Molina Healthcare of Michigan Donating $100,000 to Expand Energy Efficiency Program for Low-income Seniors
Ben Jackey, Ben.Jackey@molinahealthcare.com, (502) 377-9484
DETROIT, August 6, 2024 – Molina Healthcare of Michigan (“Molina”) announced a $100,000 donation to Solutions for Energy Efficient Logistics (“SEEL”) in support of its Energy Efficiency Assistance (“EEA”) program to increase participation in southeastern Michigan. The program provides a wide range of energy efficiency upgrades to reduce utility costs and improve quality of life for low-income Michiganders. Molina’s funding will positively impact many of its senior members.
The EAA program includes replacement of inefficient or non-functioning equipment such as furnaces, water heaters and refrigerators. Participants can also take advantage of home weatherization services including attic insulation and air sealing. Molina’s $100,000 grant will expand services focused on health and safety concerns such as roof repair and asbestos mediation.
“Living in a home with clean air and dependable utilities is a basic need that must be met for all of our members, especially our vulnerable seniors, which is why Molina is proud to support the Energy Efficiency Assistance program,” said Terrisca Des Jardins, plan president for Molina Healthcare of Michigan. “Our grant not only provides efficiency services for our senior members, but will also reduce energy costs that can absorb a significant percentage of their limited income.”
Those considered energy impoverished carry a much higher energy burden than non-low- income households due to lack of economic resources and energy efficiency. Approximately 1 in 7 American families live in energy poverty, which can impair the health condition of residents living inside a home with polluted air. In many cases, energy poverty means that a family can only use solid fuels for heating and cooking, leaving residents vulnerable to many diseases.
“We are grateful to Molina Healthcare of Michigan for helping us widen the scope of this program so that we can support more seniors in need of energy efficiency services,” said Elois Thomas, president for SEEL, LLC. “The EEA program wouldn’t be possible without partnerships like this.”
To connect with low-income customers who don’t engage in energy efficiency programs, SEEL partners with more than 30 city and county agencies, regional community action agencies, affordable housing providers and nonprofit organizations that help identify and engage eligible customers and provide a variety of energy efficiency improvements. SEEL also works with local food banks to distribute energy-efficient light bulbs.
About Molina Healthcare of Michigan
Molina Healthcare of Michigan has been providing government-funded health care since 1997. The Company serves members through Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare-Medicaid (Duals), and Health Insurance Exchange programs throughout Michigan. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information about Molina Healthcare of Michigan, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.