Updates About Health Insurance

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.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined 23 attorneys general in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) regarding a new proposed rule that seeks to enforce Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, age, disability and literacy.

Since its inception in 2016 under the Obama Administration, the rule enforcing Section 1557 has been subject to ongoing litigation. It was most recently rewritten, and effectively weakened, by President Trump in 2020. The proposed rule under the Biden Administration, revises the Trump-era interpretation, and aims to largely reinstate significant aspects of the original 2016 rule.

Among other things, the proposed rule would apply prohibitions against discrimination under Section 1557 to many health insurers and third-party administrators, as well as providers who receive payment through the Medicare Part B program. That includes discrimination against various minority groups, including communities of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, people with pregnancy-related conditions, and people with limited English proficiency.