DIFS Releases Bulletin Protecting COVID-19 Vaccinations

The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) issued a bulletin on Oct. 16 advising health insurers in the individual and small group markets to continue covering COVID-19 vaccinations without cost-sharing.

The bulletin was released in accordance with Gov. Whitmer’s Executive Directive 2025-7. The executive directive instructs the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, DIFS and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to work collaboratively to ensure COVID-19 vaccines are available to all Michiganders.

The DIFS bulletin states that under existing state law, all insurers in the individual and small group market must cover immunizations recommended by the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The ACIP continues to recommend the COVID-19 vaccine as of Oct. 16.

Members with questions regarding the bulletin should contact Megan Blue at the MHA.

DIFS Finalizes Newborn Insurance Enrollment Document for Hospitals

The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) recently finalized the educational document that hospitals are now required to provide to parents of newborns under Public Act 250 of 2024 (House Bill 4173 of 2023).

The document outlines enrollment deadlines, steps for submitting documentation and initiating enrollment and explains available types of coverage for parents and guardians with a newborn. Hospitals must distribute the document to parents as part of the insurance enrollment process for newborns.

Members with additional questions should contact the MHA Advocacy Team.