Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has announced a new initiative aimed at enhancing access to quality behavioral health care for Michigan families. As part of this initiative, MDHHS is inviting public input through an online survey in preparation for the competitive procurement process for the state's Pre-Paid Inpatient Health Plan (PIHP) contracts.

This effort seeks to expand consumer choice and improve service accessibility while maintaining the Community Mental Health Services Programs that many Medicaid beneficiaries currently use for behavioral health services.

"Michigan Medicaid beneficiaries deserve access to behavioral health care services when and where they need them," stated Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. "This effort brings together the investment, creativity and commitment of the department and its partners – including community mental health, health care providers, individuals served and communities – to create a more accessible and person-centered system of care dedicated to ensuring Michigan residents a healthier future."

Michigan's specialty behavioral health system covers approximately 300,000 residents, including adults with serious mental illness, children with serious emotional disturbances, individuals with substance use disorders, and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. MDHHS works with PIHPs as regional Medicaid managed care entities.

PIHPs are responsible for providing necessary supports and services under the specialty behavioral health benefit. They play a crucial role in achieving MDHHS's mission to enhance the health, safety, and prosperity of state residents by managing provider networks that include CMHSPs and other behavioral health providers.

"The specialty behavioral health system needs to be more accountable and responsive to the needs of people served. It’s time for a change," said Sherri Boyd, executive director of The Arc Michigan.

Through an online survey, MDHHS seeks feedback from current Medicaid enrollees and their families, advocacy groups, community-based organizations, federally recognized tribal governments, healthcare providers, behavioral health professionals, and other interested parties. The goal is to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement within the PIHP system.

Survey questions focus on priorities such as strengthening person-centered care, conflict-free access and planning, increasing provider access, beneficiary plan choice in behavioral health plans as well as provider choice. Additionally enhancing quality outcomes using data-driven approaches is also sought after.

The feedback will guide planning decisions related to new PIHP contracts along with other efforts by MDHHS aimed at improving resident health outcomes through these programs.

Responses must be submitted via the online survey by 5 p.m., Monday March 31st. Organizations like The Arc Michigan alongside The Mental Health Association in Michigan collaborate with MDHHS ensuring voices from those without internet access or requiring alternative communication means are included too if preferred working through advocacy groups instead.

For further details visit Michigan.gov/BehavioralHealth or direct procurement-related inquiries via email at MDHHS-BHSurvey@michigan.gov.