Second Healthy Michigan Plan waiver submitted to continue program that provides coverage for nearly 600,000 previously uninsured residents

For Immediate Release: September 1, 2015

LANSING, Mich.  – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services today submitted the second Healthy Michigan Plan waiver to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services – the next step to ensure the Healthy Michigan Plan is aligned with state law and allow for the continuation of the program which currently provides health care coverage for nearly 600,000 previously uninsured residents.

“Submitting the second waiver for the Healthy Michigan Plan is an important step in continuing the progress we’ve made to improve the health of our residents and strength of our state,” said Gov. Rick Snyder. “With nearly 600,000 Michiganders receiving Healthy Michigan Plan benefits, this is a program that makes a real difference in people’s lives. I thank both the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services as well as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for their ongoing collaboration to see that this program continues.”

The Healthy Michigan Plan was launched April 1, 2014, to extend health care benefits to eligible residents up to 133 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Annually, the plan saves the state $220 million by providing individuals otherwise eligible for less comprehensive state programs with more complete health care benefits.

State law mandates that a second waiver must be submitted by September 1, 2015, and have CMS approval by December 31, 2015. If the State of Michigan does not receive approval of the second waiver, the Healthy Michigan Plan will end on April 30, 2016.

“The numbers show that not only is there a demand for this program in our communities, but also a commitment among our residents to improve their personal health and wellness,” said Nick Lyon, director of the MDHHS. “Securing the second waiver is central to the future of the Healthy Michigan Plan and the residents it serves.”

Although approval of the second waiver is necessary to maintain coverage for all beneficiaries, per state law, the waiver amendment itself only pertains to the coverage options and requirements for individuals who are between 100 and 133 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, and will have had Healthy Michigan Plan coverage for 48 cumulative months.

The Healthy Michigan Plan and the second waiver application have a special focus on encouraging beneficiaries to adopt healthy behaviors. Since its launch, more than 455,000 people have had at least one primary care visit through their new coverage. Additionally, 174,179 individuals have had preventive care visits, and the program has covered more than 52,000 mammograms and 27,000 colonoscopies. 

For more information about the Healthy Michigan Plan or to read the complete waiver application, visit Healthy Michigan Plan.

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