Week of September 30, 2024
From the MDHHS: Medicaid Letters
Medicaid Bulletin MMP 24-29: This bulletin provides an update to Bulletin MMP 23-74 regarding Medicaid coverage of Community Health Worker (CHW)/Community Health Representative (CHR) services. It was issued on September 26, 2024, and sent to Medicaid Health Plans (MHPs), Dental Health Plans (DHPs), Integrated Care Organizations (ICOs), Practitioners, Hospitals, FQHCs, Rural Health Clinics (RHCs), Tribal Health Centers (THCs), Local Health Departments (LHDs), Maternal Infant Health Program (MIHP) Providers, Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHP), Community Mental Health Service Programs (CMHSPs), Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC), and Dentists. Medicaid Letters can be accessed here on the MDHHS website. Final Bulletin MMP 24-29-CHW.pdf
Proposed Policy for Public Comment. The MDHHS has issued the following proposed policy for public comment: 2430-CHW, an update to Bulletin MMP 23-74, concerning Medicaid coverage of CHW/CHR services. The public comment period is being conducted concurrently with the policy implementation. Proposed Medicaid policies may be accessed here on the MDHHS website. 2430-CHW-P.pdf
Legislative & Funding Updates
Potential 1% Medicaid Rate Increase: A state legislator has been briefed on MDHHS's potential implementation of a 1% Medicaid rate increase for Fiscal Year 2024, amounting to $41 million in new funding for PIHPs. However, this increase still leaves a $52 million gap in public mental health services funding. CMHAM and its allies will continue advocating for additional funds to fully address the shortfall and ensure PIHPs with deficits receive sufficient resources.
Healthy Community Zones Initiative: The MDHHS is seeking proposals for Healthy Community Zones in Chippewa and Saginaw counties and the City of Detroit to reduce racial disparities in health outcomes. The initiative will provide up to $9.1 million in funding to support community-led efforts focused on food security, healthy environments, and social cohesion. A pre-application conference will be held on October 7, and grant applications are due by November 20. Download the Healthy Community Zones flyer. For more information, visit the Healthy Community Zones website or email MDHHS-HCZ@michigan.gov.
HB 5503 & Senate Bill 1005: The House passed HB 5503 which provides $125 million in additional funding for school safety and student mental health. Meanwhile, the Senate refused to consider Sen. Mark Huizenga's bill (Senate Bill 1005) to restore $302 million in mental health funding that had been cut from the upcoming state budget. HB 5503 now moves to the Senate for a vote. Read the Senate Fiscal Agency analysis of HB 5503.
Senate Bills 790 & 791 Passed: These bills support workforce development, expand training, and restore bargaining rights for home health care workers after these rights were removed in 2012.
New Community Health Worker (CHW) Reimbursement Codes for Medicaid & Medicare: Starting January 1, 2024, Michigan Medicaid and Medicare fee-for-service will implement new codes for reimbursing CHW services. Medicare’s new Community Health Integration (CHI) codes (G0019 and G0022) and Michigan Medicaid’s codes (98960-98962) will offer sustainable funding for CHWs. This opportunity allows for better integration of CHWs into care teams, helping patients with complex social and health challenges.
Learn more about these CHW reimbursement codes.
Urgent Legislative Alert: Mental Health Funding Gap The Community Mental Health Association of Michigan (CMHAM) has issued a legislative alert regarding a $52 million funding gap in Michigan’s public mental health system. The gap has been exacerbated by Medicaid redetermination, which has resulted in over 700,000 Michiganders losing coverage. CMHAM is urging members to contact their legislators to advocate for swift action in addressing this shortfall. Click here to send your letter to legislators.
Community Spotlight: Oakland County’s Neuro-Inclusive Neighborhood. Oakland County has broken ground on Walton Oaks, its first neuro-inclusive neighborhood in Rochester Hills. The development will feature 11 ranch homes, with three customized for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This public-private partnership, involving the Oakland Together Housing Trust Fund, Three Oaks Communities, and Rochester Housing Solutions, aims to provide integrated housing for residents of all abilities. Learn more about Walton Oaks.
Philanthropy in Mental Health: U.S. Funding Landscape Report. Mindful Philanthropy has released the latest U.S. Funding Landscape report as part of their Mental Health at the Center series. The report reveals that while philanthropic giving toward mental health has nearly doubled from $1.2 billion in 2015 to $2.3 billion in 2022, it still represents only 1.7% of overall philanthropic contributions. The report stresses the need for greater investment in long-term, systemic change. Download the full report here.
ICYMI
Dems OK $125M for Michigan school safety, mental health. GOP wanted more, Bridge Magazine - 09/26/2024
For more information, please contact Daniel Cherrin, dcherrin@northcoaststrategies.com.