Updates About Health Insurance

On Thursday March 30, a federal judge in Texas ruled to overturn a portion of the Affordable Care Act in Braidwood Management. Inc. v. Becerra. This decision struck down the requirement that makes preventive services and screenings covered by health insurers with no additional cost to the patient. Services like screenings for cancer, heart disease, and high blood pressure could become costly, diminish access to affordable early detection, and put people’s health at risk.

Following this decision, Governor Whitmer directed the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DFIS) to protect Michigan families and ensure access to no-cost preventive healthcare services. This decision in Braidwood Management. Inc. v. Becerra is however being appealed by the US Department of Justice.

On Thursday April 6, Governor Whitmer announced that insurers who represent 100% of the fully insured health insurance market will continue to cover no-cost preventive services for Michigan residents.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued guidance for Medicaid enrollee redetermination in anticipation of the end of the federal public health emergency (PHE).

During the federal COVID-19 PHE, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act required states to continue health care coverage for all Medicaid enrollees, regardless if their eligibility changes. With the end of the federal PHE nearing, Michigan will begin redetermining beneficiaries beginning in June 2023. Redetermination will continue on a monthly basis through May 2024.

Beneficiaries are encouraged to check their renewal dates here.

On November 1, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) released a statement reminding Michiganders that the annual Health Insurance Marketplace open enrollment period began on November 1 and will end on January 15, 2023.

DIFS Director, Anita Fox, expressed that recent changes have increased access to health insurance. Michiganders are able to choose from 308 plans, 52 more options than last year. They encourage Michiganders to sign up for a plan during open enrollment to take advantage of newly extended subsidies to get low- or no- cost coverage.

The Inflation Reduction Act extended increased health insurance subsidies through the end of 2025. These expanded subsidies aim to help middle-income Michiganders afford comprehensive health insurance. Additionally, the U.S. Treasury Department recently took action to redefine what is considered “affordable,” to enable family members of employees to qualify for a subsidy rather than only the employee being covered.

Lastly, $4 million in Navigator grants have been awarded to three Michigan organizations to help expand access to qualified Navigators who provide free assistance to consumers who need help signing up for health insurance.