Michigan League for Human Services

Medicaid & Medicare

Contents:

Medicaid
Medicare

Medicaid

Letter to Department of Community Health regarding Medicaid/Medicare proposal

Letter to Stephen Fitton, director of Medical Services Administration,  regarding proposal to integrate care for people who are eligible for Medicaid and Medicare. The letter applauds the goals of the program and encourages continuing public engagement for this very fragile population. April 4, 2012. Read letter.

Why federal health care reform is good medicine for Michigan

Health care reform, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act caps a century of efforts to make helath care available to all (updated March 2012). Read the fact sheet.

Testimony Before Senate Health Policy Committee The Affordable Care Act has the potential to do enormous good for the residents and businesses of the state of Michigan. Nov. 2011 – Read more. 

Testimony Before House Health Policy Committee The Affordable Care Act has the potential to do enormous good for the residents and businesses of the state of Michigan. Nov. 2011 — Read more. 

Understanding Medicaid: Compassionate, Complex, Cost Effective The Medicaid program is doing its job—providing health care benefits and services to those who qualify, and doing it efficiently.

Yet the program is under attack at the federal level and struggles (as do other key public services) to secure needed investment at the state level.

While the program is considered “out of control” by some, its misunderstood growth stems from the lack of affordable health care coverage andmedical services for low-income children and families, elderly and persons with disabilities, NOT out-of-control spending.  October 2011 -  Read the report and the executive summary.

July 6, 2011 letter to Congressionl delegation The League and nine other organizations sent a letter to members of Michigan’s Congressional delegation urging a balanced approach in reducing the federal deficit. This means a balance of new revenue and spending cuts.  Read more  

Deja Vu: Michigan Struggles to Fund Medicaid Program Medicaid now covers more than 1.8 million in Michigan, nearly one in every five people in the state, and 38 percent of all children. Caseloads are up 60 percent since 2000. To meet the growing demand at a time when state resources are severely limited, state policymakers have cut some “optional” services, including dental and vision care for adults on Medicaid, and cut provider payments by 8 percent. Without new revenue for fiscal year 2011, however, more cuts will be required. May 2010 - read more>> To read the press release click here>>

The Medicaid Fact Sheet and Perspective The fact sheet and analysis prepared by League staff provide important information on the Medicaid program as state budget discussions continue. Medicaid has evolved from the health care companion for cash assistance recipients to the key health care program for low-income families (many of whom have working members) and the elderly and disabled. In addition to health care coverage, Medicaid provides fiscal stimulus to the state, bringing billions of federal dollars into the state, as well as jobs. Click here – Feb 07