Michigan Announces Enrollment Launch for MI Health Link

By JERRY WOLFFE

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) today (2.6.2015) announced the start of enrollment for MI Health Link, the state's demonstration project to integrate care for individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. 
MI Health Link will be launched in four regions of the state in two phases. Phase 1 includes the entire Upper Peninsula and eight counties in southwest Michigan, including Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren. Phase 2 includes Macomb and Wayne counties.

Residents eligible for MI Health Link in Phase 1 counties will receive an introductory letter from MDCH advising them of their options for enrollment, who to contact for help, and the benefits of participating in MI Health Link. These individuals can now enroll in the program, with services beginning March 1, 2015. Passive enrollment for residents included in Phase 1 will be effective May 1, 2015. Through passive enrollment, eligible individuals will be enrolled if they did not elect to enroll or did not opt out of the program. Residents in Phase 2 will receive introductory letters in late March and can enroll in the program in April with services starting on May 1, 2015.

The Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) is available to provide free un-biased options counseling through a toll free number 1-800-803-7174. MMAP local representatives understand the details of MI Health Link and can assist people in selecting a health plan which best meets their needs.

MI Health Link seeks to improve quality and access to care for residents by aligning Medicare and Medicaid services, rules, and funding through better care coordination. The goals of the program are to provide seamless access to all Medicare and Medicaid services and supports; offer a person-centered care coordination model; streamline administrative processes; eliminate barriers to home and community based services; provide quality services focusing on enrollee satisfaction; and realign financial incentives.

More information about MI Health Link is available online at www.michigan.gov/mihealthlink.