Last month, Governor Snyder announced that Michigan received approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that the Healthy Michigan Plan (HMP) will continue for nearly 600,000 residents. Pursuant to Michigan's statute, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) was directed to obtain a waiver from CMS prior to December 31, 2015, in order for the HMP to continue.

MSMS submitted comments to CMS in support of the Department's Section 1115 waiver amendment stressing that "Michigan's physicians have been committed to ensuring access and quality care for this patient population. As a result, hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries have visited a primary care physician and many have received preventive care services and screenings."

In a thank you message, MDHHS Director Nick Lyon stated, "As a partner in this effort, you have been and will continue to be an integral part of this program. Thank you for your support in educating our legislative partners and residents about the Healthy Michigan Plan, and now in working with our federal partners in attaining this second waiver."

Based on the criteria in the approved waiver, after April 1, 2018, beneficiaries who have incomes between 100 and 133 percent of the federal poverty level will have changes to their coverage options and requirements, including an enhanced emphasis on healthy behaviors.

Director Lyon also offered the following observation:

"From the beginning, the primary goals of the Healthy Michigan Plan have been to promote healthy behaviors and encourage people to lead healthy, productive lives. The approved waiver goes a long way in helping us achieve those goals, and we are going to continue doing our part to ensure residents understand their benefits and how best to use them."

For additional information on the HMP, visit www.michigan.gov/healthymichiganplan.