Updates About Public Health

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.

Last Thursday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed HB 4511 and HB 4512, aimed at updating Michigan’s child car seat restraint requirements.

HB 4511 (now PA 21 of 2024), aligns Michigan law with federal safety guidelines, providing additional protections for properly restrained children during travel. Sponsored by Rep. Carrie Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor), the bill received support from the Department of State Police and medical professionals, emphasizing the importance of proper child safety restraints in vehicles. Similarly, HB 4512 (now PA 22 of 2024), sponsored by Rep. John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming), allows courts to waive fines or assessments for child restraint system violations if individuals can demonstrate evidence of receiving education on child safety restraints.

By aligning state standards with federal guidelines and providing avenues for education on child safety restraints, Michigan aims to create a safer environment for families and young passengers during travel.

House Democrats are celebrating the enactment of several new laws aimed at safeguarding personal freedoms and rights, which come into effect on February 13. These laws, which include protections for LGBTQ+ individuals and measures to eliminate barriers to reproductive health care access, are significant milestones for the state. Among them is the Reproductive Health Act, which aims to ensure access to abortion, remove medically unnecessary barriers, and safeguard reproductive rights.

Still, certain groups advocating for greater abortion access are challenging existing abortion restrictions that remain, such as the mandatory 24-hour waiting period and restrictions on advanced practice clinicians providing abortion care. These groups argue that these laws contradict the will of Michigan voters as expressed through the Reproductive Freedom for All constitutional amendment. The lawsuit, led by the Center for Reproductive Rights, names Attorney General Dana Nessel and other state officials as defendants, seeking a declaration that the laws are invalid and an order to prevent their enforcement. While House Democrats were unable to repeal these laws legislatively, the outcome of the lawsuit remains to be seen.