Great Lakes Wire

LANSING, Mich. -- On May 11, 2023, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive directive instructing all State of Michigan departments to work together to lower health care costs by helping Michiganders keep Medicaid coverage or find affordable health insurance as Medicaid eligibility renewals begin again this summer. This Directive builds on the work already being done by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) to ensure all affected Michiganders have the information they need to stay covered and save money.

 “One of my administration’s top priorities has been ensuring that every Michigander has access to quality, affordable health insurance,” said Governor Whitmer. “As the redetermination process plays out, we will build on efforts by MDHHS and DIFS to help families stay covered and save money. Their proactive efforts have given us a strong foundation, and now every state department has a role to play. Let's use every resource available to us to make people aware of the reinstated federal Medicaid eligibility requirements and help affected Michiganders maintain access to affordable health care.” 

 “MDHHS will continue our ongoing proactive efforts to ensure Michigan residents who are eligible for Medicaid coverage remain enrolled. We appreciate the assistance from our partners at other state government departments,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “Providing families with affordable health care coverage is a top priority.”

“DIFS is committed to working with MDHHS and our other state partners to help Michiganders who no longer qualify for Medicaid get the affordable, comprehensive health insurance they need,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “DIFS stands ready to answer questions about purchasing a Marketplace health insurance plan or finding other options, such as employer-sponsored health insurance. Call DIFS at 877-999-6442, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or visit Michigan.gov/StayCovered to learn more.” 

Nationwide, Medicaid beneficiaries will have to renew their coverage to comply with federal legislation. This may result in thousands of Michiganders transitioning away from Medicaid. In Michigan, annual renewals will begin again in June 2023 and will continue through May 2024. During this period, MDHHS will review the Medicaid eligibility of more than 3.1 million Michiganders, and those who are no longer eligible for benefits must take action to maintain healthcare coverage to protect themselves and their families. 

 To help Michiganders through this process, actions taken by the state so far include:

Communication with impacted Michiganders by mail, text message, and targeted advertising campaigns.

The launch of two new websites by MDHHS and DIFS to provide information to consumers about redetermination and alternative health insurance options.

The addition of staff to the MI Bridges Help Desk and Customer Service lines to help Michiganders navigate the transition.

Outreach to employers to help ensure that individuals are informed about their employer-based health insurance options, including the existence of a special enrollment period for those affected by redetermination.

Effective immediately, Governor Whitmer’s executive directive instructs all state departments to cooperate with and assist MDHHS and DIFS as required, including working together to distribute information to Michiganders regarding the redetermination process and how to renew eligibility, and sharing necessary data to conduct outreach, subject to all applicable protections.

 If you are a Medicaid beneficiary, you should take the following steps to prepare for redetermination:

• Make sure your address, phone number and email address are up to date at www.michigan.gov/MIBridges. You can also call your local MDHHS office. If you do not have an online account for MI Bridges to access your Medicaid case or report changes, visit www.michigan.gov/MIBridges to sign up for an account. You can also locate organizations that can help you by searching for community partners.
• Report any changes to your household or income. You can report changes at www.michigan.gov/MIBridges or by calling your local MDHHS office. 
• If you get a renewal packet, be sure to fill it out, sign the forms and return it by the due date with any proof needed. NOTE: If you do not complete and return the renewal, you may lose Medicaid coverage.
• For more information about Medicaid eligibility renewals, visit Michigan.gov/2023BenefitChanges. For more information about coverage options for those losing Medicaid coverage, visit Michigan.gov/StayCovered or call the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services at 877-999-6442, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To view the full executive directive, click the link below:

Executive Directive 2023-2 

Original source can be found here