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Underemployed Engineer Doubles His Pay

Mark performs his duties on the job.
A WIOA Adult and Employment Services Success Story

Mark, an engineering graduate from Michigan Technological University, was working as a produce stocker at a local grocery store earning $10.40 per hour. While he worked as a stocker, he searched for more fulfilling work. He was selected to work on a special project that fit his educational background, but, unfortunately, the project went unfunded. Mark kept working diligently but he knew that he needed help. 

Mark went to his local U.P. Michigan Works! office after a former coworker told him about our game-changing career services. He was ready for a change and was eager to get ready to win! Our staff member spoke with Mark, learned about his education and experiences, and went to work to connect him with a more fitting opportunity. 

Our staff member coached Mark and, in the meantime, guided him toward a career as an asphalt tester. This opportunity would allow Mark to utilize his degree and would more than double his pay! Now, Mark works for Payne and Dolan as a Quality Control Field Technician earning over $24.00 per hour! He works mostly in the Hancock area and reports, “Work is going great! 

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Learn more about our services on our Job Seekers page.

Medicaid in the Upper Peninsula

Navigating health coverage and work requirements can be confusing, so here’s a simple guide on how the program works and who fills what role:

Medicaid is a health care program funded by the state and federal government that provides health care services to eligible, low-income Michigan citizens, including adults, children, the elderly, pregnant woman, and some people with disabilities.

  • Upper Peninsula Health Plan (UPHP) is a managed care organization licensed by the State of Michigan to provide Medicaid medical services. UPHP helps eligible members access healthcare services, providers, care management, and member support after they are enrolled in Medicaid. They are the only organization of this kind in the Upper Peninsula. 
  • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) administers Medicaid in Michigan, determines eligibility, manages enrollment through MI Bridges, and oversees Healthy Michigan Plan work requirement policies and exemptions.
  • Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! (UPMW) helps individuals connect with employment, education, training, and career services that may help them meet Healthy Michigan Plan work requirement activities and achieve their employment goals.

To learn more about Medicaid in the U.P, visit UPHP.com.