Tag: MDHHS

MDHHS Seeks Proposals for Primary Substance Abuse Prevention Programs for Youth  

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) released a grant funding opportunity March 4 to provide support to organizations implementing primary substance use prevention programs for children and youth.   

The goal of this program is to support organizations to deliver primary prevention programs that prevent youth, ages 12 to 17, from partaking in alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Some programming ideas include increasing access to extracurricular activities, helping youth develop decision-making skills and other protective factors.  

This funding opportunity is open to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, private and public entities, local health departments, federally recognized tribes, or an Urban Indian Health Clinic program and universities.  

Funding is provided through the State of Michigan Opioid Healing and Recovery Fund. These funds are from a nationwide settlement with pharmaceutical distributors. The state plans to receive $1.8 billion from the settlement by 2040. Funds plan to be distributed to the state and directly to county, city and township governments.  

Members are encouraged to join the pre-application conference scheduled for 9 a.m. on Monday, March 9.  

Applications are due by 3 p.m. April 2 via EGrAMS. More information about this funding opportunity can be found on the EGrAMS website under “Current Grants” then “Specialty Behavioral Health Services” and finally selecting the “PSUPS-2026” grant program.   

Members with questions may contact the MHA policy team. 

MDHHS Shares 2026 MICH Requirements Updates

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently released updated information for calendar year 2026 regarding coverage regions and participating plans for Mi Coordinated Health (MICH).

MICH is the state’s Highly Integrated Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan, which integrates Medicare and Medicaid benefits under a single managed care plan for eligible beneficiaries.

For 2026, MICH will continue operating in select Medicaid regions with county-level availability changes:

  • The Upper Peninsula Health Plan will not be available in Chippewa, Gogebic or Menominee counties in 2026.
  • In southwest Michigan, Molina will not be available in St. Joseph County. Participating plans in the region will include Aetna, Priority Health, UnitedHealthcare and Wellcare-Meridian.
  • In Wayne County, participating plans will include Aetna, AmeriHealth, HAP CareSource, Priority, Humana, Molina, UnitedHealthcare and Wellcare-Meridian.
  • In Macomb County, participating plans will include Aetna, AmeriHealth, HAP CareSource, Humana, Molina, Priority, UnitedHealthcare and Wellcare-Meridian.

Providers are encouraged to consult the MICH provider contact list for plan-specific contracting information. Beneficiaries seeking to enroll or disenroll must work directly with their assigned health plan or contact 1-800-MEDICARE.

Additional Resources

MDHHS has made several resources available for providers and beneficiaries, including:

Members with any questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA

Registration Open for MDHHS Laboratory Leadership Summit

Member News

Registration is open for the Laboratory Leadership Summit, hosted March 26 in Lansing by the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Bureau of Laboratories (MDHHS BOL).

MHA members are encouraged to register and attend this one-day summit. Participation is recommended for clinical laboratory directors, administrators and senior laboratory leadership from hospital and health systems.

The summit will convene clinical and public health laboratory leaders from across the state. The agenda includes an overview of MDHHS BOL responsibilities, strategies to strengthen outbreak response and surge testing coordination between clinical and public health partners and a discussion on aligning MDHHS public health laboratory testing with the needs of clinical laboratories.

Attendees who require a hotel room, provided at no cost by MDHHS BOL, must submit the request through the registration form by Feb. 26.

Members with questions should contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.

MDHHS Withdraws PIHP Procurement

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has withdrawn its request for proposals (RFP) to competitively procure Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPs), ending the planned rebid process.

The decision follows a Jan. 8 ruling that found key elements of the RFP conflicted with provisions of the Michigan Mental Health Code. The court determined that the RFP, as drafted, restricted the ability of Community Mental Health Services Programs to carry out certain statutorily required functions, including entering financial contracts necessary to support managed care responsibilities.

While the court did not issue an injunction directing the state to withdraw the RFP, it identified multiple legal conflicts and left it to MDHHS to determine how to proceed. MDHHS has now opted to rescind the RFP rather than revise or reissue it.

With the withdrawal of the RFP, the existing PIHP structure will remain in place. It is unclear whether MDHHS will pursue a revised procurement approach or other policy changes moving forward.

Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine-Ray at the MHA.

MHA Releases FAQ on Rural Health Transformation Program Funding

Member News

The MHA recently released a new frequently asked questions (FAQ) document to help members better understand allowable uses, limitations and compliance requirements related to Michigan’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).

The FAQ clarifies that RHTP funding is temporary and intended to support specific care transformation activities. Funds cannot be used to cover routine operating costs, financial losses or to replace existing funding. Repayment may be required if funds are used for purposes not approved or if required documentation and reporting are not completed.

The document also addresses common questions raised by hospitals, including the use of RHTP funds for provider payments, health information technology investments, electronic medical record upgrades and limited facility improvements. In all cases, expenses must be directly connected to transformation activities approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Additional RHTP information and resources are available on the MHA’s Rural Health Transformation Program webpage. The MHA will continue to update both the FAQ and the webpage as more guidance becomes available from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and CMS.

Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine-Ray at the MHA.

Media Recap: Rural Health Transformation Project Fund Distribution

Member News, MHA In The News

The Detroit News published a story Jan. 29 on two recent House Appropriations Committee hearings on the distribution of Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funds.

The article details concern from House lawmakers and rural providers surrounding the program, particularly the designation of Wayne and Oakland counties as partially rural in the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) RHTP application.

Lauren LaPineLauren LaPine-Ray, DrPH, MPH, vice president, policy and rural health, MHA, is quoted in the story clarifying the department’s commitment expressed to the MHA to ensure rural communities benefit from the funding.

“The state is juggling varying state and federal definitions of rural as it applies for and administers the program,” LaPine-Ray said.

“I can say, very transparently, in our conversations with MDHHS, they did not intend to define a rural community as being one within Wayne or Oakland County,” she said. “They were very specific and intentional in making sure the definition that they used really focused on rural community and rural populations.”

The MHA also received coverage from MIRS and Bridge on 340B and medical debt collection legislation.

Members with questions regarding media requests should contact Elise Gonzales at the MHA.

 

Pediatric Vaccination Guidance: What Michigan Providers Need to Know

Member News, Top Issues - Healthcare

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently published its 2026 immunization schedule for children and adolescents, recommending protection against 18 diseases including polio, measles, respiratory syncytial virus and meningococcal disease. This comprehensive schedule draws on decades of evidence-based research and expert consensus and differs from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Jan. 6 update, which covers 11 diseases.

“The AAP will continue to provide recommendations for immunizations that are rooted in science and are in the best interest of the health of infants, children and adolescents of this country,” said AAP President Andrew Racine, MD, PhD, FAAP.

The schedule is supported by 12 major medical organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the American Medical Association and the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

Michigan’s Position

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued a standing recommendation on Dec. 18, 2025, encouraging providers to follow the AAP’s evidence-based immunization schedules. MDHHS reaffirmed this position Jan. 6, 2026, underscoring its commitment to science-based public health recommendations.

The MHA encourages hospital leaders to connect with their local public health department to discuss shared strategies for promoting evidence-based vaccine information.

Supporting Patient Communication

As families encounter vaccine information from multiple sources, questions may arise. Healthcare providers play a key role in delivering clear, evidence-based guidance grounded in science.

To assist with this effort, MDHHS has partnered with the Michigan Association of Local Public Health to launch the Michigan Health Communications Initiative. The initiative offers a monthly provider newsletter and ready-to-use materials suitable for emails, social media or printed displays to help educate patients about the importance of vaccines.

Vaccines are an important tool for preventing and controlling infectious diseases. The MHA supports the state’s standing recommendation to follow the AAP immunization schedules as evidence-based guidance that protects Michigan’s children. Additional information is available on the MDHHS Immunization Recommendations for Michigan webpage.

Members with questions about vaccines may contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.

MHA Launches Rural Health Transformation Program Webpage

Member News

The MHA has launched a new webpage dedicated to the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), providing members with a centralized source of information on Michigan’s participation in the program. The webpage includes an overview of the state’s award, key focus areas, implementation timelines and details on how the program is expected to support long-term changes in rural healthcare delivery.

Members may use the webpage as a resource to better understand the scope of the RHTP and what to expect from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services as additional guidance and funding opportunities are released. The MHA will continue to update the webpage as new information becomes available.

Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine-Ray at the MHA.

Legislative Policy Panel Hears Legislative Updates

Member News

The MHA Legislative Policy Panel met virtually Jan. 21 to develop recommendations on legislative and policy issues impacting Michigan hospitals.

The meeting began with guest speakers from the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and The Cornerstone Group. Wendy Block, senior vice president of business advocacy, Michigan Chamber of Commerce, provided an overview on the Money Out of Politics ballot proposal. Laura Bozell, principal, Cornerstone Group, delivered a federal update on current activity in Congress.

John Karasinski, vice president, communications, MHA, presented on the MHA’s communications and marketing strategy supporting the program year’s Strategic Action Plan.

Jim Lee, senior vice president, data policy & analytics, MHA, shared next steps for the Rural Health Transformation Program, following Michigan’s $173 million award from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for fiscal year 2026, which will be administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) through grant programming identified in the state’s application. The MHA remains engaged and will continue advocacy with MDHHS on behalf of rural hospitals as next steps are shared.

The MHA advocacy and health finance teams shared a state legislative update, including a recap on hospital financial assistance policies, medical debt and affordability.

For more information on the MHA Legislative Policy Panel, contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Jan. 19, 2026

Member News, Monday Report

Michigan Legislature Resumes Session, International Medical Graduate Bills Clear House Rules

The 103rd Michigan Legislature resumed session for the 2025-26 term during the week of Jan. 12, with the MHA continuing to work with lawmakers on initiatives that prioritize patients, providers, and hospitals and improve the health of …

MHA EventsRegistration is Now Open for the 2026 MHA Human Resources Conference

Registration is now open for the upcoming MHA Human Resources Conference scheduled from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. March 24 at the Crowne Plaza, Lansing, a must-attend event for HR leaders, talent professionals and executives …

MDHHS Opens Applications for RHT Advisory Council

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is accepting applications to serve on the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Advisory Council, which will support implementation of Michigan’s RHT Program to improve rural health. The …

HHS Updates Childhood Immunization Schedule

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. directed Jan. 5 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to revise the U.S. child and adolescent immunization schedule, reducing the number of universally recommended …

MDHHS Seeks Proposals for Children Trust Michigan Primary Prevention Program Grants

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently released a grant funding opportunity to prevent child abuse and neglect. This funding opportunity aims to prevent child abuse and neglect by developing protective factors that promote healthier and resilient …

Speaking Health Care™: A Guide to Understanding Healthcare Language

Orienting new trustees extends far beyond a single session. New members usually require months to get fully up-to-speed on strategic priorities and the basic expectations for trustees. A daunting challenge is interpreting language about operations, …

Michigan State Loan Repayment Program 2026 Application Period Opens March 2

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently announced an updated application period for the 2026 Michigan State Loan Repayment Program (MSLRP), which will be open from March 2 through April 30, 2026. …

Hospitals Help: MyMichigan Clinics Improve Access to Timely Care

MyMichigan Health established the Continuing Care Clinics in 2023 to serve residents across its 26-county service region who lack timely access to primary care physicians. These clinics are pivotal during critical health transitions, offering responsive …

Keckley Report

JPM Health Conference 2026: The Trump Effect

“This week, 8000 healthcare operators and investors will head west to the 44th Annual JP Morgan Health Conference in San Francisco. Per JPM: “The (invitation-only) conference serves as a vital platform for networking, deal-making, and discussing the latest innovations in healthcare, attracting global industry leaders, emerging companies, and members of the investment community.” Daily media coverage will be provided by Modern Healthcare and STAT and most of the agenda will be at the St. Francis Hotel at Union Square. …

It’s populism vs. corporatization. Healthcare’s proclivity for self-praise, addiction to “Best of…” recognition, celebrity CEOs and handsome executive compensation have postured it as “Big Business” in the eyes of most. Business practices associated with corporatization are fair game to the administration’s corrective agenda: hearings in the House Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce and Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) committees will showcase the administration’s populist grievances. The administration will lavish advantages on private organizations that demonstrate support for its policies. …

The health system’s role in making matters better or worse for consumers will be front and center alongside housing and costs of living. That context will be key to discussions between health investors and companies seeking their funds, though subordinate to term sheets.

In 2026, the Trump effect on dealmaking in healthcare will be significant.”

Paul Keckley, Jan. 11, 2026

New to KnowNews to Know

MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled Jan. 19, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

MHA in the News

MHA CEO Brian Peters joined the Michigan Association of State Universities Jan. 13 in a media roundtable to discuss the economic impact of Michigan’s public universities, which generate nearly $45 billion in net new economic …