Press Release

HAP Ë¿¹Ï¶ÌÊÓƵ partners with two Michigan State University student athletes to promote importance of Michigan Medicaid coverage

September 6th, 2024 | 3 min read

LANSING, Mich. (HAP CARESOURCE) — HAP Ë¿¹Ï¶ÌÊÓƵ, a mission-driven health insurance plan, today announced a Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) endorsement deal with Michigan State University football players Armorion Smith and Nick Marsh to promote health, wellness and the importance of Michigan’s health coverage benefits.

In the coming months, HAP Ë¿¹Ï¶ÌÊÓƵ will launch a series of content featuring Smith and Marsh encouraging Michigan residents to be proactive in selecting Medicaid benefits and other state resources for which residents are eligible. Both individuals overcame adversity and financial challenges while growing up and have become sources of inspiration for their communities.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to serving vulnerable communities by raising awareness of resources available to the communities and ensuring affordable access to reliable health insurance benefits for all,” said Dr. Michael Genord, HAP President and CEO. “These young men have shown resilience on and off the field and can help us in our quest to raise awareness. We are a proud partner of MSU and are excited to work with and support student athletes who can share in our mission.”

The partnership kicks off during the Medicaid special enrollment period in which Medicaid-eligible Michiganders can choose their new Medicaid insurance plan provider. HAP Ë¿¹Ï¶ÌÊÓƵ was recently awarded the ability to offer Medicaid plans in new regions, including Greater Lansing and Greater Ann Arbor/Jackson. With two plans no longer offering coverage in the area, approximately 55,000 people will need to choose a new plan.

"No matter what stage of life you’re in, it’s important to have health coverage for you and your family,” said Smith. “Partnering with HAP Ë¿¹Ï¶ÌÊÓƵ allows me to spread awareness that there is help available. People should know they can choose the plan they want to support their health and wellness.”

“Our families have benefited from Medicaid while growing up. We want our community to know they have coverage options,” added Marsh.

For more information about the partnership and to follow the journey, visit .

About HAP Ë¿¹Ï¶ÌÊÓƵ

 HAP Ë¿¹Ï¶ÌÊÓƵ is a joint venture between Health Alliance Plan (HAP) a Michigan-based health plan that provides health coverage to individuals and companies of all sizes, and Ë¿¹Ï¶ÌÊÓƵ a nationally recognized managed care organization with more than 2 million members. HAP Ë¿¹Ï¶ÌÊÓƵ extends and enhances the mission-based legacies of two trusted, midwestern nonprofit organizations – offering comprehensive health coverage, access to physicians and quality care with compassion. The joint venture enables HAP Ë¿¹Ï¶ÌÊÓƵ to provide more Michiganders access to award-winning products, services and an expanded provider network and to expand services to Medicaid-eligible individuals in the Lower Peninsula. 

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