As part of Gov. Whitmer’s commitment to ensuring access to behavioral health services, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently awarded more than $900,000 to five Community Mental Health Service Programs (CMHSP). The mobile response grant program will bolster Michigan’s mental health resources and increase availability of intensive crisis stabilization services, particularly for children and families.
The five CMHSPs receiving grant funds, include:
Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties.
Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network.
Genesee Health System.
Gratiot Integrated Health Network.
Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority.
MHA-member hospitals and health systems should be aware of this added capacity in their areas for behavioral health support. If challenges in accessing these services arise, contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.
Effective Oct. 1, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will transition the telephone prior authorization process from Admissions and Certification Review (ACRC) to the MDHHS Program Review Division. This applies for the following services:
Durable medical equipment and supplies, limited to: Enteral/parenteral nutrition/supplies, negative pressure wound therapy, home infusion therapy and home uterine activity monitors.
These changes only apply to Medicaid and Children’s Special Health Care Services fee-for-service. On and after Oct. 1, 2023, members are urged to use 1-844-PACERMI (1-844-722-3764) to request authorizations of the above services. All policy standards of coverage, telephone prior authorization processes and documentation requirements remain unchanged.
Members are able to refer to Medicaid Letter L-23-55 for more details. Members with questions may contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) launched their Maternal Mortality Surveillance (MMMS) program, which is dedicated to preventing pregnancy-related deaths. The Hear Her Michigan Campaign focuses on empowering women and their support networks to know the urgent maternal warning signs and speak up when they have concerns.
According to MDHHS, more than 700 women die each year in the U.S. from pregnancy-related complications up to one year after giving birth. In Michigan, there are approximately 25 cases of pregnancy-related deaths each year. Of these deaths, approximately six out of every ten are preventable.
The Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies initiative that began in 2021 includes the expansion of postpartum Medicaid coverage, the addition of Medicaid doula services and the implementation and expansion of evidence-based home visiting programs. The FY24 budget includes more than $68 million to expanding evidence-based services to improve outcomes by addressing inequity.
Members are encouraged to learn more about urgent maternal warning signs and discover ways to help. Members with questions should contact Carlie Austin at the MHA.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced new information Aug. 22 related to the rebidding of contracts for health plans that provide services to 2.2 million Michiganders receiving coverage through Medicaid and Michigan’s Healthy Michigan Plan. The announcement included network requirements and minimum qualifications for bidders in its upcoming request for proposals for the Comprehensive Health Care Program contract for Michigan’s Medicaid health plans.
The MHA has been and will continue to monitor all relevant aspects to the Medicaid health plan bidding/proposal process and continue to advocate when appropriate to ensure Michigan residents get the coverage and networks they need and deserve to receive high-quality, timely services.
Members with questions may contact Jason Jorkasky at the MHA.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Chief Medical Executive, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (top left); Jonnie Hamilton, DNP, PNP-BC, NE-BC, Medical Manager, Ascension; Ruthanne Sudderth, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Michigan Health and Hospital Association; Veronica Valentine McNally, President, Franny Strong Foundation and Founder, I Vaccinate Campaign; Colleen Hall-Young, DNP, Pontiac Middle School’s health center.
The MHA participated in a press conference Aug. 17 alongside representatives from I Vaccinate, the Franny Strong Foundation, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Ascension Michigan and Pontiac Middle School, to urge families to get their kids up-to-date on routine vaccines as the new school year begins.
Vaccination rates for Michigan children ages 19 to 36 months have fallen below 70% in more than half of the state (52 of 83 counties), according to June 2023 data from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR).
Ruthanne Sudderth, senior vice president and chief strategy officer at the MHA, encouraged families to get the safe and effective vaccines that are available to help protect their own children, as well as those who cannot get vaccinated in their communities. Speakers at the event also highlighted the latest vaccine data, the safety review processes that vaccines undergo in the U.S., the status of COVID-19 boosters and answered questions from the media regarding vaccine hesitancy and data trends.
The MHA will continue to promote vaccine safety and effectiveness information throughout the program year.
The MHA Board of Trustees held its final meeting of the 2022-2023 program year in conjunction with the MHA Annual Membership Meeting. As part of a standing agenda item focused on safety and quality lessons …
Many MHA-tracked bills saw movement during the last week of June, with both the House and Senate taking floor votes on legislation before they broke for the summer. In the House, representatives voted in support …
Members of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) elected new officers and appointed board members during the association’s Annual Membership Meeting June 29. Officers of the 2023-2024 MHA Board of Trustees include Shannon Striebich, …
The MHA announced two winners of its Special Recognition Award during the Annual Membership Meeting June 29, recognizing them for extensive contributions to healthcare. Each of the winners has uniquely influenced healthcare in Michigan. The …
The MHA announced the 2023 winner of its highest achievement award during the association’s Annual Membership Meeting June 29. Receiving the award for her decades of leadership in elected office supporting healthcare is U.S. Senator …
The MHA announced the winners of its 2023 Healthcare Leadership Award during its Annual Membership Meeting June 29. Each year, the MHA recognizes outstanding individuals who have provided exceptional leadership to healthcare organizations and to …
The MHA announced the winners of its 2023 Ludwig Community Benefit Award during the association’s Annual Membership Meeting June 29. The honorees include programs supported by Detroit-based Henry Ford Health; Trinity Health Livonia; and ProMedica …
The MHA announced the winner of its 2023 Advancing Safe Care Award June 29 honoring the dedicated team at Henry Ford Kingswood Hospital in Ferndale. The award was announced during the association’s Annual Membership Meeting. …
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued a new Michigan Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (MI-POST) form. The MI-POST form is available in Spanish, Arabic and English. This update was made …
The MHA released another episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, which features interviews with healthcare policy experts in Michigan on key issues that impact healthcare and the health of communities. On episode 30, State Representative …
The theme of the 2022-2023 MHA program year was telling our story. With focus and passion, we told the stories of our hospitals and health systems, the challenges and adversity they face, and how they still provide high quality and accessible healthcare to their communities. …
“Five recent Supreme Court rulings have reset the context for U.S. jurisprudence for years to come and open a can of worms for healthcare operators. …
Each of these is specific to a circumstance but collectively they expose industries like healthcare to greater compliance risk, potential court challenges and operational complexity.
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 issued May 30, 2023.
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.
MDHHS issued MMP 23-45, Change in Non-Routine Therapy Prior Authorization Requirements for Medicaid Beneficiaries Residing in a Nursing Facility, June 30 with an effective date of Aug. 1, 2023.
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 MHA received media coverage the week of June 26 regarding the state budget, the healthcare workforce and auto no-fault utilization review. MHA CEO Brian Peters is quoted in multiple stories. Below is a collection …
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.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued a new Michigan Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (MI-POST) form. The MI-POST form is available in Spanish, Arabic and English. This update was made due to administrative changes to the document for clearer understanding.
The MI-POST form is an optional medical order that is part of the advance care planning process and includes choices about cardiopulmonary resuscitation, critical care and other desired medical interventions. It is intended for individuals with serious advanced illness or frailty. Individuals who have used the MI-POST form in Michigan are required to use the new MI-POST form version created by Public Act 154 of 2017. MI-POST forms completed on the old version of the form before June 30 will be considered valid one year from the completion date or until a circumstance that requires reaffirmation or revocation of the MI-POST form, as detailed on the form instructions.
More information about the MI-POST form and training resources are available on the MI-POST webpage. Members with questions regarding the MI-POST form may contact MDHHS.
The MHA announced two winners of its Special Recognition Award during the Annual Membership Meeting June 29, recognizing them for extensive contributions to healthcare. Each of the winners has uniquely influenced healthcare in Michigan. The winners include Elizabeth Hertel, director, Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS), and Natasha Bagdasarian, MD, MPH, FIDSA, chief medical executive, state of Michigan.
Elizabeth Hertel was a critical part of Michigan’s COVID response, leading work to expand hospital resources, gain access to the COVID-19 vaccine for Michigan residents and assuring equitable distribution and issuing public health orders. She was appointed MDHHS director January 2021, which followed an extensive healthcare and policy career, including time spent with MDHHS, Trinity Health Michigan, the Michigan House Republican Policy Office and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
Elizabeth Hertel, director, Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS), with MHA CEO Brian Peters and Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Hertel’s experience proved vital during a challenging time of the pandemic when most of Michigan’s population had yet to receive access to the COVID-19 vaccine and establish any immunity against severe disease. She played a large role in the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to hospitals, health systems and other healthcare providers to distribute during the spring of 2021. The issuing of public health orders also played a part in changing public behavior to slow the rate of infection, particularly during times when hospitals experienced surges of patients for sustained time periods.
The MHA and member hospitals and health systems received open lines of communication with Hertel and members of her executive staff throughout the pandemic, proving crucial in providing hospital leadership and crisis command teams with the appropriate information about changing policy and regulatory issues, which allowed clinical teams to effectively focus on patient care.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian was also instrumental in the state’s COVID response after being named the Chief Medical Executive in October 2021. Since her appointment, she has been an important partner for hospital clinical leaders, maintaining strong engagement with the MHA and clinicians on a regular basis throughout multiple COVID-19 surges. She helped lead development of the state’s clinical strategy and mitigation efforts including testing, masking, isolation and quarantine. She also developed the state’s “Response, Recovery, Readiness” cycle and guidance for schools and other organizations, as well as consulted on COVID-19 testing programs that helped Michiganders access over-the-counter testing.
Prior to her current role, Dr. Bagdasarian oversaw the COVID-19 testing strategy for the state and helped bring rapid testing technologies to vulnerable populations while serving the State of Michigan in the role of Senior Public Health Physician. Since early 2020, she has also served as a consultant/technical advisor for the World Health Organization, providing guidance on outbreak preparedness and COVID-19.
Natasha Bagdasarian, MD, MPH, FIDSA, chief medical executive for the state of Michigan, with MHA CEO Brian Peters and Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Dr. Bagdasarian is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in both Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases and is a Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Besides her work in Michigan, she has worked in Singapore and Bangladesh and has over 40 publications on topics in infectious diseases and public health. She has held teaching appointments at the University of Michigan, Wayne State University and the National University of Singapore and is currently an Adjunct Clinical Professor in Epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently notified hospitals about an issue with the Medicare crossover files from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that impacts CMS files from May 4 to May 23, 2023. Since the MDHHS was not able to load Medicare crossover files received from the CMS during that timeframe, hospitals may need to submit crossover claims. Hospitals are encouraged to review their Medicare Explanation of Benefit (EOB) to determine which claims are impacted and submit them directly to Michigan Medicaid, as necessary. The MDHHS indicated this appears to be a one-time issue and will continue to track and provide future updates, if necessary.
Members with questions should contact Vickie Kunz at the MHA.
Policy Bills Advanced During Budget Week
Healthcare Advocates Honored with MHA Special Recognition Award
MHA Meritorious Service Award Recognizes Sen. Stabenow
Hospital Executives Recognized for Outstanding Leadership
Ludwig Community Benefit Award Honors Hospital Programs
Henry Ford Kingswood Hospital Receives MHA Advancing Safe Care Award
MHA Podcast Explores Michigan Health Policy Priorities feat. Rep. Julie Rogers
MHA CEO Report — The Story of the MHA Program Year
