LANSING, Mich. — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is taking action after nearly 40 senior living facility residents, or their families, filed complaints after they were each charged $900 COVID-19 fees.
The fees may violate Michigan’s consumer protection laws, according to Nessel's office.
Nessel’s office has sent cease and desist letters to 11 senior facilities throughout the Lower Peninsula, along with their parent and management companies.
The letters were sent to Brighton-based parent company CSIG Holding Co. LLC, its facility management company, Senior Village Management LLC and facilities located in Brighton, Petoskey, Plymouth, Oxford, Midland, Grand Ledge, White Lake, Rockford, Chesterfield and Saline.
A letter was also sent to Senior Living Portage LLC, which is part of CSIG Holding.
“This pandemic has caused financial strain for many people and businesses in Michigan, but that does not provide companies with the right to impose unauthorized costs on their customers and clients – especially those in our senior communities and others who are already living on a fixed income,” Nessel said.
The facilities and their operators have 10 days from receipt of the letters to respond or face a formal investigation and possible legal action.
They can also sign an agreement saying they’ll cancel or refund the $900 fees and not violate the Michigan Consumer Protection Act again, among other terms.