Legislative hearings on Dual Eligibles

To review this confusing topic, see other posts on Michigan's plan to manage and finance medical and specialty services (mental health services for people with mental illness and developmental disabilities) for people who are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare. 

Subcommittee Hearings:

Appropriations Subcommittees are looking at the possible affects of the Michigan "Integrating Care for Dual Eligibles" plan on appropriations and the state budget.

 
The following are recommendations from Tom Bird of ddAdvocates of Michigan of things to consider if you want to testify:

If you can attend and testify, the emphasis should be on financial impact: 

• How this will effect those who choose to "opt out" if there is no workable CMH delivery system left (should the "money follow the person"?)
• What will happen if the new plan isn't financially feasable? Will services to the most vulnerable be cut, or will "the most needy" be protected?
• If the anticipated (pipe-dream) savings do not occur, will the plan continue, anyway? Who will pay the bill?
• What if the Fed Government doesn't have the money to pay for the 400,000-800,000 new Medicaid enrollees? Do we dis-enroll them, or will services to all be dilluted?
• What if it actually winds up costing more, not less (as is the experience in Mass and Texas)?
• What negative impact on services would the proposed "savings sharing" plan have as a dis-incentive to provide the best array of services? (restrict services to pocket the profits)

You may also choose to discuss ways for the system to save money, such as eliminating the PIHP layer of administrative overhead; normalizing provider contracts and reimbursement rates across CMHs and for comparable service delivery. Recognizing the cost effectiveness of multi-bed settings for those who choose them.

Times and locations of hearings:

House Appropriations Subcommittee on Community Health

Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 10:30 AM
State Capitol, 3rd floor, Room 352
Agenda: Public testimony on Integrated Care Planning for Dual Eligibles

If you wish to testify, fill out a card before the hearing. Bring enough copies of written testimony for all subcommittee members.
Clerk Phone Number: 517-373-8080
Chair: Representative Matt Lori
Other members: MacGregor (Maj. VC), Agema, Genetski, Tlaib (Min. VC), Bauer

Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Community Health Department
Chair: John Moolenaar

Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 12:30 PM
Location: Boji Tower, 124 W. Allegan Street, Lansing, MI
Clerk Phone Number: (517) 373-2768
Agenda: Presentation on the impact of the proposed Dual Eligible Waiver on the Department of Community Health Budget

The clerk for the Subcommittee said that a number of groups are lined up to testify and time is limited.