by orionontv | Apr 10, 2023 | Health and Wellness
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 7, 2023
MEDIA CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, WheatonB@michigan.gov
MIHealthyLife will strengthen health care coverage for Michiganders
State hears from public on strengthening Medicaid before selecting health plans
LANSING, Mich. – After hearing from nearly 10,000 residents, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has identified focus areas for its MIHealthyLife initiative to improve the health of residents covered by Medicaid.
The focus areas – known as strategic pillars – will serve as the foundation for rebidding contracts for the Medicaid health plans that provide services to 2.2 million Michiganders receiving coverage through Medicaid and Michigan’s Healthy Michigan Plan.
The five pillars are:
- Serve the Whole Person, Coordinating Health and Health-Related Needs.
- Give All Kids a Healthy Start.
- Promote Health Equity and Reduce Racial and Ethnic Disparities.
- Drive Innovation and Operational Excellence.
- Engage Members, Families and Communities.
“I appreciate the valuable feedback from Michigan residents covered by Medicaid and Healthy Michigan Plan and from other stakeholders who partner with MDHHS to strengthen Medicaid,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “Together we can help our residents enjoy a healthier future through a more equitable, coordinated and person-centered system of care.”
In July 2022, MDHHS announced MIHealthyLife, an initiative to improve the health of Michiganders as the department prepares to rebid its Medicaid health plan contracts. MDHHS sought public input through a comprehensive survey to inform MIHealthyLife. Survey questions sought feedback on broad priorities and principles that will guide the state’s selection of Medicaid health plans.
MDHHS identified the five pillars based on feedback received from the public, as well as input from internal MDHHS officials, targeted external stakeholder interviews, a review of state health and human services priorities, and a survey of national best practices,
Medicaid and the Healthy Michigan Plan provide health care coverage to state residents that include low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults and people with disabilities. Medicaid health plans are key to achieving the MDHHS mission of improving the health, safety and prosperity of residents.
Of the responses, 85%, or more than 8,300, came from people enrolled in Medicaid or a family member. The remaining 15% came from other health care stakeholders, including health plans, primary care providers, behavioral health providers and hospitals or health systems.
Nearly 5,000 stakeholders responded to open-ended questions, resulting in 15,739 comments that included calls for integrated physical, behavioral and oral health along with social determinants of health supports and for ensuring that all children and families have access to quality health care regardless of their financial status.
MDHHS established six design teams consisting of subject matter experts from across the department to create actionable policies to support these strategic pillars. The teams continue to use feedback from the survey to inform the policy and program changes and the overall process for selecting Medicaid health plans through a rebidding process.
MDHHS will accept proposals for Comprehensive Health Care Program Medicaid health plans in fall 2023.
For more information, or to stay updated on MIHealthyLife, visit www.michigan.gov/MDHHS/MIHealthyLife. All questions related to the rebid process can be sent to mdhhs-mihealthylife@michigan.gov.
by orionontv | Apr 4, 2023 | Health and Wellness
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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 4, 2024
CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, [email protected]
MDHHS reminds Michigan residents to screen for breast cancer at all ages
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is reminding Michigan residents of all ages to perform routine breast health checks and monitor changes in their breasts as part of National Young Cancer Awareness Week. This advice reflects the fact that 9% new breast cancer diagnoses happen in adults under age 45.
“If you notice concerning changes in your breast, contact your health care provider,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “While changes in breast tissue don’t necessarily mean cancer, it’s important to take a proactive approach to ensure any concerning health issues are caught and treated as early as possible.”
Changes to look out for include:
- A lump or abnormality in the shape or feel of the breast.
- A lump in the underarm area.
- Swelling on all or part of the breast.
- Irritation or dimpling of skin.
- Nipple retraction (nipple turning inward).
- Rash or redness.
- Spontaneous discharge from the nipple.
If you find any abnormality, seek medical care as soon as possible. Breast cancer can occur at any age regardless of family history.
If you are uninsured or underinsured, contact the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program (BC3NP) for help with follow-up on identified breast changes. The program provides free breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services across the state for low-income individuals. The BC3NP does not pay for cancer treatment, however, women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer may be eligible for a special Medicaid program that pays for cancer treatment. To learn more about Michigan’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program, call 844-446-8727 or visit Michigan.gov/BC3NP. For resources in Spanish, call 800-379-1057.
For more information on resources for younger adults with breast cancer, visit this webpage. |
by orionontv | Apr 3, 2023 | Health and Wellness
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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 3, 2023
CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, [email protected]
MDHHS expands dental benefits for Medicaid beneficiaries
LANSING, Mich. — To improve access to dental services, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has expanded dental benefits for adult Medicaid beneficiaries and increased rates for dental providers. This redesigned benefit will directly help beneficiaries by increasing access to services, enhancing care coordination and improving health outcomes. Benefit enhancements and service delivery began April 1.
“This positive change recognizes the strong correlation between oral and physical health outcomes,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “With better services and closer care coordination, we can maximize opportunities to create healthy outcomes for beneficiaries of all ages while also expanding the number of providers so Michigan’s residents can get care where and when they need it.”
The $85.1 million investment in increased reimbursement and $30 million in redesigned benefits will not result in any loss of services, and many recipients will have new services added. For beneficiaries who are 21 years and older, the following services will now be covered:
- X-rays
- Teeth cleanings
- Fillings
- Extractions
- Dentures
- Deep teeth cleanings (New)
- Sealants (New)
- Root canals (New)
- Crowns (New)
- Care to keep your gums healthy (New)
Changes reflect input from a broad array of stakeholders and lessons learned from the Healthy Michigan Plan and Pregnant Women dental programs. In addition to the expanded services, MDHHS has made changes to improve beneficiary access and provider participation, as well as expand access to robust care coordination services that ensure beneficiaries are supported in accessing the services they need.
As a first step in the redesign, a policy that substantially increased reimbursement rates for Medicaid dental services was implemented Jan. 1, 2023. Providers are now being paid at 100% of the Average Commercial Rate, ensuring access and incentivizing providers to treat Medicaid beneficiaries.
“The reimbursement rates for providers were very low under the old adult dental Medicaid program,” said Dr. Vince Benivegna, President of the Michigan Dental Association. “Dentists would lose money by treating adult dental Medicaid patients. As small business owners this was not sustainable. The new rates recognize the value of quality care and will allow more dental health providers to treat Medicaid patients.”
Medicaid beneficiaries will not lose any dental care benefits with these changes; however, the way services are delivered may change slightly. Medicaid beneficiaries aged 21 years and older, including Healthy Michigan Plan beneficiaries and pregnant women who are enrolled in a Medicaid Health Plan, Integrated Care Organization or Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly will receive dental benefits through their health plan. The health plan becomes responsible for the beneficiary’s dental services obtained through the health plan’s dental provider network. The health plans will continue to provide robust care coordination and ensure that beneficiaries are supported in accessing the services they need.
Dental services for beneficiaries who are not enrolled in a health plan will be provided through the Medicaid FFS program.
For questions, beneficiaries can call the Beneficiary Help Line for free at 800-642-3195 (TTY: 866-501-5656) or send an email to beneficiarysupport@michigan.gov.
Providers can call 800-292-2550 or email [email protected]. |
by orionontv | Mar 30, 2023 | Health and Wellness
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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 28, 2023
CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, [email protected]
MI Kids Now Loan Repayment Program offers student debt relief to behavioral health providers
LANSING, Mich. – Medical providers of behavioral health services in Michigan may be eligible for educational loan repayment through the MI Kids Now Loan Repayment Program. This program focuses on incentivizing behavioral health providers to provide mental health services through nonprofit, outpatient organizations across the state.
“This program was designed to assist in recruiting and retaining behavioral health providers to help Michiganders access care within their communities,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director “Our shared goal is to assist providers in building long-term behavioral health infrastructure to serve children, youth and families across the state.”
The loan repayment program is open to providers of services to both children and adults, but the priority will be providing debt relief to those who serve children. Eligible providers will be selected to enter into consecutive two-year agreements. The program will assist those selected with up to $300,000 to repay educational debt over a period of up to 10 years.
The program is available to behavioral health providers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, therapists, case managers and certified behavioral analysts. Those eligible must provide in-person, outpatient behavioral health services through eligible non-profit practice sites, including public school-based systems and community mental health organizations. The MI Kids Now Loan Repayment Program application cycle is June 12 – June 23.
Further information regarding eligibility, selection criteria, application instructions and frequently asked questions can be found on the MI Kids Now Loan Repayment Program website. Behavioral health providers are encouraged to review the materials in advance and submit applications when the cycle begins. Providers should note that guidelines, eligibility criteria and application instructions have changed for the 2023 application cycle. Further information can be found on the program website. Providers who have questions or need more information can email MDHHS-MIKidsNowLRP@michigan.gov. |
by orionontv | Mar 20, 2023 | Health and Wellness
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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 20, 2023
CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, [email protected]
MDHHS recognizes benefits of having a family physician during Family Medicine Week
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), along with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians and the Michigan Association of Osteopathic Family Physicians are recognizing March 19-25 as Family Medicine Week in Michigan.
Family medicine is a medical specialty practiced by family physicians. These physicians undergo extensive training to provide comprehensive care for people of all ages.
“Visiting your family physician for regular check-ups and to keep up-to-date on immunizations can help you stay healthy and prevent illness,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Having a family doctor helps build a lasting relationship with someone who knows you and your family’s medical history and can treat a variety of medical conditions. We recommend all Michigan residents get a family physician or other primary care provider and keep up with routine medical visits.”
Family Medicine Week highlights family physicians’ dedication to providing comprehensive, coordinated primary care to residents across the state to protect and improve health and wellness and reduce costs to the health care system. Research shows that adults and children with a family physician as their regular source of care have lower annual costs of care, visit the doctor less, are prescribed fewer medications and report less difficulty accessing care.
Family physicians are key partners in Michigan adults and children getting vaccinated against the seasonal flu, COVID-19 and other vaccine-preventable diseases that cause illness and death.
To learn more about Michigan Academy of Family Physicians, visit MAFP.com. To learn more about Michigan Association of Osteopathic Family Physicians, visit MAOFP.org. |
by orionontv | Mar 8, 2023 | Health and Wellness
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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 8, 2023
CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, [email protected]
MDHHS launches OpiRescue smartphone app to help Michigan residents prevent and reduce opioid overdoses
LANSING, Mich. – In an effort to reduce the occurrence of overdoses and help residents learn to treat an overdose, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is launching OpiRescue, a smartphone app aimed at reducing harm.
The OpiRescue app helps anyone, including first responders, prevent opioid misuse and reduce opioid overdose deaths by addressing education, prevention and tracking of overdose reversals.
“Preventing opioid deaths includes offering a variety of strategies to provide residents tools when and where they need them,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “The OpiRescue app will support those who may encounter an overdose to immediately begin life-saving treatment to an affected individual.”
The OpiRescue app provides:
- Educational content to identify and reverse overdoses.
- A Naloxone finder to locate the medication nearby.
- A treatment locator.
- Information on how to report an overdose reversal.
The OpiRescue app is available statewide in Michigan on both Android and iOS platforms. It is free to use and anonymous. It can be downloaded at Apple iOS app store or through Google Play.
MDHHS partners, including Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans and Syringe Service Programs, actively involved in caring for members of the public experiencing opioid use disorder will have access to a dashboard for their region. The dashboard will allow those partners to view overdose reversal data in near real time and allocate additional resources as needed to areas with increased reports of overdose reversals.
For more information on Naloxone and how to obtain the medication, visit Michigan.gov/Naloxone. |
