MDHHS launches initiative to strengthen behavioral health care access, quality and choice for Michigan families

Online survey offered to identify opportunities and improvements to Medicaid
behavioral health services prior to selecting Pre-Paid Inpatient Health Plans

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is launching an initiative designed to improve access to quality behavioral health care. 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 (PIHP) contracts.

This initiative will help to increase consumer choice and access to services while preserving the Community Mental Health Services Programs (CMHSPs) many Medicaid beneficiaries go to for behavioral health care services today.

“Michigan Medicaid beneficiaries deserve access to behavioral health care services when and where they need them,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “This effort brings together the investment, creativity and commitment of the department and its partners – including community mental health, health care providers, individuals served and communities – to create a more accessible and person-centered system of care dedicated to ensuring Michigan residents a healthier future.”

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 PIHPs as the regional Medicaid managed care entity.

PIHPs are charged with providing adequate supports and services to those in need of the specialty behavioral health benefit and are key to achieving the department’s mission to improve the health, safety and prosperity of residents. PIHPs manage provider networks including CMHSPs and behavioral health providers.

“The specialty behavioral health system needs to be more accountable and responsive to the needs of people served. It’s time for a change,” said Sherri Boyd, executive director, The Arc Michigan.

Through an online survey, MDHHS seeks input from people currently enrolled in Medicaid and their families, advocacy groups, community-based organizations, federally recognized tribal governments, providers of health care, behavioral health and other interested parties to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement in the services and supports provided through the PIHP system.

Survey questions seek feedback on priorities to help determine where the state should focus its efforts. Examples include strengthening person-centered care, conflict-free access and planning, increasing access to providers, beneficiary behavioral health plan choice, beneficiary provider choice, enhancing quality, strengthening outcomes and using data to drive quality.

Feedback received will help guide planning and decision-making in preparation for the implementation of new PIHP behavioral health plan contracts, as well as other MDHHS efforts to improve the health of residents served by the programs.

Survey responses must be submitted through the online survey no later than 5 p.m., Monday, March 31. The Arc Michigan, The Mental Health Association in Michigan and other advocacy organizations are working with MDHHS to include the voices of individuals served and their families who may not have internet access, have alternative communication needs or would prefer to work through an advocacy organization.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/BehavioralHealth. Procurement-related questions can be sent to MDHHS-BHSurvey@michigan.gov.

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