Updates About Public Health

The Michigan Medicaid Program is working to implement a policy incorporating Community Health Worker (CHW) services as a benefit for Medicaid beneficiaries. In order to expand Medicaid coverage while also expanding reimbursement for CHW’s, these services are recognized as a fee-for-service benefit. CHW services allow Medicaid beneficiaries to have better access to health care services that are culturally responsive and equitable.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Behavioral and Physical Health and Aging Services Administration (MDHHS BPHASA) is encouraging residents and Medicaid beneficiaries to provide recommendations. This is being done through a series of recorded policy initiative updates.

This series, called the Policy Primer Series, consists of four total videos, launching weekly from April 17 to May 8. The videos will discuss Managed Care Organization versus Community Provider Distinction, Provider Qualifications, and Covered Services and Reimbursement.

On April 1, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced the start of dental benefit enhancements for adult Medicaid beneficiaries. These enhancements serve to improve access to dental services and improve health outcomes as many additional services will now be covered for adults 21 and over. The services covered include:

• X-rays
• Teeth cleanings
• Fillings
• Extractions
• Dentures
• Deep teeth cleanings
• Sealants
• Root canals
• Crowns
• Care to keep your gums healthy

Not only is MDHHS expanding access to services for Medicaid beneficiaries, but MDHHS is also increasing reimbursement rates for dental providers. The new rates allow providers to be paid at 100% of the Average Commercial Rate, which aims to increase the number of treated Medicaid beneficiaries.

On Wednesday March 29, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a drug used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose to be sold over the counter. Narcan, generically called naloxone, is a life-saving nasal spray that can be administered to individuals showing signs of an opioid overdose.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) shared that its OTC approval has been a priority of the department for years as it will tremendously combat the opioid crisis.

The FDA first approved Narcan in 2015 as a drug that can be sold with a prescription. Now that it can be sold over the counter, priorities for the FDA and MDHHS include making it available as soon as possible at an affordable price.