MAFP Supports Governor Snyder's Federal Waiver Request to Expand Medicaid Coverage in Flint

Governor Rick Snyder submitted a waiver request to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on February 14 that, if approved, would expand Medicaid coverage to approximately 15,000 additional Flint residents under the age of 21 and pregnant women who have been exposed to the city's lead-contaminated water. Eligible individuals with incomes higher than 400% of the Federal Poverty Level would have the option of purchasing Medicaid coverage.

Click here to read an article in Modern Healthcare published February 17 that explains how the expansion could help ensure that affected children get the healthcare they need when they need it, through EPSDT (early and periodic screening and diagnostic and treatment benefits).

When asked how Family Physicians feel about taking on additional Medicaid patients, above and beyond Michigan's original Medicaid expansion, to assist in this effort, MAFP President Kim Yu, MD, FAAFP responded, "Even though it's lower reimbursement, which creates some practice operating issues, primary care physicians are dedicated to providing care," citing "too many sad stories of what happens when someone doesn't have coverage."

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Burwell, who visited Flint on February 18 and announced $500,000 in federal funding to Health Centers serving Genesee County residents, said she expects the Governor's waiver request will be approved. Read more.