Updates About Health Insurance

Over 137,000 individuals have now renewed their Medicaid and Healthy Michigan Plan coverage, totaling over 1.6 million Michigan citizens who retained their insurance. Elizabeth Hertel, director of MDHHS, stated that allowing residents an additional month to turn in paperwork enabled 21,000 people to continue their coverage per month. Additional procedures that encourage coverage retention have been approved through June of 2025, including a 90-day reconsideration period for those deemed ineligible based on procedural issues, removing the additional income determination for families enrolled in TANF or SNAP, easy contact methods for beneficiaries, and renewal based on asset verification.

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MEDICAID RENEWALS SURPASS 1.5 MILLION

OVER 1.4M MICHIGAN RESIDENTS RENEW MEDICAID COVERAGE; ADDRESSING COVERAGE CHALLENGES FOR 700,000+

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently announced the renewal of Medicaid and Healthy Michigan Plan coverage for an additional 141,471 individuals, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to over 1.5 million. This renewal effort coincides with Medicaid Awareness Month, recognizing Medicaid as the largest insurance program in the United States.

MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel emphasized the importance of maintaining healthcare coverage for residents, highlighting efforts to streamline the renewal process and ensure access to quality, affordable care. Strategies such as extending renewals and providing additional support aim to reduce the risk of coverage loss. Michiganders are encouraged to submit renewal paperwork promptly, with resources available online to facilitate the process and explore alternative coverage options if ineligible for Medicaid.

Related Article: OVER 1.4M MICHIGAN RESIDENTS RENEW MEDICAID COVERAGE; ADDRESSING COVERAGE CHALLENGES FOR 700,000+

In the recent Medicaid health plan rebid by Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services, significant changes have reshaped coverage across the state’s ten regions. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan emerged as the primary beneficiary, expanding its territory across various regions. The rebid, a key part of Governor Whitmer’s 2024-2025 fiscal year budget recommendation, will prioritize equitable, person-centered care for the nearly two million Medicaid beneficiaries. Additionally, revisions to the payment structure include withholding a greater percentage of funds to incentivize improved health outcomes and address social determinants of health.

The rebid resulted in a redistribution of territories among nine health plans, with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan gaining ground in several regions. Notably, McLaren emerged as the sole plan in nine of the ten regions, while Blue Cross now has a presence in seven regions, marking significant shifts in coverage landscape.

At this time, the contracts are not yet secured in place. The new contracts are scheduled to come into effect on October 1 of this year.