The House Health Policy Committee advanced legislation addressing preadmission screening assessments for behavioral health patients, as other healthcare bills advanced in the legislature during the week of June 8.
The House Health Policy Committee voted in support of House Bill (HB) 6022, sponsored by Rep. Curtis VanderWall (R-Ludington). The legislation would amend the Mental Health Code to allow contracted Medicaid health plans (MHPs) to operate preadmission screening units to evaluate individuals seeking mental or behavioral health services. Currently, preadmission screening units may only be operated by Community Mental Health Services Programs (CMHSPs). The bill requires CMHSPs to complete a preadmission screening assessment for Medicaid beneficiaries seeking mental or behavioral health services within three hours. If the CMHSP or MHP does not complete the assessment within that timeframe, qualified hospital personnel could complete the screening.
The provision was recommended by the MHA Behavioral Health Integration Council. The MHA developed an infographic for lawmakers illustrating the challenges Medicaid beneficiaries face when presenting to emergency departments (EDs) during a behavioral health crisis. The legislation seeks to improve access to care for Medicaid beneficiaries and reduce ED boarding times. The MHA-supported legislation has been referred to the House Rules Committee for further consideration.
The committee also took testimony on HB 5985, sponsored by Rep. Tom Kunse (R-Clare). The bill would add pharmacists practicing in eligible areas into the Michigan Essential Health Provider recruitment program for student loan repayment assistance. Offering loan-repayment incentives helps attract and retain pharmacists, thereby reducing provider shortages in rural and underserved areas. The MHA supports this legislation.
The Senate Health Policy Committee voted to support Senate Bills (SBs) 973–978, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), which would create a state-based health insurance exchange in Michigan. The bills would allow the Department of Insurance and Financial Services to seek a federal waiver to establish a state-based exchange and maintain contracts with participating health plans. The committee also heard testimony on SB 1011. The bill would create a small-business health pool, allowing employers with 500 or fewer employees to establish state-regulated multiple-employer welfare arrangements that provide health coverage for eligible employees and self-employed individuals. The MHA supports SBs 973-978 and SB 1011.
The Michigan House approved SB 301 on June 11. Sponsored by Sen. Joe Bellino (R-Monroe), the MHA-supported legislation would provide tax credits to employers whose employees take time off to serve as living organ donors. The bill now awaits the governor’s signature. Lastly, Reps. Karl Bohnak (R-Deerton), Steve Frisbie (R-Battle Creek) and Kathy Schmaltz (R-Jackson) introduced HBs 6071–6073 to address medical debt in Michigan. The MHA is reviewing this legislation.
Members with questions may contact the MHA advocacy team.