Tag: Medicaid

House Judiciary Hears Testimony on Violence Against Healthcare Workers Legislation

Member News

Legislation addressing violence against healthcare workers heard testimony in the House Judiciary Committee during the week of June 1, while other MHA-backed bills saw action in the legislature.

House Bills (HB) 4532–4534, which aim to reduce violence against healthcare workers, were up for testimony in the House Judiciary Committee. The bills, sponsored by Reps. Natalie Price (D-Berkley), Matthew Bierlein (R-Vassar) and Phil Green (R-Watertown Township), strengthen penalties for individuals who engage in violent behavior toward staff and volunteers working in healthcare settings.

Carrie Mull, administrative director, inpatient clinical operations, Trinity Health, Grand Rapids, providing testimony for HB 4534. 

Carrie Mull, administrative director, inpatient clinical operations, Trinity Health, Grand Rapids, testified on behalf of hospitals and healthcare providers, highlighting real-life examples of workplace violence and emphasizing that, if enacted, this legislation would improve the safety and well-being of healthcare workers and volunteers. In addition to strengthening penalties for violence against healthcare workers, the bills create an assisted outpatient treatment pathway for those who have engaged in violent behavior in a healthcare setting, but are also experiencing mental and behavioral health issues. By creating this alternative pathway, individuals experiencing behavioral health-related conditions can receive adequate care and support through a court-mediated process.

The Senate Health Policy Committee heard testimony on Senate Bills (SBs) 973–978, led by Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), which create a state-based health insurance exchange in Michigan. The bills would allow the Department of Insurance and Financial Services to apply to the federal government for a waiver to establish a state-based exchange and to maintain contracts with health plans for the exchange. The MHA currently supports SBs 973-978.

In addition, the House Health Policy Committee took testimony on HB 6022, sponsored by Rep. Curtis VanderWall (R-Ludington). This legislation amends the Mental Health Code to allow contracted Medicaid Health Plans (MHPs) to operate pre-admission screening units to evaluate individuals needing mental or behavioral health services. Currently, pre-admission screening units may only be operated by Community Mental Health Services Programs (CMHSPs). The bill requires CMHSPs to complete a pre-admission screening assessment for Medicaid beneficiaries seeking mental or behavioral health services within three hours. If the CMHSP or MHP does not complete the assessment within that timeframe, clinically qualified hospital personnel may complete the screening.

This provision was recommended by the MHA Behavioral Health Integration Council. The MHA developed an infographic for lawmakers that illustrates the challenges Medicaid beneficiaries face when presenting to emergency departments (EDs) during a behavioral health crisis. This legislation seeks to improve access to care for Medicaid beneficiaries and decrease ED boarding times.  The MHA supports this legislation and looks forward to further action by the legislature.

The committee also voted in support of HBs 4864–4865, which would change the definition of elevated blood lead levels for lead abatement purposes and require testing baby food for heavy metals before distribution, respectively. These bills are focused on preventing adverse health outcomes in children from lead or other toxic element poisoning. Also, the House Insurance Committee voted in support of HBs 4703–4704, sponsored by Rep. Jennifer Wortz (R-Quincy). These bills require insurers and Medicaid to cover group prenatal services. The MHA supports HBs 4864-4865 and HBs 4703-4704.

Members with questions may contact the MHA advocacy team.

MDHHS Expands Medicaid Coverage for Pharmacist-Provided Services

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently issued Medicaid Policy Bulletin MMP 26-20, expanding coverage for pharmacist-provided services effective July 1, 2026, pending approval of a state plan amendment by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The policy applies to Medicaid, the Healthy Michigan Plan, MIChild, Plan First and several additional Medicaid programs.

The policy aligns Medicaid coverage with Michigan’s expanded pharmacist scope of practice and allows qualified Medicaid-enrolled pharmacists to provide and bill for additional services, including:

  • Ordering and administering immunizations.
  • Ordering and administering certain laboratory tests such as COVID-19 and influenza.
  • Prescribing antiviral treatments based on test results.
  • Counseling on and prescribing self-administered hormonal contraceptives.

Pharmacists must meet enrollment, training and documentation requirements established by MDHHS.

According to MDHHS, the policy is intended to increase access to preventive and diagnostic services, support timely treatment of common conditions and improve access to care for Medicaid beneficiaries. Members are encouraged to review the bulletin for enrollment, billing and reimbursement requirements.

Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.

MDHHS Finalizes Specialty Behavioral Health Services Location Policy

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently finalized Medicaid Policy Bulletin MMP 26-17, effective July 1, 2026, which clarifies reimbursement requirements for specialty behavioral health services provided through Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans in home, community and residential settings. The policy applies to Medicaid and the Healthy Michigan Plan.

The final policy encourages mental health and intellectual and developmental disability services to be provided in integrated community settings, including an individual’s home, when appropriate. The bulletin also clarifies coverage requirements for substance use disorder residential treatment services, nursing facilities, child-caring institutions and children’s therapeutic group homes. For children and youth, services should be provided in the least restrictive setting appropriate to their needs.

The final policy includes several changes from the proposed policy, including:

  • New requirements related to the coordination of Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment services for children residing in child-caring institutions.
  • Additional clarification regarding services available to children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • Removal of a proposed section addressing Medicaid coverage in Institutions for Mental Diseases (IMDs).

The MHA submitted comments requesting clarification regarding covered services in nursing facilities, IMD coverage policies and reimbursement for services provided to children in child-caring institutions. While the final bulletin provides additional clarification, it does not address all the questions raised by the MHA.

Members impacted by specialty behavioral health service delivery and reimbursement requirements are encouraged to review the bulletin.

Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.

Coverage is Care at Trinity Health Michigan

Member News, MHA Rounds

Chiquita Berg, MD, MBA, FACOG, vice president, Community Health & Well-Being, Trinity Health Michigan.

Significant changes to Medicaid are expected to take effect in 2027, bringing new requirements and processes that could increase the risk of coverage loss for eligible individuals if systems are not prepared. While many details are still emerging, one thing is already clear: 2026 will be a critical year for hospitals and health systems to prepare patients and their own organizations for what’s ahead.

Hospitals serve as trusted access points for care and information, especially for Medicaid populations. As changes approach, hospitals across the state are preparing to assist their patients and communities. Trinity Health Michigan is implementing the Coverage is Care approach, a patient-centered initiative designed to help people better understand upcoming Medicaid changes, connect to trusted information and resources, and stay connected to coverage and care.

To echo Shannon Striebich, president and CEO of Trinity Health Michigan, Coverage is Care reflects Trinity Health Michigan’s commitment to preparing early, acting thoughtfully and doing everything we can to help patients stay connected to coverage and care. As Medicaid changes approach, health systems have an important responsibility to reduce confusion, strengthen support and work alongside community partners to protect access for the people we serve.

The Medicaid changes anticipated for 2027 include more frequent eligibility checks, new administrative requirements and adjustments that could make it easier for coverage to lapse due to missed paperwork or misunderstandings – even among people who remain eligible.

The stakes are high. Coverage disruptions can lead to delayed care, worsening health conditions, increased uncompensated care, and greater strain on the healthcare ecosystem. Preparation in 2026 can help reduce reactive problem-solving in 2027.

Trinity Health Michigan’s Coverage is Care approach is designed to help eligible people stay covered and connected to care by making Medicaid changes easier to understand, reinforcing trusted information and helping people know where to turn for support before avoidable barriers lead to coverage loss. Working alongside community partners, the approach aims to reduce confusion and strengthen access to care as 2027 changes approach.

Core Elements of Trinity Health Michigan’s Coverage is Care Approach

Early Awareness

Coverage is Care was built on the idea that earlier awareness matters. Helping people understand that changes are coming — before paperwork is missed or coverage is interrupted — can reduce preventable disruption.

Clear Guidance

The approach emphasizes clear, trusted information, so patients and community members better understand what may be changing, why it matters and where to go for reliable next steps.

Support When Barriers Arise

Some individuals may need more than information alone. Coverage is Care is intended to help people connect to support when barriers such as confusion, literacy, language, technology access or life circumstances make the process harder to navigate.

Community Partnerships

Trinity Health Michigan is also working alongside community partners as trusted messengers to help broaden awareness, reinforce shared information and strengthen community access points for guidance and support.

Strong partnerships expand reach, particularly for patients who may not regularly engage with healthcare.

2026 can be structured as a year for hospitals and health systems to build internal systems and partnerships, pilot workflows and outreach strategies, refine approaches based on real-world experience and prepare for broader implementation ahead of 2027. This phased approach allows hospitals to adapt as additional state and federal guidance becomes available.

Even with all this preparation, many aspects of the Medicaid changes remain uncertain. Investing in strategies like Trinity Health Michigan’s Coverage is Care approach can help hospitals protect patients, preserve access to care and position their organizations for a smoother transition in 2027, no matter how the details evolve.

For more information about Coverage is Care, contact the Trinity Health team.

MHA members will continue to receive further updates from the association as information is released by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the federal government. The MHA is collaborating with multiple stakeholders, including member hospitals, MDHHS and Protect MI Care coalition members in efforts to deploy consistent messaging to patients across the state. Members with questions about pending Medicaid changes may contact the MHA Advocacy Team.

Protect MI Care Coalition Toolkit Available to Hospitals

Member News

The Protect MI Care coalition recently shared a toolkit of resources to help coalition partners make their voices heard in support of maintaining state funding for the Michigan Medicaid program.

MHA members are encouraged to use and customize the resources to help provide consistent messaging to Medicaid beneficiaries and to communicate the value of the Michigan Medicaid program.

Included in the toolkit are ready-to-use talking points and social media posts on protecting Medicaid coverage, access and affordability. In addition, there are tools to help the coalition collect and share real stories from Michiganders.

This work also supports the MHA’s on-going state budget advocacy with the Michigan Legislature. The MHA has been a coalition partner since the group’s inception last year.

Members with questions about Protect MI Care may contact the MHA advocacy team.

Senate Approves Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget, Organ Donor Tax Credit Legislation Advances

Member News

Several healthcare-related measures, including the full Senate budget and legislation on tax credits for organ donation, saw action during the week of April 27. 

The Senate advanced its full budget proposal under Senate Bill (SB) 878, sponsored by Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing). The bill contains the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services budget from SB 857. Key highlights of the bill include: 

  • Full funding for Medicaid. 
  • Recognition of hospital provider taxes and the ability to access those funds without additional legislative action or administrative barriers. 
  • Specialty Network Access Fee funding. 
  • Support for rural and obstetrics stabilization pools. 
  • Funding for Maternal Levels of Care verification. 

Unlike the governor’s executive recommendation and the House proposal, the Senate plan does not include unspecified Medicaid savings. Instead, it identifies funding through caseload adjustment savings, Most Favored Nation drug pricing savings and other efficiencies. The bill has now been referred to the House Appropriations Committee for further review and comparison, with the proposed House budget and the governor’s executive recommendation. The MHA will continue working with lawmakers to ensure the final product maintains support for hospitals, providers and patients. 

Further, the House Finance Committee heard testimony on SB 301. Sponsored by Sen. Joe Bellino (R-Monroe), the MHA-supported legislation would provide a tax credit to employers whose employees take time off to serve as living organ donors. The bill awaits a vote from the committee before moving to the full House chamber. 

The House Rules Committee considered and passed HB 5281, sponsored by Rep. Mike Harris (R-Waterford), which would put guardrails around third-party funded litigation. Currently, private equity and other investors can secretively fund litigation against hospitals and other entities. This legislation would place limitations on those investments and increase transparency in the process. The MHA-supported bill now goes to the full House for consideration. 

The House Health Policy Committee discussed HB 5709, sponsored by Rep. John Roth (R-Interlochen), which would remove certain imaging services from the Certificate of Need (CON) program. The MHA submitted a letter of opposition to the bill, which would erode Michigan’s strong CON program. The committee did not take a vote on the legislation. 

MHA Monday Report March 23, 2026

Member News, Monday Report

Mandatory Overtime, Assisted Outpatient Treatment Legislation Advances

Several key healthcare bills, including mandatory nurse overtime, assisted outpatient treatment, Certificate of Need and site-neutral payment policies, saw action in the legislature during the week of March 16. The Senate Regulatory Affairs …

Michigan Legislature Announces Commitment to Pass the IMLC Before March 28 Deadline

Following negotiations finalized March 19, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) announced plans to pass legislation authorizing Michigan’s continued participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC). The MHA thanks state lawmakers for their commitment …

MHA Shares Latest Medicare and Medicaid Enrollment Analysis

The MHA recently updated its analysis of Medicaid and Medicare enrollment based on February 2026 data. The analysis includes program enrollment as a percentage of each county’s total population and the split between fee-for-service and …

The MHA Annual Membership Meeting Offers Learning and Networking

The MHA membership will convene in person for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting June 24-26 on Mackinac Island. The event provides an opportunity to learn, network and celebrate …

Federal Court Pauses Vaccine Policy Changes

A U.S. District Court judge issued a ruling March 16 in American Academy of Pediatrics v. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that places a hold on several changes to federal vaccine policy made over the past …

Health Access & Community Impact Office Hours Highlight 211 Data

The MHA will host the next Health Access & Community Impact Office Hours session on April 29 from noon to 12:45 p.m., featuring Michigan 211. The session, Understanding Regional Needs: A Data Driven Look at Michigan’s …

Applications Open for Governance Fellowship, Current Class Convenes

The MHA is now accepting applications for the Excellence in Governance Fellowship which will be held from October 2026 through June 2027. The comprehensive program is designed to support hospital and health system trustees in strengthening governance …

The State of Healthcare Leadership: Risks, Reality and Readiness

MHA Endorsed Business Partner AMN Healthcare and B.E. Smith recently released the Healthcare Leadership Trends for 2026 Report, based on a national survey of more than 700 healthcare executives across hospitals and health systems. The report …

Hospitals Help Michigan Students Pursue Healthcare Careers

Healthcare remains the state’s largest employer of direct, private-sector jobs. With this in mind, hospitals are finding innovative ways to give Michigan students the opportunity to gain real-world exposure to clinical and non-clinical healthcare roles. …

Keckley Report

Health Literacy: Out of Sight, Out of Mind in the Healthcare Industry

“Of industries monitored in the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ industry classifications (NAICS), healthcare is unique: its business model is based on business to business (B2B) transactions between suppliers (drugs, devices, technology, hospitals, ancillary facilities), intermediaries (GPOs, PBMs, insurers, brokers) and retail distributors (physicians, pharmacists, therapists, et al) in which end-users (consumers) have limited influence and unpredictable financial responsibility. The acceptance of low health literacy is institutionalized in state and federal regulatory oversight, labor rules and scope of practice determinations and funding by private investors, public appropriations, employer contributions and out-of-pocket payments by consumers. Its acceptance is inconsistent with aims to make it more accessible, affordable and effective. …

For too long, health literacy has been relegated to discussions among public health officials. Its neglect is harmful to every organization in healthcare and to its long-term sustainability. Boards should weigh in, and policymakers should act. Health literacy can ill-afford being out of sight, out-of mind in the U.S. health system and in the society we serve.”

Paul Keckley, March 15, 2026

MHA Shares Latest Medicare and Medicaid Enrollment Analysis

Member News

The MHA recently updated its analysis of Medicaid and Medicare enrollment based on February 2026 data. The analysis includes program enrollment as a percentage of each county’s total population and the split between fee-for-service and managed care organization. Just over 25% of Michigan’s total population is enrolled in Medicaid and 23% is enrolled in Medicare.

Roughly two-thirds of Michigan’s 2.5 million Medicaid beneficiaries are enrolled in one of nine managed care plans.

Total Medicare enrollment is 2.3 million with 64% of beneficiaries enrolled in a Medicaid Advantage (MA) plan with only three counties having less than 50% of total Medicare enrollment in MA plans. MA enrollment by county ranges from 44% to 79%, with 73 counties having 55% or more of their Medicare population enrolled in an MA plan as highlighted below.

February enrollment is spread across 45 MA plans with up to 29 plans covering beneficiaries in several Michigan counties, with a minimum of five plans available in each county.

Members with enrollment questions should contact the MHA health finance team.

Hospitals Help: Bronson Healthcare Guides Patients Through Billing, Benefits and Financial Support

Hospitals Help, Member News

Navigating healthcare billing and out-of-pocket costs can be overwhelming. In order to let patients focus on healing, many hospitals are expanding the role of financial counselors, social workers and patient navigators.

For example, financial counselors at Bronson Healthcare meet patients where they are. Financial counselors are available whether a person enters through the emergency room or comes in for scheduled surgery, providing price estimates, financial aid resources and insurance guidance for those who need it.

David Cavataio, director of patient accounting, Bronson Healthcare, oversees a team of 15 financial counselors strategically placed across four locations. Their mission is simple but powerful: catch patients before they fall into financial crisis.

“We’ve tried to build it where no matter where you go, we get you to the right people to help you,” said Cavataio.

The Bronson team doesn’t wait for patients to ask for help. Instead, they use admissions data to anticipate and identify who may qualify for financial assistance or Medicaid coverage. From there, a dedicated team handles upfront estimates and trained call center staff connect patients to resources and support to navigate the billing process.

Patients who receive timely guidance tend to follow treatment plans and maintain long-term relationships with their providers. The challenge? Trust. Many patients are skeptical when counselors first approach them.

“A lot of patients, when they first see our counselors, don’t trust them,” said Cavataio. “But if they see how hard our team works to help them and how we’ll drop everything to get the information they need, help them fill out forms, I think they see that we’re a partner.”

This is also a strategic choice for hospitals. When patients enroll in financial-aid programs, the amount of unpaid medical debt decreases, fewer accounts are sent to collections and administrative costs decline. In 2023 alone, Michigan hospitals paid more than $3.5 billion in uncompensated care.

Efforts to build trust at Bronson are paying off. According to the team, Medicaid applications have jumped 25% this year. Financial assistance applications are up 40%. These statistics represent thousands of Michigan families who can now afford the care they need.

“The call from your financial team was like a beacon in a storm,” said one patient. “I was about to quit my job so I could qualify for state assistance. I was near rock bottom. That changed after five minutes with the team.”

State policymakers are also moving to strengthen these efforts. Initiatives such as the 2024 medical debt-relief program have helped thousands of Michiganders reduce or eliminate existing debt.

“We’re there to help,” said Cavataio. “At Bronson Healthcare, those aren’t empty words; they’re a daily practice that’s keeping Michigan families out of medical debt and healthy, one patient at a time.”

To learn more about Medical Financial Assistance at Bronson Healthcare, visit their website. Members with questions or content ideas for the Hospitals Help series may contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

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