Dive Brief:
- HHS approved Michigan's 1115 demonstration to expand Medicaid coverage and services to Flint residents impacted by the lead exposure crisis.
- About 15,000 more children under 21 years of age and pregnant women with incomes that do not exceed 400% of the federal poverty level and were exposed to Flint water are eligible for Medicaid coverage; 30,000 current Medicaid beneficiaries are eligible for expanded services.
- The agency is working with the state of Michigan on removing lead hazards in homes that are beyond the scope of the demonstration, which will last for five years. Eligibility for this coverage began Thursday but services will be implemented over the coming weeks.
Dive Insight:
Eligibility for this coverage began Thursday but services, including lead-blood level monitoring and behavioral health services, will be implemented over the coming weeks.
HHS Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell said in a prepared statement, "Expanding Medicaid coverage to tens of thousands of expectant mothers and youth means the most vulnerable citizens served by the Flint water supply can now be connected to a wide range of needed health and developmental services, including lead-blood level monitoring and behavioral health services.”
The new agreement will enable the state to provide targeted case management services, including assistance to help residents affected by lead exposure gain access to medical, social, and educational services, according to the press release.
“Connecting children to primary care providers who can follow their health as they grow and develop is a critical component of this response and recovery effort,” HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Nicole Lurie said.
Lurie, who is leading the federal response and recovery effort in Flint, added, "The expanded benefits available through this Medicaid waiver give parents in Flint access to this type of care and support that may be needed to help their children overcome possible effects of high lead exposure."