Michigan initiative to strengthen BH care access, quality

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is launching an initiative designed to improve access to quality behavioral health care, The Mining Journal reported March 11. As part of this effort, MDHHS is seeking public input through an online survey as the department moves to a competitive procurement process for the state's Pre‐paid Inpatient Health Plan (PHIP) contracts. This initiative will help to increase consumer choice and access to services while preserving the Community Mental Health Services Programs many Medicaid beneficiaries go to for behavioral health care services today. Michigan's specialty behavioral health system provides health care coverage to approximately 300,000 Michiganders, including adults with serious mental illness, children with serious emotional disturbance, individuals with substance use disorder and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. MDHHS contracts with PHIPs as the regional Medicaid managed care entity.