News to Know – July 10, 2023

  • The MHA submitted a comment letter in response to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Medicaid Policy Bulletin (MMP) 23-39 on Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTF) issued May 30, 2023. The purpose of MMP 23-39 is to establish an MDHHS Medicaid Provider Manual chapter specific to PRTF service providers. The MHA utilized the MHA Behavioral Health Integration Council to inform the development of the comment letter on behalf of MHA member hospitals and health systems. MMP 23-39 was issued with a concurrent final policy effective date of July 1, 2023. Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.
  • Michigan Medicaid Provider Outreach and Provider Support invite new or currently enrolled doula providers to attend the upcoming Doula 101 webinar scheduled Aug.  2 from 1 – 2 p.m. or Aug. 9 from 10 – 11 a.m. ET. This webinar will introduce providers to the Medicaid basics, offer an overview of the CHAMPS provider enrollment process, how to check a patient’s eligibility, submitting Medicaid fee for service claims, common claim denials and additional resources. Members with questions regarding registering may contact Provider Outreach at MDHHS.
  • MDHHS issued Medicaid Policy Bulletin (MMP) 23-45, Change in Non-Routine Therapy Prior Authorization (PA) Requirements for Medicaid Beneficiaries Residing in a Nursing Facility, June 30 with an effective date of Aug. 1, 2023. The purpose of the policy is to update PA and prescription signature requirements for non-routine therapy services provided to Medicaid beneficiaries residing in a skilled nursing facility. The change is expected to remove significant hurdles to beneficiaries obtaining services that may allow them to regain or retain crucial functionality while residing in a skilled nursing facility. Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.
  • The MHA and the Huron Consulting Group are hosting the webinar How AI @ Work Will Advance Human Intelligence Aug. 10 from 1 – 2 p.m. The webinar will outline ways to rethink data systems and readiness, clinician training and engagement and ethical frameworks. Gurpreet Dhaliwal, MD, will address each of these and what comes next when AI makes healthcare better, stronger and faster. Members are encouraged to register for the webinar. Registration for these MHA-member events is limited to 25 attendees per session, for a flat rate of $500. Members with questions regarding the webinar series should contact Erica Leyko at the MHA.

MDHHS Releases Beginner Guide for Doula Providers

Michigan Medicaid began reimbursing doula services provided to individuals covered by or eligible for Medicaid as of Jan. 1, 2023. Doula providers are required to be on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) doula registry and enrolled in the Community Health Automated Medicaid Processing System as a Medicaid provider. Doulas are required to contact the Medicaid Health Plans (MHPs) prior to providing services to Medicaid health plan enrollees.

The MDHHS created a Beginner Guide for Doula Providers, containing links to resources to assist doula providers with enrollment, eligibility verification and billing. Doulas must submit claims for services provided to MHP members to the Medicaid Health Plan, which will reimburse for services provided to MHP members. Doulas can refer to the list of Medicaid Health Plans Contact and Service Listing to identify which MHP is associated with a specific county.

The MDHHS has provided additional resources on the Medicaid Professional Provider webpage or the MDHHS Doula Initiative website. Members with questions should contact Vickie Kunz at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Feb. 27, 2023

MHA Monday Report

MiCare Champions Healthcare Advocates

The MHA continues to utilize public healthcare ambassadors, referred to as MiCare Champions, to advocate for public policy needs for Michigan hospitals and health systems. The MiCareMatters campaign originally launched in 2017 with the aim …


State Loan Repayment Program Application Period Begins

Applications for the 2023 Michigan State Loan Repayment Program (MSLRP) will be accepted from March 6-31 through the File Transfer Application System. Providers are strongly encouraged to create an account in the system before starting the application period. The MSLRP assists employers in the recruitment …


Feb. 28 Virtual Training for FY 2020 Medicaid DSH Audit

Myers and Stauffer LC, Michigan’s contractor for the federally mandated Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) audits, encourages hospital staff to participate in the upcoming virtual training at 10 a.m. Feb. 28. Hospital staff are also …


CHAMPS Registration Required for Medicaid Doula Services

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will reimburse for doula services provided to individuals covered by Medicaid beginning Jan. 1, 2023. Doula providers are required to be registered and approved on the …


The Keckley Report

TPaul Keckleyhe North Carolina Study of Hospital CEO Pay: An Incomplete Picture

“Last Wednesday, North Carolina Treasurer Dale Folwell released a report alleging 9 prominent North Carolina health systems overpaid their CEOs more than $1.75 billion from 2010 to 2021. …

The issue of CEO compensation is tricky for hospitals because the public’s unaware of how hospitals operate—7/24 serving all comers. In North Carolina, hospitals directly impact 8% of the state’s economy. Understandably, they pay attention to Exec Comp! The Treasurers Report should prompt discussion about the role of hospitals in the state and their future. It’s an incomplete picture. “

Paul Keckley, Feb. 20, 2023

CHAMPS Registration Required for Medicaid Doula Services

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will reimburse for doula services provided to individuals covered by Medicaid beginning Jan. 1, 2023. Doula providers are required to be registered and approved on the MDHHS Doula Registry and enrolled in the Community Health Automated Medicaid Processing System (CHAMPS) as a Medicaid provider. Doulas should contact the Medicaid health plan (MHP) prior to providing services to MHP enrollees, as doulas must be contracted with the MHP or receive approval to provide out-of-network services.

Doulas must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent credentials. The MDHHS will certify doulas who have completed training provided by an MDHHS-approved training program or organization.

Additional resources include:

Additional information and resources can be found on the MDHHS Doula Initiative website. The CHAMPS provider enrollment process and resources can be found on the Provider Enrollment website.

Members with questions should contact Vickie Kunz at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Oct. 3, 2022

MHA Monday Report

capitol buildingEconomic Development Supplemental Passed by Michigan Legislature

The Michigan Legislature was back in session the week of Sept. 26 to finish voting on a multitude of bills as committees and the full body met for the last time before the Nov. 8 election …


Workforce Funding ReportMHA Distributes Workforce Grant Report to Legislature

Based on requirements in legislative boilerplate, the MHA created and distributed to the Michigan Legislature Sept. 28 a report on the results of the state healthcare workforce grant, which brought $225 million to Michigan hospitals for workforce recruitment, retention and training …


MDHHS Releases Proposed Policy for Attending Physician Claims

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) released a proposed policy to update existing policy for the attending provider field on institutional hospital inpatient and outpatient claims …


MHA Keystone Center Presents Annual Health Equity Summit

Registration is now open for the Michigan Health Equity Summit that will take place in-person at Lansing Community College West Campus and virtually from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET on Nov. 3.


Trustee Member Forum Outlines Membership Strategies

The MHA will host a Trustee Member Forum from noon to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at the MHA Headquarters in Okemos for trustees from MHA member organizations to explore the MHA’s 2022-2023 program year’s strategic action plan, which the MHA Board of Trustees approved in August …


Revised Doula Services Policy Released by MDHHS

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently released a second proposed policy to establish coverage for doula services effective Jan. 1, 2023. The MHA supports this proposal and agrees with the MDHHS statement that the policy will improve birth outcomes …


Webinar Highlights Diverse Perspectives and Collaboration to Improve Strategic Goals

Now is the time to maximize board resources to design healthcare that is affordable, equitable and focused on your community’s needs. To effectively create strategies, an organization’s leadership must agree on the approach, terminology and …


MHA Race of the Week – Michigan Governor

The MHA’s Race of the Week series highlights the most pivotal statewide races and ballot questions for Election 2022. The series will provide hospitals and healthcare advocates with the resources they need to make informed decisions on Election Day, including candidates’ views and background …


MHA Rounds Report - Brian Peters, MHA CEOMHA CEO Report — Michigan Hospitals: Benefitting Communities in Significant Ways

Fall is officially upon us. At the MHA, that means a new program year is well underway, we have a new Strategic Action Plan in place and are preparing for the November election which is now just weeks away…


Paul KeckleyThe Keckley Report

The Winners and Losers in US Healthcare Thru 2025: What to Expect

“With 6 weeks to the mid-term election, one thing is certain: healthcare issues will be prominent in campaign rhetoric but the reality is not much will change until after 2024. Economic conditions, Congressional dysfunction and effective advocacy efforts by trade groups representing hospitals, drug and device manufacturers, and health insurers will limit major reforms… ”

Paul Keckley, Sept. 26, 2022


Logo for MI Vote Matters, Tuesday Nov. 8News to Know

  • As Election Day nears, the Citizens Research Council of Michigan is hosting a free webinar from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 5 on the three proposed constitutional amendments that will appear on the Nov. 8 ballot.

Laura Appel speaks with WILX.

MHA in the News

Below is a collection of headlines from around the state that include interviews or statements from MHA representatives.

Revised Doula Services Policy Released by MDHHS

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently released a second proposed policy to establish coverage for doula services effective Jan. 1, 2023. The MHA supports this proposal and agrees with the MDHHS statement that the policy will improve birth outcomes, address social determinants of health and decrease health and racial disparities for Medicaid beneficiaries. Changes from the previous proposal include:

  • Specifying a per visit payment rate of $75 for prenatal and postnatal visits which must be at least 20 minutes in duration.
  • Allowing prenatal and postnatal services to be provided via telehealth without documenting barriers to in-person services.
  • Covering a maximum of six visits as initially proposed with potential coverage of additional visits through prior authorization.
  • Increasing the payment rate for the labor and delivery visit from $350 to $700.
  • Clarifying that services will be reimbursed through the MDHHS for Medicaid fee-for-service beneficiaries and the Medicaid Health Plans (MHPs) for beneficiaries enrolled in an MHP.
  • Clarifying that Medicaid covers childbirth education and lactation support and counseling separately from doula services.

The initial list of training programs within the proposed policy was compiled during policy development with the assistance of doulas. The MDHHS will continue to review doula training programs, including those created for specific populations such as community-based doula programs, to support cultural and community needs. The MDHHS will also continue to research pathways for legacy certification, or certification of doulas by providing proof of experience in lieu of training, within the confines of state and federal regulations. Opportunities to assist doula providers in navigating the Medicaid program is also being explored.

The MDHHS welcomes feedback will accept comments until Nov. 1. Members with questions should contact Vickie Kunz at the MHA.

MDHHS Proposes to Cover Doula Services for Medicaid Beneficiaries

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently released a proposed policy for Medicaid coverage of doula services effective Oct. 1, 2022, contingent upon approval by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The MHA supports this proposal and agrees with the MDHHS statement that the policy would improve birth outcomes, address social determinants of health, and decrease health and racial disparities for Medicaid beneficiaries.

A doula is a nonclinical person who typically provides physical, emotional and educational support services to pregnant women during the prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum periods. Doulas must have a current certification by a doula training program or organization approved by the MDHHS and provide it upon request. They must complete an online application in the Community Health Automated Processing System and enroll with an Individual National Provider Identifier as either a Rendering/Servicing-Only or Individual/Sole Provider to be a Medicaid-enrolled provider.

Under the proposed policy, Medicaid would cover various types of doula services, including community-based, prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum services when recommended by a licensed healthcare provider. Doula services are expected to be in-person, with prenatal and postpartum services available via telehealth when there is a barrier to in-person services. Covered services would include a maximum of six total visits during the prenatal and postpartum periods and one visit for labor and delivery. All prenatal and postpartum visits would need to be at least 20 minutes to be eligible for reimbursement. The proposed payment rate is $75 per visit for prenatal and postnatal visits and $350 for attendance at labor and delivery.

Comments are due to the MDHHS June 4. Members with questions should contact Vickie Kunz at the MHA.