People who are struggling with an opioid use disorder and other health problems and who receive Medicaid benefits will now be able to have their healthcare needs met by a coordinated team of healthcare providers.
The plan is called the Opioid Health Home Initiative. The area of service has been expanded to include PIHP Region 10, which includes Genesee, Lapeer, Sanilac, and St. Clair counties.
It is possible that the Opioid Health Home could reach thousands of Medicaid beneficiaries with intensive care management and care coordination.
MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel said, “The expansion of Opioid Health Home program will help address the complexity of physical and behavioral health conditions in Michigan and improve access to essential services. For enrolled beneficiaries, the Health Home will function as the central point of contact for directing patient-centered care across the broader health care system.”
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says that half of Medicaid recipients have an untreated mental health disorder. Two-thirds have an untreated substance abuse disorder. Participation in the Opioid Health Initiative is voluntary.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
