• Identify funding resources to underwrite costs of the added services at community mental health and primary care centers. Integrate the financing of physical and mental health care to encourage the integration of services. Eliminate funding silos which separate physical health care and mental health care by requiring Medicaid health plans to be financially responsible for all integrated care regardless of the mental health diagnosis. Also recommended was a reduction in administrative costs.
• Establish a system-wide formulary and single payer system of psychotropic medications.
• Include physical health diagnoses as a factor in the Milliman funding formula (for community mental health).
• Extend 340B pricing for pharmaceuticals through Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) to community mental health patients who receive services at FQHCs.
• Create a map highlighting locations of sites where dual services are provided.
• Advocate for Detroit Department of Transportation unlimited bus pass for patients.
• Integrate electronic medical records to assure communication between primary care and behavioral health providers and to avoid duplicate entries.
• Ensure that the Detroit Wayne County Community Mental Health Agency assures effective access to integrated care for its clients.
• Establish coordination of care agreements among various providers.

"Health reform has provided us a great opportunity to insure most Americans, but we need to do more," says Chris Allen, Executive Director and CEO of the Health Authority. "We need to create a healthier community that prevents disease and injury and promotes wellness. Walk for Healthy Communities is a symbolic representation for our commitment to this cause."

Although there is no registration fee, donations are encouraged for the "Access for all...Health Care Fund," which helps cover the cost of physical exams for the uninsured. Those interested in sponsoring a walking team should contact the Health Authority for additional information. Walkers of all ages are welcome. For more information on participating in the Walk, contact Erin Barthel at 313-871-3751.

As the state legislature struggles with reconciling a significant budget deficit, Medicaid funding cuts and reallocation of Medicaid funds are under discussion. The Michigan Health and Hospital Association urges health care advocates to support Senate Bill 1152. Specifically, MHA is asking legislators to:

·        Claim all federal assistance related to Medicaid for its budget.

·        Support the language that directs the Michigan Department of Community Health to base funding on costs for hospital outpatient Medicaid services provided in state small and rural hospitals.

·        Maintain eligibility for all currently covered Medicaid populations.

·        Restore optional adult dental and podiatric Medicaid services.

·        Reject language that would use the number of hours to determine whether hospital admission is an inpatient stay.

For more information, contact David Finkbeiner at the MHA: 517-703-8601.

Health Authority supports 'Moral Imperative' and 'Health Equity' programs

As the new health care reform law is implemented, interfaith health advocates remain concerned about the need to achieve a moral vision for its implementation, not just a legislative compromise. Decisions need to be guided by a "moral imperative," not just pragmatic politics. Additionally, the health system needs to be more aware and sensitive to health disparities and develop solutions that achieve health equity for the region.

To that end, the Health Authority sponsored two programs in June, "Achieving a Moral Vision for Health Care," presented by the Interfaith Health & Hope Coalition on June 10, and "The Deadliest Disease in America," presented by  URU The Right To Be, Inc., a national non-profit organization.

The Health Authority also supported the Michigan Universal Health Care Network (MichUHCAN) annual meeting, featuring Dr. Anthony Iton, Senior Vice President for Healthy Communities, The California Endowment. Dr. Iton spoke about the need to not only address health disparities, but also to create a community effort to promote health equity. Chris Allen, Executive Director and CEO of the Health Authority pledged that the Health Authority would invite Dr. Iton to Wayne County to help with community assessment and health equity work.