Updates About Agency Policy Updates

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently sent out a Michigan Medicaid Policy bulletin reminding Medicaid providers of the upcoming policy changes. In compliance with Section 71109 of H.R. 1, commonly referred to as “The One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, beginning October 1 only legal permanent residents, Cuban and Haitian entrants, and Compacts of Free Association (COFA) migrants will be able to receive full Medicaid coverage. Certain individuals will still need to meet the five-year waiting period for full coverage. Anyone who falls under a different immigration status will qualify for emergency services only (ESO).

Due to Michigan providing coverage under section 214 of the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIRPA), pregnant individuals and children under the age of 21 who are legal residents will not have their coverage affected by H.R. 1.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently announced a new initiative that asks local governments to create proposals identifying coordination opportunities with the department using opioid settlement dollars.

The state will receive more than $1.8 billion from national opioid settlements by 2040. Half will be distributed to the state, and the other half directly to local governments. The funds will support substance use disorder prevention, aim to reduce overdose risks, as well as expand access to treatment and support long-term recovery.

Local governments can begin submitting letters of intent to DHHS this month on a rolling basis. Proposals that are selected will advance to more detailed planning and contracting.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has increased the income threshold for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program by more than $1,500.

A family of four can now qualify with an annual income of up to $61,050, compared to the previous threshold of $59,550 for a family of the same size. This change will offer the opportunity for more Michigan families who meet or fall below the threshold to quailfy for the program and access WIC services. As part of the program’s goal of improving health outcomes for children and mothers, the program also provides families with access to nutritious food and education on nutrition.

More information about the program can be found here.