Advocacy Updates: Michigan and Ohio

Michigan Advocacy Update
Sarah Procario, Advocacy Director, Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan

2023: A New Start

Unfortunately, the Michigan Senate did not take action on Michigan’s copay accumulator legislation in 2022. While we are disappointed that HB 4353 did not pass last year, we are incredibly proud of our collective efforts and grateful to our previous bill sponsor, Representative Bronna Kahle, for all her efforts to pass this important patient reform before the end of her term.

HFM and the Michigan All Copays Count (MACC) Coalition are optimistic about 2023 and welcome the opportunity to reintroduce the importance of patient assistance that counts to the roughly 60 new lawmakers in the 2023 Michigan legislature. The coalition is currently working to secure a new sponsor with an aim to reintroduce the bill this spring.

Reform through the legislative process can be slow and frustrating, yet we remain committed to protecting patients from excessive out of pocket costs.

Policy Partnerships

HFM is proud to support two other state-wide efforts to pass patient centered health reforms.

The Health Can’t Wait Coalition led the efforts to pass prior authorization reform that was successfully signed into law last year—a wonderful win for the patient community. The group is currently working to introduce a step therapy bill to ensure patients are protected from the consequences of a requirement to ‘fail’ treatment. HFM is a member of Health Can’t Wait and will share with the bleeding disorders community when the bill is introduced.

Additionally, HFM is working closely with patient advocates to pass legislation that will establish a Rare Disease Advisory Committee to give the rare community a stronger voice in the Michigan government. Representative Jason Morgan is sponsoring this important piece of legislation; we look forward to working with him to ensure patient voices are heard.

 

Ohio Advocacy Update

Randi Clites, State Policy Director, Ohio Bleeding Disorder Council

In Ohio, the Next Generation Managed Care Initiative has launched. There are now three new MCOs – Humana, Anthem, & AmeriHealth Caritas. Gainwell Technologies has reported there may be some provider portal elements that could be delayed up to 6 months. As most of you likely know, the Public Health Emergency unwinding is confirmed to begin on April 1, 2023. Ohio Medicaid will begin redeterminations and the process will take up to 12 months. Remind patients they should watch their mail closely for notifications of eligibility status changes. If you experience any delays or concerns with the transition, please contact Randi@nohf.org.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Leave a Reply

About Us

The Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan strives to improve the quality of life for all people affected by hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, other coagulation disorders, and related complications.

Recent Posts

It’s a Great Time to Review Your Insurance Plan for 2019

A few things to keep in mind! Do you depend on factor co-pay assistance? If so, you should know that some insurance plans have changed ...
Read More →

What is an Accumulator Adjustment Program?

Beginning January 2018, a few health plans, specifically high deductible plans offered by self-insured employer groups, have changed the way they calculate copays for patients ...
Read More →

Follow Us

Sign up for our Newsletter

Get all the latest updates and news from  HFM

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Skip to content