Tag: MDHHS

MDHHS Launches New Mental Health Framework

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is launching a new approach to mental health care under Medicaid as part of its MIHealthyLife initiative.

The “Mental Health Framework” is designed to make care more person-centered and better coordinated by clearly outlining whether a Medicaid Health Plan or a Prepaid Inpatient Health Plan is responsible for an individual’s care, based on their level of mental health need.

To support implementation, all qualified mental health providers contracted with Medicaid Health Plans (MHPs) or Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PHPs) must use these standardized assessment tools and follow the new referral protocols beginning in October 2025. Additionally, providers offering services such as inpatient psychiatric care, crisis residentials and partial hospitalization for individuals with lower-level needs will need to contract with MHPs to ensure coverage by 2026.

MHPs will begin covering most mental health services for enrollees with lower levels of mental health need in October 2026, while PIHPs will continue serving those with higher acuity. A state standardized assessment tool, MichCANs for children and LOCUS for adults, will guide this determination. A streamlined referral process and shared platform will also be introduced to help providers and enrollees navigate between systems.

MDHHS is offering free training, eligible for CME/CEU credit, on these tools and processes. Providers are encouraged to complete a form to receive updates and register for training.

Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report June 9, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

Violence Against Healthcare Workers Legislation Introduced

Legislation to address violence against healthcare workers was introduced June 3 in the Michigan House of Representatives. A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced House Bills 4532 – 4535 to address violence against healthcare workers …

MHA Provides Powerful Testimony on Federal Threats to Medicaid

The Senate Health Policy Committee held a nearly two-hour hearing June 4 on federal threats to Medicaid. The Senate Health Policy Committee heard from several healthcare stakeholders and members of the Protect MI Care Coalition …

MHA Testifies on Next of Kin Bills, Healthcare Legislation Advances

The MHA provided testimony to the House Judiciary Committee in support of next of kin care bills and healthcare legislation advanced during the week of June 2. House Bills 4418 – 4419, introduced by …

MHA Awards Peer Recovery Coach Grants

The MHA has granted funding to seven institutions to support the development or expansion of hospital-based peer recovery coach (PRC) programs. The funding will support the addition of 18 new hospital-based PRCs and expand treatment options for …

MDHHS Releases ALS Administrative Rules

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently introduced a new administrative rule requiring the reporting of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis cases across the state. The rule took effect May 15, making Michigan the …

Prioritizing a Culture of Safety — For Everyone in Healthcare

The MHA proudly affirms our commitment to the safety and well-being of our patients AND healthcare workers. Which is why we are diligently working to address the alarming rise in violence against healthcare workers and continue to advocate for …

MHA Rounds image of Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — Addressing Food and Housing Insecurity

I recently had the privilege of joining leaders from across the state to discuss the most pressing issues for Michiganders at the annual Detroit Regional Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference. Because our member hospitals and health systems are not only critical providers of care, but also major economic drivers, …

Keckley Report

Is the Public Losing Confidence in Hospitals?

“On May 24, the House of Representatives passed One Big Budget Bill that now heads to the Senate for its version this week. The stakes for hospitals are high as the House version includes $700 billion (10-year) Medicaid cuts that adversely impact lower and working-class households and most hospitals. …

These findings suggest the public holds a somewhat negative view of hospitals, especially among younger adults. The majority of U.S. adults think hospitals are not addressing community needs adequately and spending too much on executive pay. But they think hospitals are ‘less quilty’ of making ‘too much money’ than insurers.

Is the public losing confidence in its hospitals? Yes, but more for some than others, and responding requires more than better marketing.”

Paul Keckley, June 2, 2025

New to KnowNews to Know

In the latest episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, Lauren LaPine, senior director of legislative & public policy, MHA, joined to provide insight on how Michigan continues to experience issues with timely access to behavioral health services.

MDHHS Releases ALS Administrative Rules

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently introduced a new administrative rule requiring the reporting of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis cases across the state. The rule took effect May 15, making Michigan the fifth state in the nation to implement such a mandate.

Commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS is a progressive neurological disorder that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. As the disease advances, it gradually impairs the ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. Thousands of new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States.

Under the rule, healthcare providers and organizations are required to report confirmed ALS cases to MDHHS. The data will be compiled into a statewide registry to help monitor trends and support broader public health planning.

MDHHS will use the information to study how ALS is occurring across Michigan, examine any regional patterns and track changes over time. These efforts are expected to guide planning, improve service coordination and contribute to research at the state and national level.

Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA

MHA Monday Report June 2, 2025

Monday Report, Member News

MHA and DataGen to Host Upcoming Medicare Quality-Based Program Webinars

The MHA has partnered with DataGen to host two upcoming webinars focused on the Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) quality-based programs which can reduce hospital inpatient FFS payments by up to 6% based on performance. The webinars …

MHA Releases Executive Summary of Recent MDHHS Blood Lead Testing Mandate Rules

The MHA recently released an executive summary regarding the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ (MDHHS) adoption of new administrative rules establishing universal blood lead testing requirements for minors across the state. The goal of …

CMS Issues New Guidance on Hospital Price Transparency Requirements

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released updated guidance May 22 related to hospital price transparency requirements under Executive Order 14221, “Making America Healthy Again by Empowering Patients with Clear, Accurate and Actionable …

Language, Trust and Care: Reflections from the AHA Behavioral Health Workshop

I had the opportunity to attend at the end of April a Behavioral Health Workshop in New Orleans hosted by the American Hospital Association. This interactive event brought together hospital leaders, clinical teams and behavioral health professionals to co-design care

Keckley Report

The Summer of 2025 for U.S. Healthcare: What Organizations should Expect

“Last Thursday, the Make America Healthy Again Commission released its 68-page report “Making America’s Children Healthy Again Assessment” featuring familiar themes—the inadequacy of attention to chronic disease by the health system, the “over-medicalization” of patient care vis a vis prescription medicines et al, the contamination of the food-supply by harmful ingredients, and more. HHS Secretary Kennedy, EPA Administrator Zeldin and Agriculture Secretary Rollins pledged war on the corporate healthcare system ‘that has failed the public’ and an all-of-government approach to remedies for burgeoning chronic care needs. …

As MAHA promotes its agenda, Congress passes a budget and MAGA advances its anti-establishment agenda vis a vis DOGE et al, healthcare operators will be in limbo. The dust will settle somewhat this summer, but longer-term bets will be modified for most organizations as compliance risks change, state responsibilities expand, capital markets react and Campaign 2026 unfolds.

And in most households, concern about the affordability of medical care will elevate as federal and state funding cuts force higher out of pocket costs on consumers and demand for lower prices.

The summer will be busy for everyone in healthcare.”

Paul Keckley, May 27, 2025

Laura AppelMHA in the News

WLUC TV6 in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula published a story May 29 on the shortage of inpatient psychiatric beds in Michigan, placing a heavy focus on the testimony the MHA delivered May 20 before the House …

MHA Releases Executive Summary of Recent MDHHS Blood Lead Testing Mandate Rules

Administrative Rules, Member News

The MHA recently released an executive summary regarding the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ (MDHHS) adoption of new administrative rules establishing universal blood lead testing requirements for minors across the state.

The goal of these rules is to improve early detection and prevent lead poisoning in children. The rules establish standardized testing requirements for physicians treating minors and mandate integration of test results into the Michigan Care Improvement Registry.

The executive summary provides members with more details of the following:

  • Testing requirements.
  • Identification of high-risk jurisdictions.
  • Reporting and immunization records integrations.
  • Parental objections.
  • Recommended actions for hospitals.

Members are encouraged to review the executive summary and share it with other hospital leaders. Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report May 19, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

Healthcare Legislation Advances in House, Senate

Numerous healthcare bills including the Nurse Licensure Compact, Interstate Medical Licensure Compact and the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) budget advanced in the Michigan Legislature during the week of May 12. …

Legislative Policy Panel Acts on Advocacy Priorities for Michigan Hospitals

The MHA Legislative Policy Panel met May 14 at the MHA Capital Advocacy Center to develop recommendations for the MHA Board of Trustees on legislative initiatives impacting Michigan hospitals. MHA Capitol Advocacy Center staff provided …

Healthcare Makes $100+ Billion Impact to Michigan’s Economy

The MHA published results from the 2025 Economic Impact of Healthcare in Michigan report as part of National Hospital Week (May 11-17), demonstrating a $106 billion total economic impact healthcare had in fiscal year 2023, the most recent data available. …

Deadline Approaching to Register for MHA Annual Membership Meeting

The deadline to register for the 2025 MHA Annual Membership Meeting is Friday, May 23. The event will be held June 25 through 27 at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. The annual meeting offers …

LARA Finalizes Osteopathic Licensing and Practice Rules

The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) recently finalized administrative rules that update licensing and practice standards for osteopathic medicine and surgery in Michigan, effective May 8, 2025. The revised rules, issued through the …

Members Discuss Cyberattack Preparedness in MHA Virtual Forum

More than 80 information systems, clinical and administrative leaders joined the MHA’s virtual member forum May 9 to discuss strategies for preparing for and responding to cyberattacks. Leaders shared insights and lessons learned from real-world …

MDHHS Updates MMR Vaccine Guidance Amid Measles Outbreaks

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) updated guidance May 9 on the administration and reimbursement of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. The bulletin outlines how providers may administer and receive …

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Outlines Fundraising as a Growth Strategy

The May edition of Trustee Insights, a monthly digital publication from the American Hospital Association, explores how fundraising can serve as a low-risk growth strategy for hospitals and health systems. One article focuses on the …

Nurses Share Insights on Balance, Technology and the Future of the Profession in New Survey

The MHA has endorsed AMN Healthcare as a national leader in workforce solutions. AMN Healthcare’s 2025 Survey of Registered Nurses measures the insights and direction of the nursing profession using responses from more than 12,000 nurses. MHA …

The Reality for Medicaid Patients Entering the ED With a Behavioral Health Crisis

Imagine this: You enter a hospital emergency department for chest pain. The clinicians onsite confirm you’re having a heart attack, but before can receive lifesaving care, you must wait for a second pre-admission screening from an agency outside of the hospital. …

Keckley Report

The Value-based Care Agenda in Trump 2.0 Healthcare

“Central to both efforts is the administration’s mandate to reduce federal spending which it deems achievable, in part, by replacing fee for services with value-based payments to providers from the government’s Medicare and Medicaid programs. The CMS Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) is the government’s primary vehicle to test and implement alternative payment programs that reduce federal spending and improve the quality and effectiveness of services simultaneously. ….

Recent efforts by the Trump Healthcare 2.0 team and its leadership appointments in CMS and CMMI point to a value-agenda will change significantly. Alternative payment models will be fewer and participation by provider groups will be mandated for several. Measures of quality and savings will be fewer, more easily measured and and standardized across more episodes of care. Financial risks and shared savings will be higher and regulatory compliance will be simplified in tandem with restructuring in HHS, CMS and CMMI to improve responsiveness and consistency across federal agencies and programs. …

Trump Healthcare 2.0 value-based care is a take-no prisoners strategy in which private insurers in Medicare Advantage have a seat at their table alongside hospitals that sponsor ACOs and distribute the majority of shared savings to the practicing physicians. But the agenda will be set, and re-set by the administration and link-minded physician organizations like America’s Physician Groups and others that welcome financial risk-sharing with Medicare and beyond.”

Paul Keckley, May 12, 2025

New to KnowNews to Know

MHA Endorsed Business Partner Medical Solutions, will host the free webinar Workforce Wellness: Effective Approaches to Foster Well-being and Retention in Healthcare from 1 to 2 p.m. ET May 19.

MHA in the News

Laura Appel

The MHA received news coverage during the week of May 12 related to federal Medicaid funding cuts and the release of the hospital economic and workforce impact data. …

Healthcare Legislation Advances in House, Senate

Member News

Numerous healthcare bills including the Nurse Licensure Compact, Interstate Medical Licensure Compact and the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) budget advanced in the Michigan Legislature during the week of May 12.

House Bill (HB) 4246, sponsored by Rep. Phil Green (R-Millington), passed out of the House Health Policy Committee this week and will now move to the House Rules Committee for further consideration. HB 4246 adds Michigan to the Nurse Licensure Compact agreement and allows for nurses to practice in multiple states without the burden of applying for additional licenses. For Michigan, joining the Compact will help increase access to care, especially through telehealth services and support nurse recruitment and retention efforts. The MHA continues to support this legislation as it advances in the legislature.

Additionally, a bill to add Michigan back into the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact was introduced this week by Sen. Roger Hauck (R-Mount Pleasant). After formal introduction, Senate Bill (SB) 303 was sent to the Senate Health Policy Committee for further consideration. The MHA fully supports the re-enactment of Michigan in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact agreement.

Lastly, the MDHHS Appropriations Budget for fiscal year 2025-26 passed through the full Senate chamber. No significant hospital changes were made in this final Senate budget iteration after the bill was previously reported out of its subcommittee. The MHA’s priorities, including funding for Medicaid, the rural and obstetrical stabilization pools, peer recovery coaches and maternal health, were maintained. The MHA will continue to support these funding proposals and advocate for more resources dedicated to behavioral health and access.

Members with questions should contact Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.

MDHHS Updates MMR Vaccine Guidance Amid Measles Outbreaks

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) updated guidance May 9 on the administration and reimbursement of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

The bulletin outlines how providers may administer and receive reimbursement for MMR vaccines delivered outside of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended schedule. These updates support ongoing hospital preparedness efforts and broader access to preventive vaccines during outbreak situations.

The MHA remains committed to promoting access to routine and preventive healthcare services and will continue partnering with MDHHS to support vaccine uptake across Michigan.

Members with questions may reach out to Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.

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.

MDHHS Enacts Blood Lead Testing Mandate for Young Children

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently finalized administrative rules requiring blood lead testing for all children at 12 and 24 months of age, following legislation signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in October 2023. The policy is now in effect under Public Acts 145 and 146 of 2023.

Under the new mandate, physicians must test or order blood lead tests at the designated ages. If no test results are available, children between the ages of two and six must be screened. All results must be documented in the child’s immunization record.

The universal testing requirement aims to identify lead exposure early and prevent long-term health impacts. Lead poisoning can result in developmental delays, behavioral issues, and damage to the nervous system. No amount of lead in the blood is considered safe, particularly for young children and pregnant individuals.

The new rules also expand access to services for children with elevated lead levels (defined as 3.5 micrograms per deciliter or higher). Eligible children may receive:

  • Nursing case management to help families identify and reduce sources of lead exposure.
  • Assistance through the Lead Safe Home Program, which supports remediation of lead hazards in qualifying homes.

Program eligibility is based on household income, Medicaid status and property location. Blood lead testing is covered without cost-sharing under the Affordable Care Act. While providers are required to offer testing, parents and legal guardians retain the right to opt out.

Families are encouraged to speak with their child’s health care provider, especially if the home was built before 1978 or if other lead exposure risks are present. For more information on testing and support services, visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website.

The MHA is preparing an executive summary of the new rules, which will be shared with members in the coming weeks.

Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.