Legislative Priorities 2017-2018

SUPPORT AND MAINTAIN CURRENT FUNDING FOR CHILD AND ADOLESCENT HEALTH CENTERS

For more than 25 years, Michigan’s Child and Adolescent Health Centers (CAHCs) have provided comprehensive physical and mental health services.  Across the State of Michigan more than 200,000 children and adolescents living in low-income areas of the state receive health care and prevention services including mental health and dental care through a CAHC.  There are more than 100 centers serving the health care needs of school-age children and youth and all CAHCs are located within a school or school district.  Michigan’s investment in Child and Adolescent Health Centers yields a strong return through a distinctive partnership with Medicaid that allows for a federal match of 2:1, where every state dollar yields almost two dollars in additional funding making CAHCs a wise investment.

RECOMMENDATION: 

1. Maintain funding for Child and Adolescent Health Centers: $5,557,300, School Aid Budget, Section 31(a), Subsection 6.
2. Maintain funding for Mental Health Services through Child and Adolescent Health Centers: $1,000,000 Department of Health and Human Services, Mental Health Commission.
3. Maintain funding for Flint Students through Child and Adolescent Health Centers: $650,000, Department of Health and Human Services.
4. Maintain funding for Flint School Nurses: $635,000, Department of Education.

SUPPORT THE PRESERVATION OF HEALTHY MICHIGAN

While there remains uncertainty as to viability of federal funding (ACA) for expanded Medicaid and there are questions as to how States will be allowed to administer their Medicaid program, it is clear that Michigan as a whole has benefited from a strong and vibrant Medicaid program committed to serving the health care needs of its citizens and Healthy Michigan has been an asset.  Whether there is agreement that the Affordable Care Act is good public policy overall, there is no argument it has been good for Michigan on multiple fronts.  Michigan was able to develop a comprehensive and unique system of care for working people. More than 646,740 people have enrolled and have made 2.8 million primary care visits resulting in uncompensated care costs dropping by nearly half in Michigan hospitals according to a recent UM report.

There are many other reasons why it has been good for Michigan according to Michigan League for Public Policy and the UM of report;  1) more than 30,000 new jobs as the result of expanded Medicaid 2) more than 70,000 young people under 27 have been able to stay  on their parent’s insurance 3) more than 4 million people in Michigan with pre-existing  conditions now have health care coverage 4) increased state budget savings in upwards of $400 million and 5) substantial increase in personal income in the state.  There is clear evidence that everyone wins when a strong and vibrant health coverage plan is available.

RECOMMENDATION:

1. Maintain funding for Healthy Michigan for Michigan’s citizens.
2. Maintain health care coverage and prevention services for Michigan’s most vulnerable populations, its youngest citizens and the working poor.