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MDHHS requests public comment on MI Choice Waiver amendment

For Immediate Release: June 20, 2016

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is requesting public comment on an amendment for the MI Choice waiver to be submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). 

The purpose of the amendment is to add non-emergency medical transportation as a service which will allow MI Choice waiver agencies to authorize transportation for participants instead of obtaining authorization through MDHHS local offices. 

Implementation of non-emergency medical transportation will take place in two phases by county.  MDHHS local offices in counties identified for Phase I will no longer need to authorize non-emergency medical transportation for MI Choice participants.  Phase II will expand the new process to all Michigan counties.

Phase I will begin on October 1, 2016 and will include the following counties: Antrim, Bay, Benzie, Charlevoix, Clare, Clinton, Eaton, Emmet, Genesee, Gladwin, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Huron, Ingham, Isabella, Jackson, Kalkaska, Lapeer, Leelanau, Lenawee, Manistee, Midland, Missaukee, Saginaw, Sanilac, Shiawassee, Tuscola, and Wexford.  Phase II will begin on April 1, 2017 and will include all remaining Michigan counties not included in Phase I. 

Comments may be submitted regarding the MI Choice waiver amendment in writing or by requesting a paper copy of the amendment via e-mail to MSAPolicy@michigan.gov. All comments on this topic should include a "MI Choice Section 1915(b) Amendment Comment" reference somewhere in the written submission or in the subject line of the email. 

Comments and related responses will be available on the website following the end of the comment period. Comments will be accepted until June 30, 2016. The amendment will be updated and submitted to CMS for approval on July 1, 2016. The final version of the amendment will be posted. 

MDHHS would like to hear from all interested parties.  To review the MI Choice waiver amendment, visit http://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71551_2945_42542_42543_42549_42592-151693--,00.htm.

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