The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) estimates that the state’s plan to recognize community health worker (CHW) services as a Medicaid benefit will help at least 50,000 residents if it is approved. The Michigan Medicaid Program is working to develop policy to incorporate CHW services as a fee-for-service benefit to … Read more
It was a pleasure to welcome back Farah Hanley, the chief deputy director for health at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), to open the recent 2023 Michigan State of Reform Health Policy Conference. During her remarks, Hanley provided updates on the work currently underway at the agency, the new policy it … Read more
Over the past few months, Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has implemented a variety of changes to its Medicaid dental policy. On April 1st, MDHHS continued its expansion of covered dental services by adding deep teeth cleanings, sealants, root canals, crowns, and care to keep gums healthy as Medicaid benefits. This comes … Read more
Last week, the Michigan House passed (88-20) House Bill 4167, which would create a Rare Disease Advisory Council (RDAC) within Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). The council would be required to conduct research, identify priorities, and make policy recommendations regarding access, treatments, and services for rare diseases in Michigan. The RDAC would … Read more
In February, Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced the alternative coverage options that are available for Medicaid beneficiaries in the state who may soon lose their coverage when eligibility redeterminations begin. MDHHS stated that starting in June, beneficiaries will have to start renewing their coverage as their coverage will no … Read more
Michigan has been making changes to its Medicaid dental policies, having recently increased Medicaid payment rates for dental services provided in ambulatory surgical centers and outpatient hospitals and expanding dental sealant coverage for beneficiaries under age 21 for the prevention of pit and fissure caries. At the end of January, the Michigan Department … Read more
In our first Michigan newsletter of 2023, we feature some of Reporter James Sklar’s coverage of the initial health-related legislation being discussed by lawmakers, input about the state’s new coverage of doula services through Medicaid, and important takeaways from Gov. Whitmer’s State of the State address regarding the future of abortion policy in Michigan. We … Read more
This month’s newsletter includes a run-down of some of the new health legislation being considered by the Michigan Legislature, information about the state’s new constitutional amendment safeguarding the right to an abortion, and the state’s plan to relaunch its family planning services through Medicaid. Thanks for reading! Eli Kirshbaum State of Reform 1. Newly … Read more
The Michigan Senate Health Policy and Human Services Committee heard testimony on bills to help combat possible opioid overdoses last week. Senate Bill 1170, sponsored by Sen. Curt VanderWall (R – Ludington), would amend the Administration of Opioid Antagonists Act to specify that an agency that purchased or obtained an opioid antagonist, or … Read more
A bill that would establish a scholarship program for Michigan birth doulas was introduced to the Senate Health Policy and Human Services Committee on Oct. 13th. Senate Bill 1196, introduced by Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), would create the program and would be administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). The … Read more