home valued at $100,000, Milanowski said. 

Genesee County voters will decide the millage renewal on Nov. 3. 

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Paid for with regulated funds by the Friends of the Genesee Health Plan. P.O. Box 320345, Flint, MI 48532