Updates About Public Health

The Michigan Medicaid Program is working to implement a policy incorporating Community Health Worker (CHW) services as a benefit for Medicaid beneficiaries. In order to expand Medicaid coverage while also expanding reimbursement for CHW’s, these services are recognized as a fee-for-service benefit. CHW services allow Medicaid beneficiaries to have better access to health care services that are culturally responsive and equitable.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Behavioral and Physical Health and Aging Services Administration (MDHHS BPHASA) is encouraging residents and Medicaid beneficiaries to provide recommendations. This is being done through a series of recorded policy initiative updates.

This series, called the Policy Primer Series, consists of four total videos, launching weekly from April 17 to May 8. The videos will discuss Managed Care Organization versus Community Provider Distinction, Provider Qualifications, and Covered Services and Reimbursement.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Office of Equity and Minority Health (OEMH) works to ensure health equity and eliminate health disparities among Michigan’s racial and ethnic populations. Racial and ethnic groups such as African Americans, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Arab and Chaldean Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics/Latinos disproportionately face negative health outcomes.

OEMH is working to eliminate health disparities and increase access to quality affordable health care for Michigan’s racial and ethnic populations. With April being Minority Health Month, the office will be launching a series of conversations as well as sponsoring social media and community events in an effort to gather statewide feedback on Race and Ethnicity Data Collection Standards and learn how to best represent racial and ethnic populations in MDHHS’ data collection, analysis, and dissemination efforts.

On Thursday March 30, a federal judge in Texas ruled to overturn a portion of the Affordable Care Act in Braidwood Management. Inc. v. Becerra. This decision struck down the requirement that makes preventive services and screenings covered by health insurers with no additional cost to the patient. Services like screenings for cancer, heart disease, and high blood pressure could become costly, diminish access to affordable early detection, and put people’s health at risk.

Following this decision, Governor Whitmer directed the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DFIS) to protect Michigan families and ensure access to no-cost preventive healthcare services. This decision in Braidwood Management. Inc. v. Becerra is however being appealed by the US Department of Justice.

On Thursday April 6, Governor Whitmer announced that insurers who represent 100% of the fully insured health insurance market will continue to cover no-cost preventive services for Michigan residents.