Category: State and National News

MDHHS Launches Hotline for Seasonal Farmworkers to get Bilingual Information about COVID Vaccines

State and National News

LANSING–A new bilingual hotline makes it easier for Michigan’s migrant workers and their families to get information about the COVID-19 vaccine and other health-related matters.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Office of Migrant Affairs is launching the toll-free number, 1-833-SIAYUDA (1-833-742-9832). Si ayuda means “yes help” or “yes assistance” in Spanish.

More than two-thirds of the approximately 90,000 migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their family members in Michigan have limited English language proficiency, which may prevent them from getting access to COVID-19 vaccines and treatment. That’s according to the University of Michigan’s 2023 study “Fair Housing Access, Affordability, and Quality for Michigan Farmworkers During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond.”

“We aim to make health care in Michigan client-centered, which includes providing information in the person’s primary language when available to ensure timely health services,” said Dwayne Haywood, senior deputy director of the MDHHS Economic Stability Administration. “The Farmworker Hotline is a translation tool to help keep farmworkers healthy and reduce health-related work absences that could result in loss of earnings needed to support their families.”

Farmworkers are a vital part of Michigan’s annual $104.7 billion food and agricultural industry. The hotline will expedite COVID-19-related services to Michigan’s migrant and seasonal farmworkers, including food processing workers, dairy workers and nursery/greenhouse workers. 

The MDHHS Farmworker Hotline – which is funded by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – will be answered by MDHHS Migrant Affairs’ staff who are fluent in both Spanish and English. Migrant Affairs staff will answer vaccine questions and connect farmworkers to vaccination clinics and resources, make appropriate referrals to local offices, and provide other MDHHS program information based upon farmworker inquiries.

For farmworker calls in languages other than English and Spanish, a translation service will be available. MDHHS has translation services policy and contracts in place statewide to provide state-of-the-art health care to Michigan residents.

Ultimately, the goal of the MDHHS Farmworker Hotline is to help Michigan provide bilingual residents with tools to prevent disease, improve health outcomes and increase well-being. Hotline information distribution is being provided to all Michigan local offices serving migrant and seasonal farmworkers, partner agencies, and through social media.

Find more details at www.michigan.gov/migrantaffairs or www.michigan.gov/help4migrants

–MDHHS Communications

MDHHS Reminds Michiganders to get Tested for HIV on World AIDS Day

State and National News

LANSING–The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recognized World AIDS Day Thursday to bring awareness to the ongoing HIV epidemic and to remember those who have been lost due to HIV and AIDS. Michiganders are encouraged to get tested for HIV to know their status, and any person with HIV who is not in treatment is encouraged to engage in medical care.

“It is essential that we reach people who do not know their HIV status, ensure they are tested and connect those who test positive with quality care so they can lead healthy lives,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “As a state we are committed to taking proactive measures to end the HIV epidemic which is why it is so important for Michigan residents to know their HIV status.”

This year’s theme is “putting ourselves to the test: achieving equity to end HIV.” The theme relates to ongoing efforts by MDHHS to end the HIV epidemic through equitable and culturally competent programs, outreach and resources for HIV testing, treatment and prevention. Over the past year, MDHHS has worked to ensure access to HIV services is available to everyone. Local health departments offer free and confidential HIV services on-site, and many offer at-home HIV test kits that can be mailed directly to residents. Many local organizations also offer HIV services. Michiganders can call 211 or visit this website to locate HIV testing and treatment services near them.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone get tested for HIV at least once as an adult. MDHHS recommends that anyone with a new sex or needle-sharing partner or people who are at high risk be tested more often.

As part of Michigan’s Ending the HIV Epidemic plan, MDHHS is working to significantly reduce the rate of new HIV infections by supporting efforts to increase HIV testing, connect people to quality health care and increase the use of prevention strategies such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and “Undetectable equals Untransmittable.”

People who are at high risk of HIV exposure are encouraged to talk to their doctor about PrEP, a medication designed to prevent HIV infection if there is an exposure.

To find testing locations and discover more about Michigan’s resources for HIV, visit Michigan.gov/HIVSTI.

–MDHHS Communications

 World Aids Day.pdf

Health Leaders Hold Roundtable Discussion in Detroit

State and National News

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Director Elizabeth Hertel joined other health leaders today at Community Health and Social Services (CHASS) Center, Inc. in Detroit to discuss how access to health care is improved by the fiscal year 2023 budget signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and through federally qualified health centers.

In addition to the impact of the budget, today’s roundtable discussion focused on issues such as the effect on Michigan families of Whitmer administration efforts to lower prescription drug prices.

CHASS Center is a federally qualified heath center that develops, promotes and provide comprehensive, accessible and affordable quality primary health care and support services to all residents of the community, with special emphasis on the underserved African-American and Latino population.

“Community Health and Social Services Center and not-for-profit organizations like it throughout Michigan epitomize our vision of delivering health and opportunity to all Michiganders, reducing intergenerational poverty and promoting health equity,” Hertel said.

“As Gov. Whitmer’s budget provides the dollars needed to improve access to health care, these local organizations are working every day in their communities to deliver these services to Michigan residents to keep them healthy.”

Improving access to health care is a priority in the budget signed by Gov. Whitmer, who also has focused on lowering the cost of prescription drugs.

The fiscal year 2023 budget includes:

  • $132.5 million in new resources to improve Medicaid reimbursement for several critical services, including vaccine administration, primary care, community health workers, neonatal services, and private duty nursing.
  • $85.1 million to improve access to dental care for Michiganders enrolled in Medicaid.
  • $181.6 million to expand behavioral health community capacity and increase the number of psychiatric beds for children and adults.
  • Funding for health equity across the lifespan including:
    • $1.2 million for expansion of Healthy Moms Healthy Babies maternal and infant health and support programs to provide professional doula care services for pregnant women, new mothers and their families and address disparities.
    • $555,700 to place migrant family independence specialists at federally qualified health centers.
  • Funding for initiatives to address racial disparities including:
    • Funding for outreach to women disproportionally at risk of or impacted by uterine fibroid disease.
    • $2.5 million for a Sickle Cell Center of Excellence to address sickle cell disease, a medical condition that disproportionately impacts people of color.
  • $28.3 million to allow Medicaid reimbursement for community health workers.
  • $3.4 million in one-time funding for an alternative payment model pilot program which will include a health care provider working with a health plan and a federally qualified health center to implement a pathway hub in Muskegon to support the social and medical needs of the community.

As the largest network of affordable primary health care providers in the nation, Community Health Centers improve the health and well-being of underserved communities and empower people to actively take part in solving issues unique to them and their communities.

“We understand the impact of social drivers of health and work tirelessly to help mitigate them in effective care delivery,” said Dr. Felix Valbuena Jr., CEO of CHASS Center. “Continued support for the mission and work of health centers significantly impacts our ability to help community members be the best version of themselves.”

In Michigan, 40 community health centers provide affordable, quality behavioral and physical health care to more than 720,000 people, including more than 200,000 children. They work in coordination with MDHHS, local health departments and other partners to implement programs at the community level including health education, vaccination administration and social service referrals.

“MPCA is grateful for the efforts of Gov. Whitmer’s administration to formulate a budget that will positively impact the health of communities across the state,” said Phillip Bergquist, chief executive officer of the Michigan Primary Care Association. “These critical investments will improve service delivery and assist in greater access to health care, especially for vulnerable populations.”

In addition to providing funding to improve access to health care, Gov. Whitmer has acted to make prescription drugs affordable. Earlier this year she signed bipartisan legislation to lower the costs of prescription drugs for Michiganders, ensure that pharmacists can provide honest advice to patients about treatment options, and hold pharmacy benefit managers accountable. The governor’s Prescription Drug Task Force, housed within MDHHS, had recommended those actions.

Also participating in the roundtable discussion were representatives from Community Health and Social Services Center, including Valbuena; patients at the center; Bergquist; and Joslyn Pettway, chief executive officer of Covenant Community Care. Hertel and others toured the center following the discussion. Health Care Access Press Release.pdf

–MDHHS (Photo Courtesy: Latino Press)

MPCA, Cherry Health Receive State Funds for AmeriCorps Work

State and National News

LANSING–The Michigan Primary Care Association AmeriCorps (HealthCorps) program and MPCA member Cherry Health (Grand Rapids) were recipients last month of federal grants earmarked to benefitting local communities. The MPCA with 15 HealthCorps members received $239,759 while Cherry Health’s 20-member AmeriCorps program received $555,170, as both organizations will use the money for healthy futures with their communities in mind.

“I would like to sincerely thank Governor Whitmer for recognizing the impact of the MPCA AmeriCorps HealthCorps members and the work that they do,” stated MPCA AmeriCorps Program Administrative Specialist Karen Goucher. “We have been able to serve over 6,500 Michiganders in just the last six months with healthcare, resources and health education.  With the governor’s investment of additional funds for our program, we will be able to place more members throughout Michigan and have an even larger impact on the recovery of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the Michigan Community Service Commission will receive $13.4 million in federal funds to support over 1,100 Michigan AmeriCorps members who work hand in hand with organizations across the state to help communities tackle their toughest challenges.

“Today’s AmeriCorps investments will help us grow Michigan’s economy and ensure every community can thrive,” said Gov. Whitmer. “These investments – and the over 1,100 dedicated AmeriCorps members who will serve those in need and address critical challenges – will continue to make a tremendous impact in communities in every region of Michigan. Together, let’s help our working families and resilient communities thrive.”

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HHS Announces Support for Health Centers to Identify and Reduce Health Disparities

State and National News

WASHINGTON, D.C.–This week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), announced the availability of nearly $90 million in American Rescue Plan funding to support new data-driven efforts for HRSA Health Center Program-supported health centers and look-alikes (HRSA-designated health centers) to identify and reduce health disparities.

HRSA’s modernized data collection and reporting initiative, called Uniform Data System Patient-Level Submission (UDS+), is designed to collect more and better data on social determinants of health, while also streamlining and improving data quality reporting for health centers. This effort will enable health centers to tailor their efforts to improve health outcomes and advance health equity, more precisely targeting the needs of specific communities or patients.

“Health centers are vital to increasing equitable access to primary health care,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “The Biden-Harris Administration has made historic investments in health centers, and this funding from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan will further enable health centers to utilize data to meet the needs of their community and help reduce gaps in care.”

“HRSA’s funding has supported our nation’s health centers in becoming leaders in leveraging the latest technology and data to provide high-quality care to individuals and communities who have been historically underserved,” said HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson. “Today’s announcement builds on this work and will help health centers modernize their data tools to improve equitable access to care and continue to best meet the needs of the communities and patients they serve.”

The funding announced today can be used for various COVID-19 activities and for modifying, enhancing, and expanding health care services and infrastructure by improving health information technology, enhancing data collection, and supporting related staff training. These efforts will advance broader COVID-19 response, mitigation, and recovery efforts. Additionally, they will help prepare for future public health emergencies.

The enhancements that health centers may make to their infrastructure using ARP-UDS+ funds will support patient-level reporting and enable them to better identify, measure, and investigate disparities in health care use and health outcomes by race, ethnicity, age, and other important demographic factors, and to more precisely target their resources accordingly. Standardization of patient-level health data will enable the identification of populations most at risk for health disparities and will provide data to inform potential clinical interventions. Furthermore, the ability to collect, house, and report standardized patient-level health data will support health centers’ participation in critical population health surveillance activities during public health emergencies.

Since March of 2021, HRSA has awarded approximately $6 billion to health centers to support and expand COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and treatment for populations at higher risk for COVID-19; nearly $1 billion in major construction to increase health care access in health centers and approximately $32 million to enhance COVID-19 related training and technical assistance support.

HRSA-supported health centers serve medically underserved populations and communities, which are often disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Health centers serve 1 in 5 people living in rural communities, and 1 in 11 people nationwide. More than 90% of HRSA-funded health center patients are individuals or families living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and nearly 63% are racial or ethnic minorities.

Applications are due in HRSA’s Electronic Handbooks by 5:00 p.m. ET on Monday, May 23, 2022. Visit the American Rescue Plan UDS+ Supplemental Funding technical assistance webpage for the notice of funding opportunity, technical assistance information, and other resources.

–DHHS

BridgeMi.com: Michigan’s Medicaid ballooned during COVID. It’s about to be pared back.

State and National News

Nearly 3 million Michiganders now receiving Medicaid may have to prove they remain eligible starting as early as this summer. And if all doesn’t go well, hundreds of thousands could risk losing health coverage.

To read the full story “Michigan’s Medicaid ballooned during COVID. It’s about to be pared back” by

Bridge Michigan staff writer Robin Erb in her Michigan Health Watch column, please click on the link.

Photo and story courtesy of Robin Erb, Bridgemi.com

MPCA Quoted in Affordable Insulin Now Act House Passage

State and National News

WASHINGTON—Congressman Dan Kildee, Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, today applauded the passage of his legislation to lower everyday costs for Michigan families and seniors by addressing the high cost of insulin. The legislation passed with votes from Democrats and Republicans.

The Affordable Insulin Now Act, which Kildee introduced in February, would help Americans with diabetes by ensuring there is a $35 per month cap on out-of-pocket costs for insulin.

“Michigan families and seniors are paying too much for insulin. Today, with bipartisan support, the House passed my legislation to cap the cost of insulin at $35 per month,” said Congressman Kildee. “As the father of a diabetic, I have seen first-hand how the extremely high price of prescription drugs, like insulin, hurts patients and families. That’s why I fought for this legislation in the House of Representatives, and I’m proud to say my bill has passed. In Congress, I will continue working with Republicans and Democrats to lower costs for mid-Michigan families.”

In Michigan, it is estimated that one in 10 people have a form of diabetes. Insulin was discovered over 100 years ago. Since then, little about insulin has changed, but its price has skyrocketed in recent years. Americans pay more than 10 times the price of insulin compared to similar high income countries and one in four Americans with diabetes have reported skimping on their prescribed medicine because of its cost.

Congressman Kildee spoke on the House floor today just before the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass his Affordable Insulin Now Act. Video of Kildee’s remarks is available here.

“As a person living with type-1 diabetes, my life literally depends on my ability to afford insulin,” said Jill Verdier, a mid-Michigan resident and Congressman Kildee’s virtual guest to the 2022 State of the Union. “By capping the price of insulin, the Affordable Insulin Now Act would allow me to plan for the future without the constant, crushing worry of pharmacy bills. Living with an incurable disease is hard enough without constantly having to worry about the rising price of insulin. I am so grateful to Congressman Kildee for introducing the Affordable Insulin Now Act to ensure I always have access to this lifesaving medication.”

“The Hurley Diabetes Center is proud to support Congressman Kildee’s Affordable Insulin Now Act. Not taking insulin or rationing it because of the cost can lead to serious health consequences such as amputations, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and even death. Congressman Kildee’s legislation will allow people with diabetes in mid-Michigan to afford the lifesaving medication they need every day,” said Michele Bernreuter, Diabetes Program Manager of Hurley Medical Center.

“For decades, drug company greed has forced millions of diabetics to pay outrageous prices for the medications they need to survive,” said Leslie Dach, Chair of Protect Our Care. “Even when insulin vials only cost a few dollars to produce, drug companies have hiked the price to hundreds of dollars per month, forcing too many patients to ration insulin and skip doses altogether. Representatives Kildee, Craig and McBath’s bill capping out-of-pocket insulin costs to $35 a month for diabetics with insurance is a critical step to drive down prescription drug prices. It will put more money in families’ pockets and give them peace of mind knowing they won’t have to choose between purchasing this lifesaving medication and putting food on the table. We commend Democrats in Congress for their commitment to fighting for a future where quality, affordable health care is a reality for every American.”

“Congressman Kildee’s legislation is incredibly important for patients served by health centers,” said Phillip Bergquist, Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan Primary Care Association. “This legislation will provide individuals who have serious health concerns related to diabetes affordable access to insulin and dramatically improve their wellbeing. As a representative and advocate for Michigan’s Federally Qualified Health Centers and the nearly 720,000 individuals they serve, MPCA is thrilled with the positive impact this legislation will have on Michiganders.”

This legislation is supported by the American Diabetes Association, JDRF, Social Security Works, Protect Our Care and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

–Courtesy of Rep. Kildee’s Office

NACHC Raises Concerns About Funding Uncertainty in Pandemic Fight

State and National News

BETHESDA, Md.–Community Health Centers recently marked the one year milestone of vaccinating and protecting populations from COVID. With now 21 million vaccines administered, and a documented success of fewer deaths and infections in places where there is a health center, another challenge looms: financial uncertainty. With pandemic federal funding winding down, NACHC is tracking how health centers can continue to serve their mission by providing care to uninsured and underinsured Americans as additional COVID-19 variants emerge.

To continue reading “NACHC Raises Concerns About Funding Uncertainty in Pandemic Fight” by Amy Simmons Farber, please click here.

LARA: New Controlled Substance Administrative Rules Announced

State and National News

LANSING–The Bureau of Professional Licensing (BPL) within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) would like to inform you that the new Controlled Substance Rules were effective as of January 6, 2022. A list of the notable changes is below. This is not intended to provide a comprehensive listing of all changes or current requirements. Licensees should review the rules and statute for a complete understanding of all applicable requirements.

• Except for a few exceptions, adopt the complete list of drugs and substances that are controlled substances under the federal Controlled Substances Act.
• Clarify who must obtain a controlled substance license and reorganize the licensing rule.
• Require physician’s assistants to meet the opioid training requirements that apply to controlled substances licensees.
• Expand the individuals who must take the opioid/controlled substances training.
• Exempt an individual who prescribes or dispenses controlled substances only for research on animals from taking the opioid/controlled substances training.
• Eliminate the drug treatment program prescriber license.
• Clarify when inventories and records are required.
• Require that technologies are in place and used, such as bar-coding, when stocking of an automated device is delegated.
• Require information to be submitted to the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (MAPS) database.
• Require electronic transmission of prescriptions when the same is required by the Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, pursuant to the Public Health Code.
• Provide a state waiver from the electronic transmission of prescriptions at any time a waiver is granted by CMS.
• Provide a process and basis to obtain a waiver from the mandate to electronically transmit prescriptions.
• Provide specific exceptional circumstances to the waiver rule.
• Align the requirements to treat an individual with a substance use disorder for maintenance and detoxification with federal regulations. Use “individual with substance use disorder” instead of “drug dependent person.” Clarify the definition of a “program.”
• Update prescription requirements.
• Update emergency and partial dispensing of controlled substances.
• Update refilling of prescriptions.
• Clarify that a cash discount card is a cash transaction for entry into the MAPS program.

Please click HERE to view the revised Controlled Substance Rules.

The BPL office is diligently working on updating relative information on its website to reflect the revisions of the revised rules. For more information, please visit the website at www.michigan.gov/bpl.

Please send questions about the revised rules to [email protected].

Michigan Awarded an ‘A’

State and National News

LANSING–The State of Michigan has been awarded top marks for its efforts to eliminate hepatitis C by the national Hep ElimiNATION project.

The O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law at Georgetown Law, National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable (NVHR) and the Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation (CHLPI) at Harvard Law School have launched Hep ElimiNATION, a project to assess nationwide viral hepatitis elimination progress and to guide jurisdictions towards development of a comprehensive plan to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030. To measure each state’s progress, NVHR and CHLPI developed a grading rubric used to score each state’s capacity to eliminate viral hepatitis. Michigan was awarded grade letter “A” for advancements that have been made towards hepatitis C elimination.

“Receiving an ‘A’ is great news, and we continue to offer tools to providers that will help us in eliminating hepatitis C in Michigan,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) chief medical executive. “We offer complimentary hepatitis C consultation for providers interested in treating hepatitis C, and we continue to look at areas to improve treating and preventing this disease.”

MDHHS published Michigan’s State Plan on Eliminating Hepatitis C in April 2021 to articulate MDHHS’ data-driven, evidence-based and culturally competent approach to eliminate hepatitis C in Michigan. MDHHS launched its We Treat Hep C Initiative on April 1, to expand access to hepatitis C treatment among Michigan Medicaid and Healthy Michigan Plan beneficiaries by removing prior authorization requirements for the hepatitis C medication, MAVYRET®. Michigan is one of only six states not requiring prior authorization.

Through the We Treat Hep C Initiative, treatment with MAVYRET is available to all Medicaid ($1 copay) and Healthy Michigan Plan (no copay) beneficiaries at little to no cost. Other direct-acting antivirals ($3 copay) will require prior authorization and will be approved only when MAVYRET is not clinically appropriate.

MDHHS has developed a website with Provider Resources, which includes frequently asked questions about the We Treat Hep C Initiative and hepatitis C treatment, hepatitis C clinical consultation programs, training webinars and resources and reference guides.

To help connect people with hepatitis C to a hepatitis C treatment provider, MDHHS has developed a Hepatitis C Treatment Provider Map which includes a listing of providers with hepatitis C treatment experience. While the listing is not a complete list of all hepatitis C treatment providers in the state of Michigan, it serves as a valuable resource for individuals looking for hepatitis C testing or treatment.

Visit Michigan.gov/WeTreatHepC for more information on hepatitis C testing and treatment.

For any questions regarding hepatitis C, please contact the MDHHS Viral Hepatitis Unit at [email protected].

–MDHHS