Tag: MDHHS

ACP and MDHHS to Host Vaccine Policy and Practice Webinar

Member News

The American College of Physicians (ACP), in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), will host the public health webinar, From Policy to Practice: What Internists Need to Know About the Latest Vaccines Recommendations, at noon ET Sept. 11, 2025.

The session will provide insights into Michigan’s vaccination landscape. Attendees will also hear about strategies to boost coverage, along with updates on national advocacy, new legislation and regulatory changes that directly impact physicians and their patients.

Members are encouraged to register.

Members with questions may contact the health & data policy department at the MHA.

MDHHS Updates Mental Health Framework Webpage

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has updated its Mental Health Framework (MHF) webpage with new resources for providers.

Recordings and slide decks from the MHF 101 webinar, the MichiCANS Screener and LOCUS All Provider Draft Rate Meeting 101 webinar are now available. These sessions provide background and technical updates to support provider engagement within the framework.

The webpage now includes expanded information on standardized assessment trainings. Providers can access details and instructions for registering for upcoming MichiCANS trainings. While LOCUS training is not yet available, the MDHHS will share additional updates once those sessions are avaliable.

Providers are encouraged to visit the MDHHS Mental Health Framework webpage regularly for the most up-to-date information and resources.

Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.

Media Recap: Medicaid and Healthcare Costs

Member News, Issues in Healthcare, MHA In The News

The MHA received media coverage during the week of Aug. 18 that continued to focus on the impact the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) will have on Medicaid as well as comments related to the impact hospital consolidations have on healthcare access.

Gongwer published a story Aug. 20 on the impact hospital consolidations have on healthcare costs and access to care for employees. MHA CEO Brian Peters was quoted in the article disputing the claim that hospitals are profiteers.

“Bashing community hospitals and the 220,000 hospital workers who show up every day of the year to care for Michigan patients is misguided and inflammatory,” said Peters. “Hospitals are focused on providing safe, high-quality, affordable care in every community they serve.”

NPR also published a story following an interview with Peters regarding the impact the OBBBA and new work requirements will have on healthcare in Michigan.

“The state of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has estimated that as many as 700,000 Michiganders could lose coverage because of the reconciliation bill,” said Peters.

The new work requirements will necessitate that hundreds of thousands of enrollees document their eligibility every six months. Peters noted in the interview that there’s no evidence of widespread waste and abuse in the state’s Medicaid program.

“When you look at the Medicaid population here in the state of Michigan, we know that almost all of those folks are working and working full time,” said Peters.

Members with any questions regarding media requests should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

MDHHS to Discuss 2026 Draft Rates for MichiCANS and LOCUS Assessments

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) invites qualified mental health providers to attend a MichiCANS Screener and Level of Care Utilization System (LOCUS) All Provider Draft Rate meeting scheduled from 1 – 2 p.m. ET Aug. 6. The meeting will provide important context for upcoming Medicaid policy changes and explain how draft comparison payment rates were developed for the 2026 fiscal year MichiCANS and LOCUS assessments. Providers will also have the opportunity to share feedback on the proposed rate methodology. Members are encouraged to register and attend the meeting.

Beginning in October 2025, all qualified Medicaid mental health providers contracted with Medicaid health plans (MHPs) and/or prepaid inpatient health plans (PIHPs) must begin using the MichiCANS screener for individuals under 21, or the LOCUS for those 21 and older. Providers must also follow a standardized referral process for mental health services.

Starting in October 2026, MHPs will expand coverage to include additional services for individuals with lower levels of mental health need. These services include inpatient psychiatric care, crisis residential services, partial hospitalization and targeted case management. Providers of these services should prepare to contract with both MHPs and PIHPs.

Members with questions may contact MHA Policy department at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report July 21, 2025

Monday Report, Member News

CMS Releases Medicare 2026 Outpatient Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service outpatient prospective payment system effective Jan. 1, 2026. The proposed rule: Provides a net 0.9% increase …

On Demand Webinar: Balancing the Complexities of the Healthcare Workforce in Rural Markets

MHA Endorsed Business Partner AMN Healthcare recently hosted the webinar Balancing the Complexities of the Healthcare Workforce in Rural Markets. Speakers  John Higgins, vice president of talent management, Essentia Health, …

Vaccination Resources Available for Healthcare Providers

The MHA remains committed to supporting vaccination efforts across the state by providing healthcare professionals with timely resources, updated guidance and tools to strengthen public health outreach. The state of Michigan has reported 18 measles …

MDHHS Proposes Policy Changes to Streamline Mental Health Assessments for Youth

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently released a proposed policy to revise the Michigan Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (MichiCANS) screening tool for individuals under age 21. The policy aims …

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Examines The Boards Role in Workforce Strategy

The July edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), highlights board-level strategies for advancing leadership development, governance structure, care transformation and the use of AI in healthcare data analysis. …

Keckley Report

AMA, AHA Board Meetings this week: Shared Concerns, Divergent Positioning

“This week, two boards with much on the line in U.S. healthcare will convene:

  • The American Medical Association (AMA) Board of Trustees will meet in San Diego.
  • The American Hospital Association (AHA) Board of Trustees will meet in Nashville.

Media scrutiny: Media attention to physicians and hospitals is significant and increasing. Winning the hearts and minds of populations is complicated and expensive. Polling suggests the public trusts physicians, nurses and pharmacists more than hospitals, insurers and drug companies but concerns about affordability and institutional mistrust are mounting for all.”

Paul Keckley, July 13, 2025

MHA in the News

The MHA continued to receive media coverage during the week of July 14 about the impacts of the federal budget reconciliation bill, officially referred to as the One Big Beautiful Big Act (OBBBA). Coverage includes …

MDHHS Proposes Policy Changes to Streamline Mental Health Assessments for Youth

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently released a proposed policy to revise the Michigan Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (MichiCANS) screening tool for individuals under age 21. The policy aims to clarify who can administer the tool and how the results must be used.

Under the proposed policy:

  • The MichiCANS screener must be completed by certified raters from MDHHS-designated child-serving systems, including:
    • Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs)
    • Community Mental Health Services Programs (CMHSPs)
    • Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPs)
    • Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTFs)

Raters must complete training and certification in the use of the MichiCANS tool.

  • Once a screening is completed:
    • PIHPs, CMHSPs, CCBHCs and Medicaid Health Plans must accept and use the MichiCANS screener ratings and eligibility determination results.
    • These entities may not require a repeat screener within one year.
    • PIHPs, CMHSPs and CCBHCs must accept and use existing MichiCANS Comprehensive ratings as part of the intake and assessment process.

MDHHS is offering free, live virtual training sessions for qualified mental health providers. Providers must complete a registration form to receive training details. The training is eligible for CME/CEU credits and must be completed in the following sequence:

  • Transformational Collaborative Outcomes Management Orientation
  • MichiCANS Overview
  • MichiCANS Certification Course

MDHHS is accepting public comments on the proposed policy through Aug. 12. A final policy is expected to be issued following the review period, with an effective date of Oct. 1.

Questions should be directed to MDHHS. Providers are encouraged to subscribe to the Mental Health Framework listserv for updates.

Members with questions may contact MHA Policy Team at the MHA.

Vaccination Resources Available for Healthcare Providers

Member News

The MHA remains committed to supporting vaccination efforts across the state by providing healthcare professionals with timely resources, updated guidance and tools to strengthen public health outreach.

The state of Michigan has reported 18 measles cases and 855 pertussis cases so far in 2025, reinforcing the critical role of routine vaccinations and the need for clear, consistent guidance for providers.

The following tools are available to help strengthen vaccine outreach and support on-time immunizations:

  • The Citizens Research Council of Michigan released a new vaccine report, which highlights recent changes to federal vaccine recommendations and provides policy recommendations to strengthen vaccination efforts statewide.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated it’s Be Ready for Measles Toolkit, which now includes adult MMR vaccination decision trees, summer camp checklists and immunity record templates. Recent CDC data confirms 1,197 measles cases across 34 states and 90% of which are linked to outbreaks. Of these cases, 95% occurred in individuals who were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.
  • The July 14 I Vaccinate newsletter includes new provider resources and Q&A materials to support vaccine-related conversations with patients and families.

The MHA continues to work closely with the MDHHS Division of Immunizations and other partners to promote consistent vaccine messaging and improve vaccination rates across Michigan.

Members with questions may contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report July 14, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

Medical Debt Legislation Introduced, Maternal and Behavioral Health Bills Clear Senate

Legislation addressing medical debt was introduced in the Michigan State Senate June 26. The bipartisan three-bill package, Senate Bills 449, 450 and 451, codify the existence of hospital financial assistance programs, create new …

MHA Service Corporation Highlights Security Technology Solutions and Action Plan Priorities

The MHA Service Corporation board held its final meeting of the 2024-2025 program year focused on supporting the MHA Strategic Action Plan priorities of protecting access, workforce support, strengthening cybercrime and cybersecurity policy, mental …

CMS Releases Home Health PPS Proposed Rule

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule updating the home health prospective payment system (PPS) for calendar year 2026. Highlights of the proposed rule include: A 6% …

Deadline Approaching to Qualify for MDHHS Maternal Health Quality Payments

Birthing hospitals pursuing the 2025 Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Maternal Health Quality Payments must meet all requirements by July 31 to receive payments. Eligibility requirements include full participation in the Michigan …

Free Substance Use Disorder Technical Assistance Available

The Michigan Opioid Partnership is offering free, tailored technical assistance to help Michigan hospitals and healthcare providers improve care for patients with substance use disorders, whether they are implementing new protocols or strengthening existing …

Virtual Maternal Health Quality Improvement Courses Available

The Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (MI AIM) is offering virtual modules to support maternal health quality improvement efforts. All obstetric team members at MI AIM participating birthing hospitals are encouraged to complete …

MHA Shares State Impacts and Insights at Regional 340B Roundtable

MHA staff attended the Regional 340B Roundtable July 8 in Florence, IN to join colleagues from the Indiana Hospital Association, Ohio Hospital Association, Kentucky Hospital Association and endorsed business partner, SunRx, to share best practices for successful 340B administration and …

MHA Releases Executive Summary of Final LARA Rules for Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery

The MHA recently released an executive summary regarding administrative rules finalized by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), updating licensing and practice standards for osteopathic medicine and surgery in Michigan. The rules, …

MHA Rounds image of Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — A Year of Progress and Purpose

With another program year behind us, the MHA Annual Meeting served as a powerful reminder of our shared mission to advance the health and well-being of Michigan’s patients and communities. Despite an evolving political landscape, we’ve made meaningful progress and are moving …

Keckley Report

Special Edition: Lessons from the ACA applicable to the Big Beautiful Bill

“One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) passed both houses of Congress by the thinnest of margins and was signed into law by President Trump last Thursday. It is the most significant legislation for U.S. healthcare since the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) signed into law by President Obama March 23, 2010. …

It’s too soon to know what the results will be for OBBBA. Many fear it will cause irreparable damage to the safety net—public health programs, rural and safety net hospitals, nursing homes and others that serve lower-income and disabled populations. Some see it as a necessary reset asserting waste, fraud and abuse in healthcare has been allowed to fester, harming those in bona-fide need and keeping resources in healthcare better used elsewhere.

What’s known for sure is that opinions about the OBBBA will change as it’s implemented over the next four years. How states address work requirements and implementation will be central to its success.  And executive orders, administrative actions, court decisions and market conditions will alter its trajectory—especially economic conditions at home.”

Paul Keckley, July 6, 2025

New to KnowNews to Know

MHA Endorsed Business Partner CorroHealth, is hosting the webinar Price Transparency in 2025: What’s Required, What’s Coming, What to do Now, for MHA members from 2 to 3 p.m. ET July 16.

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage during the weeks of June 30 and July 7 on Medicaid cuts included in the federal budget reconciliation bill. MHA CEO Brian Peters and MHA Executive Vice President Laura Appel …

Deadline Approaching to Qualify for MDHHS Maternal Health Quality Payments

Member News, Patient Safety and Quality

Birthing hospitals pursuing the 2025 Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Maternal Health Quality Payments must meet all requirements by July 31 to receive payments. Eligibility requirements include full participation in the Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (MI AIM) collaborative and The Joint Commission’s Maternal Levels of Care (MLC) Verification Program. Participating birthing hospitals will also have the costs associated with pursing MLC verification covered by the MHA Keystone Center through MDHHS funding.

The quality payments aim to strengthen maternal health quality improvement initiatives at Michigan birthing hospitals. Hospital payments will be based on the number of Medicaid-covered births and the hospital’s maternal morbidity rate. The payments will be released directly through MDHHS Medicaid to eligible birthing hospitals in September.

The MHA Keystone Center continues to offer technical support to all birthing hospitals interested in pursuing the funding. Members with questions should contact Ewa Panetta at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report June 16, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

Nurse Licensure Compact Legislation Clears House, Next of Kin Bills Advance

Legislation on the Nurse Licensure Compact and next of kin designations advanced in the Michigan House during the week of June 9. House Bill 4246, sponsored by Rep. Phil Green (R-Millington), passed the full …

MHA Testifies on Hospital Cost Drivers in House Insurance Committee

The MHA testified before the Michigan House Insurance Committee June 11 on healthcare cost issues affecting hospitals and communities across the state. Laura Appel, executive vice president, government relations & public policy, MHA and Elizabeth …

MHA Testifies on IMLC in House Health Policy

The MHA testified in support of Senate Bill 303 during a hearing in the Michigan Senate Health Policy Committee June 11. The legislation would reinstate Michigan’s participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC). …

MDHHS Launches New Mental Health Framework

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is launching a new approach to mental healthcare under Medicaid as part of its MIHealthyLife initiative. The “Mental Health Framework” is designed to make care …

MHA Keystone Center to Support CMS’ Quality Improvement Program

Superior Health Quality Alliance (Superior Health) has been selected as the Great Lakes Region’s Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) to support the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) 13th Scope of Work. As a member …

MiHIN in Negotiations to Sell Velatura Stake, Refocus Efforts on Michigan

The Michigan Health Information Network Shared Services (MiHIN), the state’s health information exchange, recently announced it is in negotiations to sell its interest in Velatura Public Benefit Corporation to Capernaum Investments. Velatura was established by MiHIN …

HHS Replaces ACIP Members, Future Vaccine Policy Unclear

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced June 9 the removal of all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This independent body is comprised …

MHA Keystone Center PSO Hosts Cybersecurity and Regulatory Inspection Safe Table Events

The MHA Keystone Center Patient Safety Organization (PSO) hosted a safe table focused on Adapting Clinical Risk Management for Cybersecurity June 4 at the MHA Headquarters in Okemos. In partnership with MHA Endorsed Business Partner CyberForce|Q, the …

MHA Cybersecurity Communications Toolkit Available

A new MHA-member cybersecurity communications toolkit is now available to assist hospitals and health systems in preparing for and responding to a cyber incident. The available resources are focused on providing guidance in communicating with …

Keckley Report

The Hourly Workforce in Healthcare Deserves Attention

“Two government reports this week point to a familiar theme: healthcare employment is the backbone of the U.S. civilian workforce …

Arguably, their questions aren’t unique to hourly workers in healthcare: lower- and low-middle income employee cohorts in other industries feel the same. What’s unique to healthcare is the context: new technologies, new regulations, new transparency requirements, new ways of staffing and constant pressure to do more with less. Tension between workers and leaders in provider organizations is palpable—arguably more widespread than other industries in the economy. And human resource functions in these settings are understaffed and underfunded despite the mounting urgency of workforce issues since the pandemic. …

The hourly workforce in healthcare is important to its future. But most are worried about how to pay their bills at home and do a job with an uncertain future. These issues deserve attention.”

Paul Keckley, June 9, 2025

News to Know

MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled June 19 in honor of Juneteenth.

MHA in the News

The MHA received news coverage during the week of June 9 that included local TV news stories on the Michigan House of Representatives passing a bill that would have the state join the National Nurse …