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MDHHS issues Request for Information for federal Integrated Care for Kids Model designed to improved children's health

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  March 14, 2019

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Medical Services Administration has issued a Request for Information (RFI) from local organizations interested in developing and implementing a payment and local service delivery model that supports innovations to improve the health of children.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), through its Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, is implementing a new Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) state payment and local service delivery model. The Integrated Care for Kids (InCK) Model will test whether combining a local service delivery model coordinating integrated child health services and a state-specific alternative payment model (APM) to support coordination of those integrated services reduces health care expenditures and improves the quality of care for pediatric Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries.

The program is focused on addressing priority health concerns for children including behavioral health issues, substance abuse and the effects of opioid use on families. The InCK model has three objectives:

  • Improve performance on priority measures of child health.
  • Reduce avoidable inpatient hospitalization and out-of-home placements.
  • Create sustainable APMs that ensure provider accountability and quality outcomes.

The InCK program will provide funding for seven years. MDHHS intends to select up to five qualified organizations through the RFI.  The department will then work collaboratively with these organizations to develop applications which the organizations may submit to CMS for consideration for funding.

Applicants must be a HIPAA Covered Entity and an eligible participant as defined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity for Integrated Care for Kids. Applications may not include Section 298 pilot counties.

Questions about the RFI are due by March 22 and should be sent to Lance Kingsbury at Kingsburyl@michigan.gov. Responses will be posted under the RFI number 190000000014 at Michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS on March 29. A bidder conference will be held on Monday, April 1 at the Michigan Library and Historical Center Forum, in the Auditorium at 11 a.m. The RFI is due by April 19 and should be submitted to Michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS.

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