State launches ads on crime victim services
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan is running a statewide ad campaign to educate residents about services available to crime victims.
The Michigan Department of Community Health launched the campaign Wednesday. The ads will feature information about the state’s compensation program for victims. The Crime Victim Services Program pays for things like medical expenses and funeral bills that may result from a crime.
The health department says the program is paid for by criminal fines.
Two 30-second public service announcements will begin airing this week in areas including Detroit, Lansing and Grand Rapids. The ads and YouTube videos feature two victims of sexual and physical assault who discuss the services the program provided them.
Between 2010 and 2011, the program paid $4.9 million to crime victims.
Judge doesn’t dismiss right-to-work lawsuit
MASON, Mich. (AP) — An Ingham County judge has refused to dismiss a lawsuit that says Michigan’s right-to-work law should be struck down because people were locked out of the Capitol for hours while the measure was debated in December.
Circuit Judge William Collette on Wednesday said plaintiffs in the case have a “real uphill battle” but should be allowed to depose witnesses and collect evidence.
He ruled after hearing arguments from the state attorney general’s office and the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan on whether the case should be tossed.
Unions and others say the law should be invalidated because the Open Meetings Act was violated. The state says people already inside the Capitol were allowed to stay, and the public had access to the proceedings on TV and through media coverage.
Judge says Blue Cross Blue Shield wrong to deny autism coverage
DETROIT (AP) — A federal judge has ruled that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan was wrong to deny coverage for certain autism treatment services.
The Detroit-based insurer rejected claims for applied behavior analysis, saying the treatment was investigative or experimental. Judge Stephen J. Murphy III ruled last week that the basis for denial was “arbitrary and capricious” and sent the claims back for reconsideration.
MLive.com reports the ruling could impact about 500 families who had to pay for coverage out of pocket since 2010. Lawyer Gerard Mantese, who represented parents of children with autism in the lawsuit, estimated payments could total $5 million.
Blue Cross could appeal. Spokeswoman Helen Stojic said in a statement they “understand the concern and are very sympathetic to the challenges of families dealing with autism.”
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