Updates About Public Health

A new study from the Citizens Research Council of Michigan shows that the recent federal changes made to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have contributed to an 8% decline in the number of Michigan residents receiving benefits.

During fiscal year 2025, approximately 1.5 million Michigan residents received SNAP benefits. A total of $3.1 billion was distributed, with an average benefit of $175 per month. By April 2026, roughly 1.37 million Michiganders were receiving SNAP benefits.

The federal changes, which include new eligibility restrictions and further work requirements for certain groups, are the primary reasons for the decrease. The changes included applying work requirements to adults ages 55 and older and removing exemptions for certain individuals experiencing homelessness, veterans, and young adults who previously aged out of foster care.

Michigan’s 8% decline was smaller than the national average decline of 12% during the same period. The Citizens Research Council estimates that the changes have reduced SNAP benefits in Michigan by approximately $300 million annually. The study noted that declining enrollment could increase state healthcare spending while also negatively affecting educational outcomes due to increased food insecurity. State officials are expected to consider how to address the funding gap created by federal cuts.

House Democrats recently introduced a bill package that aims to reform Michigan’s primary care. The eight-bill package is being led by Rep. Matt Longjohn (D-Portage). The series of bills aims to increase the share of state-contracted health plans spending dedicated to primary care from 6% to 12%.

Also included are bills creating a state commission and office focused on primary care access, workforce needs, and monitoring investments. The package would codify the MiDOCS recruitment program and create a MiNURSES program that would offer loan repayment and scholarships for nurses who work in underserved areas.

The package also comprises a proposal to create a program for state-backed loans to help students who are pursuing a career in primary care but have already reached the federal student loan cap. Lastly, a bill in the package is included to create tax credits for clinicians who train providers and grants for medical schools to introduce students to health careers.

The introduction of the package comes as primary care, and healthcare in general, see access shortages across the state.

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.