The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has awarded Comprehensive Health Care Program contracts for Michigan’s Medicaid health plans, which serve nearly 2 million Michigan residents receiving coverage through Medicaid and the Healthy Michigan Plan.

Upper Peninsula Prosperity Alliance/Upper Peninsula Health Plan received the nod for Region 1, which covers the Upper Peninsula.

“MDHHS has selected Medicaid health plan contractors with the experience, capabilities and commitment to deliver equitable, coordinated and person-centered care,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel in a press release. “This includes prioritizing health equity, addressing social determinants of health, increasing childhood immunization rates and improving access to health care providers. The overarching goal is to provide Michigan families with a healthier future.”

MDHHS embedded changes in the new health plan contracts to strengthen Medicaid services provided to enrollees.

Several of these changes seek to address social determinants of health through investment in and engagement with community-based organizations.

The introduction of “in lieu of services” is one of these important changes and will allow plans to pay for nutrition services that have been shown to improve health.

Congratulations goes out to UPHP.