Tag: PIHP

MDHHS Withdraws PIHP Procurement

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has withdrawn its request for proposals (RFP) to competitively procure Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPs), ending the planned rebid process.

The decision follows a Jan. 8 ruling that found key elements of the RFP conflicted with provisions of the Michigan Mental Health Code. The court determined that the RFP, as drafted, restricted the ability of Community Mental Health Services Programs to carry out certain statutorily required functions, including entering financial contracts necessary to support managed care responsibilities.

While the court did not issue an injunction directing the state to withdraw the RFP, it identified multiple legal conflicts and left it to MDHHS to determine how to proceed. MDHHS has now opted to rescind the RFP rather than revise or reissue it.

With the withdrawal of the RFP, the existing PIHP structure will remain in place. It is unclear whether MDHHS will pursue a revised procurement approach or other policy changes moving forward.

Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine-Ray at the MHA.

MDHHS Medicaid Provider Manual Available April 1

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently completed the April 2025 update to the MDHHS Medicaid Provider Manual, which will be available online April 1, 2025. This update aims to clarify coverage responsibilities among Medicaid Health Plans (MHPs), Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPs) and Medicaid Fee-for-Service (FFS) to improve service delivery and reduce confusion among providers and beneficiaries.

The update specifically addresses coverage responsibilities for psychological and neuropsychological evaluations, including:

  • MHPs will remain responsible for evaluations related to mild to moderate conditions, particularly when driven by medical necessity.
  • PIHPs will handle evaluations and treatment if a severe condition is suspected.
  • Medicaid FFS will cover behavioral health screenings, including psychological and neuropsychological evaluations, when performed by primary care providers or other qualified professionals for FFS beneficiaries. If a service is not included under the PIHP benefit or is provided by a non-PIHP enrolled provider, Medicaid FFS will assume coverage. However, if the beneficiary qualifies for PIHP services, the PIHP will take over coverage.

These clarifications will also be incorporated into the Beneficiary Eligibility subsection within the Behavioral Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disability Supports and Services section of the Medicaid Provider Manual. This update ensures that providers better understand their roles in delivering psychological and neuropsychological evaluations and that beneficiaries receive appropriate services based on their needs.

Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.

MHA Behavioral Health Learning Series Navigates Challenges

Member News

The MHA is hosting a five-part webinar series to provide hospital staff with a deeper understanding of Michigan’s behavioral health system and the hospital’s role in connecting patients with care. These webinars are part of the MHA’s continued investment in behavioral health, a key priority in its strategic action plan and advocacy and policy efforts. The series will provide hospitals with strategies to navigate the current system, strengthen partnerships and identify innovative solutions for overcoming many challenges in management of patients with behavioral health needs.

The next webinar in the series is Wednesday, April 17 at 1 p.m.

April 17: Navigating Challenges

The webinar will address the dispute and resolution process and the voluntary and involuntary commitment process.

May 8: Innovative Strategies to Address the Behavioral Health Crisis in Michigan Hospitals – Part 1

Will offer innovative solutions that hospitals and health system partners across the state are using to manage and treat behavioral health patients.

June 12: Innovative Strategies to Address the Behavioral Health Crisis in Michigan Hospitals – Part 2

Will offer additional innovative solutions that hospitals and health system partners across the state are using to manage and treat behavioral health patients.

Registration is free and open to MHA-members only. The series will be relevant to any employee working closely with behavioral health patients who are part of the CMH/PIHP contracting process or work with community organizations to support patient’s behavioral health needs at the time of discharge.

Members with questions on the webinar series may contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA. Members with questions on the MHA behavioral health strategy may contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.

MHA Behavioral Health Learning Series: Second Webinar

Member News

The MHA is hosting a five-part webinar series to provide hospital staff with a deeper understanding of Michigan’s behavioral health system and the hospital’s role in connecting patients with care. These webinars are part of the MHA’s continued investment in behavioral health, a key priority in its strategic action plan and advocacy and policy efforts. The series will provide hospitals with strategies to navigate the current system, strengthen partnerships and identify innovative solutions for overcoming many challenges in management of patients with behavioral health needs.

The next webinar in the series is Wednesday, March 13 at 1 p.m.

March 13: Building a Strong Working Relationship with Your Local PIHP and CMH

This webinar will cover PIHP master contracting process. rate setting and payment variability and requirements of the CMH system for in-state and out-of-state hospitals.

April 17: Navigating Challenges

The webinar will address the dispute and resolution process and the voluntary and involuntary commitment process.

May 8: Innovative Strategies to Address the Behavioral Health Crisis in Michigan Hospitals – Part 1

Will offer innovative solutions that hospitals and health system partners across the state are using to manage and treat behavioral health patients.

June 12: Innovative Strategies to Address the Behavioral Health Crisis in Michigan Hospitals – Part 2

Will offer additional innovative solutions that hospitals and health system partners across the state are using to manage and treat behavioral health patients.

Registration is free and open to MHA-members only. The series will be relevant to any employee working closely with behavioral health patients who are part of the CMH/PIHP contracting process or work with community organizations to support patient’s behavioral health needs at the time of discharge.

Members with questions on the webinar series may contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA. Members with questions on the MHA behavioral health strategy may contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.