Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has announced a new contract with CHESS Health to implement an automated incentive manager solution as part of the state's Recovery Incentives Pilot. This initiative aims to support Medicaid and Healthy Michigan Plan beneficiaries recovering from substance use disorder (SUD).

The Recovery Incentives Pilot will employ contingency management, a treatment method that offers motivational incentives to individuals who meet specific treatment goals. Research spanning over three decades indicates that this approach enhances medication adherence and treatment retention by reinforcing positive behaviors in individuals with SUD. It can be used alone or alongside other treatments, including medications for opioid use disorder.

"The Recovery Incentives Pilot is another example of Michigan leading in addressing substance use disorder through the use of the latest evidence-based tools in prevention, treatment and recovery," said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. "CHESS Health’s digital technology offers allows for customization of rewards for participants meeting their treatment goals and immediate delivery through a reloadable debit card."

Funded by federal sources and $6 million from opioid settlement funds over three years, the pilot is set to launch in January 2025 and continue until December 2026.

Providers involved in the pilot will have access to a digital incentive management tool designed to deliver rewards securely via reloadable debit cards. These cards can be used by beneficiaries who meet their treatment objectives, such as providing negative urine drug tests and remaining engaged in their recovery process.

"MDHHS and CHESS Health are both dedicated to improving the lives of individuals struggling with SUD," stated Hans Morefield, CEO of CHESS Health. "Offering immediate and customized rewards enhances treatment engagement and retention, resulting in better outcomes for individuals with SUD."

For more information about the program, interested parties can visit the MDHHS Recovery Incentives Pilot webpage or email inquiries to MDHHS-RecoveryIncentives@michigan.gov.