Tag: loan repayment

MDHHS Offers Loan Repayment to Expand Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

Member News

To help close critical gaps in opioid addiction treatment across Michigan, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is offering student loan repayment to eligible healthcare providers who begin or expand opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment programs.

The Michigan Opioid Treatment Access Loan Repayment Program provides between $15,000 and $30,000 in student loan repayment to physicians, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and substance use disorder counselors. To qualify, providers must offer new or expanded OUD treatment services in the state.

Michigan continues to face a serious gap in access to substance use treatment. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 1.3 million residents need treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) but aren’t receiving it. A recent needs assessment from MDHHS identified workforce shortages, largely driven by educational barriers and high certification costs as a key factor. Michigan currently ranks 40th in the nation for the number of SUD counselors per adult with the disorder. The loan repayment initiative is supported by the Michigan Opioid Healing and Recovery Fund, which was created using settlement funds from the nation’s three largest pharmaceutical distributors and opioid manufacturer Johnson & Johnson. To date, the program has helped 138 providers repay more than $2.5 million in student loan debt.

Applications for the current cycle are due by Monday, May 19. Providers interested in applying or learning more about eligibility may visit the MIOTA webpage for application materials and additional information.

Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.

Governor Signs FY 25 Budget and FY 24 Supplemental

Member News

Gov. Whitmer signed the fiscal year (FY) 2025 state budget on July 24. The budget proposal fully funds the Michigan Medicaid program, including significant increases to provider-funded Medicaid reimbursements in FY 24 and 25. The budget also includes a new, $8.3 million investment to support peer recovery coaches in hospitals to enhance substance use disorder services.

Additionally, the agreement provides necessary resources to assist hospitals in advancing the health of individuals and communities throughout Michigan. This includes:

  • Maintaining funding for the Healthy Michigan Plan.
  • Preserving outpatient Medicaid rate increases achieved during prior budget cycles.
  • Continuing funding for the rural access pool and obstetrical stabilization fund.
  • Investing an additional $10 million in maternal and infant health programs at hospitals.
  • Establishing a new, $9 million nursing loan repayment program.
  • More than $31 million in additional, direct hospital appropriations.

A statement on the passage of the budget was also published by MHA CEO Brian Peters June 27. The MHA will continue to advocate the state use portions of the funding to provide the resources necessary for hospitals and health systems to care for all Michiganders.

Members with questions on the state budget may contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report April 1, 2024

Monday Report
MHA Monday Report

Washington DC capitol buildingMHA Comments on SUSTAIN 340B Discussion

The MHA submitted comments to U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), John Thune (R-SD), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) on proposed changes to the 340B Drug Pricing Program. The discussion draft …

Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program Available

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently announced the upcoming Behavioral Health Loan Repayment program, offering up to $300,000 per award to repay educational debt. This program is offered as part of …

National Blood Collection and Utilization Survey: Response Requested

The CDC issued a National Blood Collection and Utilization Survey invitation to all U.S. blood collection centers and acute care hospitals that perform a minimum of 100 inpatient surgical procedures annually. The survey aims …

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Focuses on Importance of Children’s Health

The March edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), outlines the array of challenges children are facing and the responsibility to help children reach their potential. Hospital strategic plans …

MHA Podcast Explores Important Role Hospitals Play in Public Health

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast during National Public Health Week to explore how hospitals are engaged in public health. Featured guests include Julie Yaroch, D.O., president of ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital and senior vice …

MHA Rounds graphic with Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — Cybersecurity Takes Center Stage

So began a letter dated March 10 from Xavier Becerra, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), referencing what is emerging as one of the most extensive and impactful cyberattacks in U.S. history. …

The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleyIs Private Equity the Solution or the Problem in Healthcare?

“Of late, private equity investors in healthcare services have faced intense criticism that their business practices have compromised patient safety and raised costs for consumers. March 5, the FTC, DOJ and HHS announced the launch of an investigation into the inner workings of PE in healthcare. It comes on the heels of U.S. Senate investigations in their Finance, HELP and Budget Committees to explore legislative levers they might pull to address their growing concerns about affordability, competition and accountability in the industry. …

PE is part of healthcare’s solution to its poorly structured, perpetually inadequate and mal-distributed funding. But creating a level playing field through meaningful regulatory reform is necessary first. …”

Paul Keckley, March 25, 2024

News to Know

  • Registration is now open for the 2024 MHA Graduate Medical Education Capitol Day, scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, at the MHA Capital Advocacy Center.
  • Registration is open for the 2024 Michigan Maternal Infant Health Summit scheduled June 17-18 at the Lansing Center.

Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program Available

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently announced the upcoming Behavioral Health Loan Repayment program, offering up to $300,000 per award to repay educational debt. This program is offered as part of the state’s effort to attract and retain talent and expand access to behavioral health services.

Previously known as the MI Kids Now Loan Repayment Program, this program encourages behavioral health providers to offer their services within nonprofit, outpatient organizations statewide.   

Providers who are eligible for loan repayment include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, therapists, case managers and certified behavioral analysts.

Applicants must provide in-person, outpatient behavioral health services through eligible nonprofit practice sites, such as public school-based systems and community mental health organizations.

The loan repayment program will prioritize providers who serve children, though individuals serving both children and adults are also eligible to apply. If awarded, providers will receive up to $300,000 for educational loan repayment over 10 years.

Applications for 2024 will be accepted beginning April 29 and are due by May 24. Additional information about eligibility, selection criteria, application instructions and frequently asked questions can be found on the MDHHS website.

Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.