MDHHS Releases Beginner Guide for Doula Providers

Michigan Medicaid began reimbursing doula services provided to individuals covered by or eligible for Medicaid as of Jan. 1, 2023. Doula providers are required to be on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) doula registry and enrolled in the Community Health Automated Medicaid Processing System as a Medicaid provider. Doulas are required to contact the Medicaid Health Plans (MHPs) prior to providing services to Medicaid health plan enrollees.

The MDHHS created a Beginner Guide for Doula Providers, containing links to resources to assist doula providers with enrollment, eligibility verification and billing. Doulas must submit claims for services provided to MHP members to the Medicaid Health Plan, which will reimburse for services provided to MHP members. Doulas can refer to the list of Medicaid Health Plans Contact and Service Listing to identify which MHP is associated with a specific county.

The MDHHS has provided additional resources on the Medicaid Professional Provider webpage or the MDHHS Doula Initiative website. Members with questions should contact Vickie Kunz at the MHA.

Changes to Medicaid Dental Coverage Effective April 1

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will implement a new service delivery model for adult dental benefits effective April 1, 2023. The following groups will be eligible:

  • Medicaid beneficiaries ages 21 years and older (including Healthy Michigan Plan).
  • Pregnant women enrolled in Medicaid Health Plans (MHP).
  • Integrated Care Organizations (ICO).
  • Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).

Health plans will be responsible for the beneficiary’s dental services, which must be obtained through the health plan’s dental provider network. The new model replaces Healthy Michigan Plan and pregnant women dental benefits. Therefore, questions regarding prior authorizations should be directed to the beneficiary’s health plan.

Dental benefits for Healthy Michigan Plan beneficiaries ages 19-20 will be provided by the Medicaid health plan. Beneficiaries not enrolled in an MHP, ICO or PACE will receive dental services through the Medicaid fee-for-service program. Beneficiaries enrolled in Healthy Kids Dental and under the age of 21 will receive dental coverage through Healthy Kids Dental.

For specific dental coverage questions, please call the Michigan Medicaid beneficiary help line at 800-642-3195 (TTY: 866-501-5656) or email beneficiarysupport@michigan.gov to confirm your dental benefits.