by orionontv | Feb 22, 2023 | Health and Wellness
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 21, 2023
MEDIA CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, WheatonB@michigan.gov
MDHHS seeking bids for next phase to update child welfare information system
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is continuing to improve its technology to better serve children, youth and families while accessing enhanced data to assess the performance of the state’s child welfare system.
MDHHS is now seeking bids for the next phase to replace its child welfare information system with a more modern system by issuing a request for proposals.
The department is replacing the Michigan Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System (MiSACWIS) in a phased approach. As the existing system is replaced, the other portions of MiSACWIS will continue to be used.
MDHHS has already implemented the first phase of a Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System (CCWIS) that includes functions related to licensing of child welfare agencies, residential facilities and foster homes, and the Michigan Foster Care Portal.
“This new system will allow MDHHS to better access data regarding children who have been abused and neglected,” said Demetrius Starling, senior deputy director of the MDHHS Children’s Services Administration. “That will allow us to provide improved services to children and families.”
To replace MiSACWIS and implement the new system, MDHHS has completed several assessments, conducted research and consulted with other states and federal partners.
The phased approach is consistent with modern best practice for technology development and will increase the reliability of the system while reducing costs for development and operations.
Federally funded child welfare systems were previously required to collect and submit data through SACWIS systems. The federal government is now requiring states to move to the modernized CCWIS to receive full federal funding. Approximately 50 percent of the cost of the new system will be paid for with federal dollars.
Proposals can be submitted on the State of Michigan vendor self-service site. Bidders or the public can view the request for proposal either by creating a user profile on the site or using the guest access button and entering “child welfare” in the search bar.
Proposals must be submitted no later than 11:59 a.m., EST, Friday, April 7. MDHHS hopes to kick off the next phase of the project in October 2023.
by orionontv | Feb 15, 2023 | Health and Wellness
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Note: This is being re-sent to correct the date of the release.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 15, 2023
MEDIA CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, WheatonB@michigan.gov
Michigan provides Medicaid enrollees with information about options as eligibility requirements restart following recent federal legislation
Eligibility redetermination packets to start being mailed to beneficiaries depending on renewal date
LANSING, Mich. – Medicaid beneficiaries will have to renew their coverage this year, starting in June, as Michigan resumes Medicaid eligibility redeterminations to comply with federal legislation.
During the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, Congress enacted the Families First Coronavirus Response Act that required state Medicaid agencies continue health care coverage for all medical assistance programs, even if someone’s eligibility changed. Michigan’s Medicaid caseload grew by more than 700,000 people during the public health emergency. This requirement was ended by the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 signed Dec. 29, 2022.
Michiganders who no longer qualify for Medicaid will receive additional information about other affordable health coverage options available, including on HealthCare.gov. Affected Michiganders will be able to shop for and enroll in comprehensive health insurance as they transition away from Medicaid, and many Michiganders can purchase a plan for less than $10 per month.
Renewals for traditional Medicaid and the Healthy Michigan Plan will take place monthly starting in June 2023 and run through May 2024. Monthly renewal notices will be sent three months prior to a beneficiaries’ renewal date starting with June renewal dates. Beneficiaries can check their renewal month at www.michigan.gov/MIBridges.
“MDHHS is strongly committed to ensuring Michiganders who are eligible for Medicaid coverage remain enrolled,” said Elizabeth Hertel, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services director. “More than three million Michiganders, including one million Healthy Michigan enrollees, have benefitted from keeping their Medicaid coverage without redeterminations on eligibility during the COVID-19 pandemic. MDHHS is preparing to assist residents who will be affected by changes in their coverage.”
Here is what Michigan Medicaid beneficiaries need to do to prepare:
- Make sure your address, phone number and email address are up to date at www.michigan.gov/MIBridges. You can also call your local MDHHS office. If you do not have an online account for MI Bridges to access your Medicaid case or report changes, visit www.michigan.gov/MIBridges to sign up for an account. You can also locate organizations that can help you by searching for community partners.
- Report any changes to your household or income. You can report changes at www.michigan.gov/MIBridges or by calling your local MDHHS office.
- If you get a renewal packet, be sure to fill it out, sign the forms and return it by the due date with any proof needed. NOTE: If you do not complete and return the renewal, you may lose Medicaid coverage.
“The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is committed to working with MDHHS and our partners nationwide to help impacted Michiganders get the affordable, comprehensive health insurance they need,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “DIFS stands ready to answer questions about purchasing a health insurance plan. Call DIFS at 877-999-6442, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance to learn more.”
To ensure beneficiaries are aware of upcoming federal redetermination requirements and help them keep their coverage if eligible, MDHHS is launching a multi-media advertising campaign. This will include radio, audio streaming, outdoor, mobile and social media ads, including minority media outlets and stakeholder communications.
More information about the how benefits connected to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency are changing can be found at www.Michigan.gov/2023BenefitChanges. |
by orionontv | Feb 15, 2023 | Health and Wellness
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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 15, 2023
CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, [email protected]
MDHHS observes American Heart Month this February
Implementing tools and techniques can lower risk
LANSING, Mich. – Heart disease is the leading cause of death of women in the United States and in Michigan, causing about one in five deaths in 2020. In recognition of American Heart Month and the American Heart Association’s Go Red™ for Women campaign, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) WISEWOMAN program and Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Unit are working together to raise awareness of heart health.
“The best way to protect against heart disease is to prioritize heart health by developing and maintaining healthy habits,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “Michigan residents can do this by being aware of their individual risk factors and leading a heart-healthy lifestyle, which includes seeing their doctor for routine visits, not smoking, eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.”
Between 2019 and 2020, mortality rates due to heart disease increased nearly 2% among white non-Hispanic women, more than 8% among Hispanic women and nearly 10% among Black non-Hispanic women ages 25 and older nationwide. Although women are disproportionately impacted, heart disease can affect people of any age, gender, race or ethnicity.
Most cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by implementing lifestyle changes, including:
- Not smoking and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Engaging in regular physical
- Eating a balanced diet.
- Managing healthy blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
- Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
Both the WISEWOMAN program and the Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Unit work to increase awareness of the risk factors for heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke through the work of the Michigan Million Hearts® Network. Million Hearts® 2027 — a national initiative to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes co-led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The Million Hearts Initiative collaborated with the CDC Foundation to develop the “Live to the Beat” campaign.
Women should talk with their health care providers about their health including any risk factors they may have for cardiovascular disease. For information on risk factors as well as signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease, visit Go Red for Women. For more information about the WISEWOMAN program, call 844-446-8727. |
by orionontv | Jan 30, 2023 | Health and Wellness
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 27, 2023
MEDIA CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, WheatonB@michigan.gov
Extra COVID-19 emergency food assistance payments ending after February due to recent federal legislation
Other help is available for people affected by the change
LANSING, Mich. – Families who receive food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) should prepare for the end of the increase in benefits that have helped address food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic due to recent federal legislation.
February will be the last month that people in Michigan and other states receive the extra food assistance benefits – which have been at least $95 more per month. In March the additional benefits will no longer be issued.
People who receive food assistance should prepare and seek needed resources to accommodate this reduction in their benefits. Among the options are food banks and other agencies in their local communities, which can be found at www.michigan.gov/MIBridges under the “Explore Resources” tab or by calling 2-1-1.
People affected by the upcoming changes can also find help on this website, which includes information about resources such as local food banks, free and reduced-price school lunches, the WIC program for women and babies, and Double Up Food Bucks – which provides $1 in Double Up Food Bucks for every $1 (up to $20 per day) that Bridge Card users spend on fresh fruits and vegetables purchased from participating retailers.
For family budgeting purposes, SNAP benefits are available to use for nine months once they are issued.
“Approximately 1.3 million Michiganders have received additional food assistance monthly during the pandemic to help them put food on the table in challenging times,” said Lewis Roubal, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) chief deputy director for opportunity. “We appreciate the support from our federal partners. Now that we know the additional benefits will be going away, we want to make sure our clients are prepared for this change, as we realize inflation is affecting all of us.”
The additional food assistance was ended in the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 that was signed Dec. 29, 2022.
To address the effects of the newly emerged COVID pandemic, in April 2020, some Michigan residents began getting additional food assistance. In May 2021, all eligible households began getting these extra monthly benefits. Michiganders have been receiving the extra food assistance in a separate, second issuance that occurs near the middle or end of each month.
The second payments bring all households to the maximum monthly payment for their group size. Anyone who was already receiving the maximum amount has been receiving an extra $95 per month.
Regular benefit amounts are based on household size, income and deductions. The amount of the decrease will vary based on each group’s circumstances. As an example, single-person households with a net monthly income of $700 could see their total monthly SNAP benefit drop from $281 to $71. A four-person household with a net income of $1,700 could see their assistance drop from $939 to $429.
Michiganders who receive food assistance can check their regular monthly food assistance amount on their Michigan Bridge Card by going online to www.michigan.gov/MIBridges or calling 844-464-3447. Or they can go the ebtEDGE portal or call 888-678-8914 to check their remaining balance available to spend on food. Customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Spanish and Arabic service is available. If you are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing or speech-impaired, call the Michigan Relay Center at 7-1-1.
More information about the how benefits connected to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency are changing can be found at Michigan.gov/2023BenefitChanges and details about the SNAP changes can be found on the Food Assistance Program webpage.
by orionontv | Jan 26, 2023 | Health and Wellness
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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 26, 2023
CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, SutfinL1@michigan.gov
MDHHS seeking proposals for Child and Adolescent
Health Center Program Implementation
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is requesting proposals to expand the Child and Adolescent Health Center program through school-based or school-linked health services. The models funded through this grant include Child and Adolescent Health Centers (CAHC) and School Wellness Programs (SWP).
The Child and Adolescent Health Center Program provides a safe and caring place for children and adolescents to learn positive health behaviors, prevent diseases and receive needed medical care and support. Clinical CAHC and SWP program models assist eligible children and adolescents with enrollment in Medicaid and provide access to Medicaid preventive services.
The Request for Proposal (RFP) is open to public and non-profit entities such as local health departments, community health centers, community mental health agencies, federally qualified health centers, non-profit hospitals/health systems, school districts, federally recognized tribes and other health care or social service organizations qualified to provide school-based or school-linked health care services. Applicants must demonstrate collaboration between the local school district, health care providers and sponsoring agencies in the application.
The five-month award begins May 1 and ends Sept. 30, 2023. There is $12.1 million available, with maximum awards of $330,000 and minimum awards of $170,000. Successful applicants will be invited to apply for annual renewals based on availability of funds and acceptable performance. The funding was part of a $25 million investment made by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last year to expand this successful program to additional sites across the state.
A pre-application conference will be held to discuss this funding opportunity and provide instruction on using the EGrAMS system on Wednesday, Feb. 1, at 1 p.m. The conference will last approximately 90 minutes and can be accessed at https://bit.ly/3Qz1Syy.
Grant applications for the Child and Adolescent Health Center Program Implementation RFP must be submitted electronically through EGrAMS by 3 p.m., March 1.
For more information or to apply, visit the EGrAMS website and select “About EGrAMS” link in the left panel to access the “Competitive Application Instructions” training manual. The complete RFP can be accessed under the ‘Current Grants’ section under the “Public Health Administration” link and selecting the “CAHIP-2023” grant program. |
by orionontv | Jan 16, 2023 | Health and Wellness
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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 12, 2023
CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, SutfinL1@michigan.gov
Michigan releases new fish consumption guidelines
for rainbow smelt and carp caught in various lakes
LANSING, Mich.- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has released new Eat Safe Fish guidelines for rainbow smelt and carp from seven different lakes across the state.
The updated Eat Safe Fish guidelines recommend limiting the consumption of certain locally caught smelt and carp based on levels of chemicals found in the commonly eaten parts of the fish.
The new rainbow smelt guidelines are based on elevated levels of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) found in the smelt. PFOS is a chemical in the family of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and can build up in fish and in people who eat these fish.
The new Eat Safe Fish consumption guidelines for rainbow smelt are as follows:
- Lake Huron: 6 servings per year.
- Lake Michigan: 1 serving per month.
- Portage Lake in Houghton County: 1 serving per month.
- Gull Lake in Kalamazoo County: 2 servings per month.
- Higgins Lake in Roscommon County: 4 servings per month.
MDHHS currently recommends that no one eat more than 1 serving per month of rainbow smelt from Lake Superior due to elevated levels of PFOS.
MDHHS is also releasing two new guidelines for carp based on elevated levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Like PFOS, PCBs take a very long time to break down in the environment and can build up in fish and in people who eat these fish.
The new Eat Safe Fish consumption guidelines for carp are as follows:
- Thompson Lake in Livingston County: Do Not Eat
- This means everyone should avoid eating carp from Thompson Lake.
- Earl Lake in Livingston County: Limited
- This means individuals under age 15, those with health problems such as cancer or diabetes and those who might have children in the next several years, are pregnant or are breastfeeding should avoid eating carp from Earl Lake. All other individuals should limit their consumption of carp from Earl Lake to one or two servings per year.
These new guidelines and others previously published in the MDHHS Eat Safe Fish Guides for lakes and rivers statewide can help Michiganders find safer fish to eat and reduce exposure to chemicals that can cause harmful health effects.
The Eat Safe Fish Guides are currently being updated for 2023 and will include these new carp and smelt guidelines along with others pending analysis. To view the regional 2022 Eat Safe Fish Guides, visit Michigan.gov/EatSafeFish and click on “Find Your Area.”
It is important to note that fish from some areas in Michigan are more contaminated than others. By using the Eat Safe Fish Guide, Michigan fish consumers can be confident they are making informed choices about eating the fish they catch from their local lake or river. Eat Safe Fish guidelines are not laws or regulations, and no one is required to follow them.
For more information on where to find, prepare, eat or buy safe fish, visit Michigan.gov/EatSafeFish or call MDHHS Division of Environmental Health Hotline at 800-648-6942.
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