MDHHS Improves Medicaid Access to Flu Vaccine

MDHHS Improves Medicaid Access to Flu Vaccine

by | Oct 15, 2020 | Regional News

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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 15, 2020 

CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, wheatonb@michigan.gov

MDHHS Improves Medicaid Enrollees’ Access to Flu Vaccine

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announces several new strategies to increase access to the influenza vaccine during flu season. The changes make it easier for Medicaid beneficiaries to get flu vaccines.

To increase access to vaccines and promote an increase in overall immunization rates among Medicaid beneficiaries, effective immediately, MDHHS is expanding access to influenza vaccines at pharmacies statewide for adults and children ages 3 and older. Medicaid coverage of influenza vaccines also is expanding to additional locations – such as COVID-19 testing sites, including drive-thru testing locations and mobile vans.

Additionally, Medicaid-enrolled health care providers will receive increased reimbursement to cover costs associated with administering vaccines from October through December.

“Now more than ever it’s critically important to make it as easy as possible for residents to get their flu shots,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health. “With flu season coinciding with the possibility of a surge of COVID-19 cases, I encourage everyone to get the influenza vaccine as soon as they can.”

These initiatives add to existing measures taken by MDHHS to prevent and control vaccine-preventable diseases and to improve the overall health of Michigan residents.

MDHHS identified a significant decrease in routine preventive well child visits and immunizations since the onset of COVID-19 as residents stay home to slow the spread of the virus. Disparities in vaccination coverage by Medicaid status continues for Medicaid-covered children. The decline in immunization rates will likely have a substantial impact on long-term health outcomes for children and adults across the state.

The MDHHS partnership with Medicaid health plans is also focused on comprehensive outreach initiatives to educate Medicaid enrollees on the importance of getting influenza vaccines, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some examples of innovative outreach being done by Medicaid Health Plans include:

  • Texting campaigns.
  • Use of social media to share influenza resources.
  • Interactive voice response telephonic campaigns.
  • Newsletters for members and clinical providers.
  • Targeted outreach to high-risk beneficiaries.
  • Educating caregivers and direct service workers about the importance of vaccines.

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting immunization services differently across providers and the state. The MDHHS Division of Immunization created a new website, www.Michigan.gov/VaccinesDuringCOVID, to support immunization providers in the context of COVID-19. Additional influenza vaccine resources for immunization providers and for patient education is available at: www.michigan.gov/flu.
Whitmer Announces Partnership With the United Health Foundation

Whitmer Announces Partnership With the United Health Foundation

by | Oct 15, 2020 | Regional News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 15, 2020

Contact: press@michigan.gov

 

Governor Whitmer Announces Innovative Partnership With the United Health Foundation to Expand Testing and Screening

 

LANSING, MI – Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a new three-year, $2.5 million partnership between the United Health Foundation and the Michigan Primary Care Association (MPCA) to develop a pilot program for genetic testing and screening for breast cancer at five Michigan community health centers (CHCs). After the governor proclaimed October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Michigan the American Cancer Society, MPCA will screen additional patients and engage high-risk patients and their family members in genetic testing, with the goals of increasing patient education and screening rates and improving transitions of care.

 

“One of the most crucial things we can do to prevent and treat breast cancer is raise awareness and expand access to health care, cancer screenings, and genetic testing,” said Governor Whitmer. “This partnership will make an enormous difference for Michiganders everywhere who have a history of cancer in their families. I am grateful to the United Health Foundation for its generous support and partnership with the Michigan Primary Care Association. I will continue to work closely with everyone who wants to protect and expand access to health care in our state.”

 

Michigan is expected to have more than 8,800 new cases and more than 1,380 deaths from breast cancer this year. Genetic testing in combination with genetic counselors and care managers and regular screenings have been shown to be successful in the early detection of breast cancer. The United Health Foundation and MPCA partnership will support expanded services at CHASS – Community Health & Social Services Center (Detroit), Cherry Health (Grand Rapids), East Jordan (East Jordan), Western Wayne (Inkster) and Honor Community Health (Pontiac).

 

“Many routine and annual screening appointments have been delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Chief Medical Executive and MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, it’s important to remember that while we must take precautions to stay safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s also crucial we seek important medical care and regular screenings that can detect cancer before symptoms appear.”
College Kids and Covid: Are we getting what we’re paying for?

College Kids and Covid: Are we getting what we’re paying for?

by | Oct 15, 2020 | Feature Writers

College Kids and Covid: Are we getting what we’re paying for?

By Rebecca Andrus

When the shutdown order went into effect in March, college students were forced to finish their semesters online.  Many of them had no choice but to move out of their dorms or apartments and head for home.  As a parent of three college students, I was concerned.  Not all students perform well with online classes, and some of these professors have never taught an online class before.  With my son eyeing graduation in May, I couldn’t help but wondering how he was going to manage and if he was going to pass.  With so much invested in his education, was this how it was going to end?  My son having to take another semester of college to retake a class or two he failed during a pandemic?

Overall, I believe the universities my children attend did everything in their power to help the students through the last six weeks of class.  I kept telling myself that there was no way they were going to flunk these kids during a pandemic.  And I was right, not only did they establish a generous curve, they also offered the students a pass or fail option in each class.  I got the impression that as long as the students logged into class and did their work, they were guaranteed a passing grade.  And yes, my son graduated.

My son currently lives at home, with a bachelor’s degree, and sees a bleak job market before him.  A college degree is a huge accomplishment, creating opportunities to pursue your dreams and passions.  That’s all on hold for him right now.  He works at a local coffee shop, waiting for things to turn around.  Not the job he was expecting after graduation.

My two youngest headed back to college in late August, doing most of their schooling from their apartments.  Both of them chose a creative major.  In a world without a pandemic, all their classes would be in person getting hands-on feedback from their professors.  They seem to have adjusted well to this virtual way of learning.  They both say the departments and professors are very organized and overall doing a good job.  I give the colleges a lot of credit for allowing the students back on campus and putting safety procedures in place to keep them safe.  I truly believe the universities are doing the best they can during this difficult time, but is the quality and experience of a college education there?  And with the high cost of college tuition, I can’t help but ask, “Are we getting what we’re paying for?”

Entering the fall, Michigan’s COVID cases up

Entering the fall, Michigan’s COVID cases up

by | Oct 15, 2020 | Local News, Regional News

Entering the fall, Michigan’s COVID cases trending upward

State, local public health officials unite as state sees bump at the start of colder months

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 13, 2020
Contact: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112

LANSING, MICH. As the fall and flu seasons begin, the number of positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Michigan have recently trended upward, prompting a call from public health officials to increase vigilance and preventative measures. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), hospitals and local health officials are calling on all residents to take simple steps to prevent a surge in COVID-19 cases that could overwhelm the hospital systems.

“Michiganders did a great job of bringing our cases down after a surge in the spring,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “Basic things like wearing masks, maintaining a physical distance from others and washing hands worked. Yet as the colder months and flu season have arrived, we now see a concerning jump in our cases – a trend we can reverse if we all take this seriously and follow best practices to slow the spread of COVID-19.”

The recent increase in cases, along with people gathering indoors more frequently due to cooler weather, creates a risk of greater community spread. To protect against the risk of a devastating surge in cases and its impact on Michiganders, MDHHS has issued additional Emergency Orders to clarify gathering definitions, capacity restrictions, mask requirements and worker protections.

“State and local public health officials have been concerned about the risk of a surge in cases in the fall, and this recent increase should remind us all to refocus on preventing the spread of COVID-19,” said Nick Derusha, president of the Michigan Association for Local Public Health. “Wearing masks, practicing social distancing, washing our hands, and participating in contact tracing with public health officials are proven, effective ways to slow the spread of this virus.”

In addition to rising cases across the state, more tests are coming back positive and more residents are being hospitalized compared to previous weeks. Currently, Michigan has 89 daily cases per million people, 3.6 percent of tests are positive and there are 698 COVID-19 hospitalizations. This is compared to the same point last week when we reported 81.6 daily cases per million people, 3.4 percent positivity and 586 hospitalizations for COVID-19.

“At the height of the COVID-19 response in Michigan, our frontline hospital workers were working around the clock to treat COVID-19 patients. As we see cases on the rise again and more hospital beds with patients than we have in weeks, we must remember what mask wearing and social distancing does: it prevents cases, it prevents hospitalizations, and it prevents deaths,” said Brian Peters, chief executive officer of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association.

As Michigan works to safely reopen, it is important to remember that does not mean that the virus is gone, or the risk of infection is less. Scientists and doctors agree that masks and face coverings can help to reduce the spread by about 70 percent. And further, not feeling ill is not a sign that you are not infected – the reality is that about 40 percent of people who have COVID-19 may be asymptomatic and capable of spreading the virus to others. Although many people getting infected with COVID-19 this fall are not needing to be hospitalized, it still important that we wear masks and socially distance to prevent people who will have severe disease from getting infected

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

 

School survey assesses HVAC system

School survey assesses HVAC system

by | Oct 15, 2020 | Regional News, School News

EGLE Main GovD banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 15, 2020
Nick Assendelft, Public Information Officer, AssendelftN@Michigan.gov, 517-388-3135
Robert Jackson, Assistant MMD Director, JacksonR20@Michigan.gov, 517-930-6163

School survey assesses HVAC system readiness to reduce infectious aerosol transmission

School districts across Michigan are being urged to participate in a survey to assess the readiness of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems to reduce the transmission of infectious aerosols within school buildings.

The Michigan K-12 Public School HVAC Assistance Program, launched by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy with support from the Department of Education, will identify potential improvements as well as work with schools to find licensed contractors and funding sources for the recommended work.

Better air quality and updated school infrastructure creates a healthy learning environment for students, teachers and staff and supports improved academic performance. Many schools in the U.S. lack adequate ventilation and indoor levels of air pollutants can be two to five times higher than outdoor levels, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. While 20 percent of the U.S. population spends their days inside K-12 buildings, less than 50 percent of school districts had an indoor air quality management program in 2012.

Urban, suburban and rural schools districts are asked to complete a survey about a building’s HVAC system, recent improvements and current needs. Those that complete the survey are eligible to request free assistance with recommendations to reduce infectious aerosol transmission from an approved licensed HVAC specialist (or the school’s licensed HVAC contractor). The Western and Eastern Chapters of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) will help with completing the school surveys and building assessments.

The survey can be found at the Michigan K-12 Public School HVAC Assistance Program website, along with timelines and an HVAC contractor application.

A minimum of $150,000 is expected to be available for the program. The maximum award is $15,000 per applicant, with a maximum payment of $1,500 per completed checklist. Some of the funding will be earmarked for onsite demonstration projects. Priority will be given to schools in low-income communities.

For information about the survey, contact Jake Wilkinson of EGLE’s Energy Services at WilkinsonJ8@Michigan.gov. For information about HVAC assistance and contractors, contact David Herb of Energy Services at HerbD@michigan.gov