AI Algorithms Used in Coverage Determinations

Health insurers are increasingly using AI-driven “coverage algorithms” to decide whether care is medically necessary, how long treatment should last, and whether services will be approved. Unlike clinical tools used by providers, these algorithms often lack regulatory oversight, transparency, and external validation, as companies treat them as proprietary. Those in opposition of such usages argue that this creates risks for patients because the systems may be designed to reduce costs, leading to denied or delayed care and worse health outcomes.

CCBHC June Newsletter

The June CCBHC Newsletter is now available! Download it here or access it directly on the CCBHC webpage under Newsletter Archives.

CMS Releases Medicaid Work Requirement Interim Final Rule

On June 1, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released its interim final rule on implementing community engagement requirements (commonly referred to as “work requirements”) as provided under H.R.1. You can find the rule here, along with CMS’s press release and fact sheet.

Because CMS released an interim final rule, the rule will be effective July 31, 2026, with an opportunity for public comment, due July 31, 2026.

Background: H.R.1 requires expansion enrollees, non-pregnant adult Medicaid beneficiaries aged 19-64 who typically meet a higher income threshold than in traditional Medicaid and receive coverage in their state as a result of Medicaid expansion or waiver, complete at least 80 hours of work or qualifying activities per month. Other qualifying activities can include community service, work programs, educational programs, or a combination of these activities.

The law provides exemptions to meeting these requirements for those who are “medically frail,” which includes individuals with a substance use disorder, disabling mental disorder, or those participating in a Drug Addiction or Alcoholic Treatment or Rehabilitation Program. The Interim Final Rule seeks to provide further implementation guidance on these exemptions.

While people are still digesting the 400-page, two top lines have emerged:  

Restrictive Medical-frailty Definition:  Shifts from a one-step to a two-step standard where a person must have a serious medical condition, and show the condition impairs their ability to work. The new standard creates more work for Medicaid beneficiaries, clinicians, and states.  

Self-attestation for 2027: The rule temporarily allows for an individual to self-declare in limited circumstances to verify work or exemption status, including for medical frailty through 2027.   

This is an acknowledgment that states will need time to establish systems upgrades to access new data sources and particularly to implement the medical frailty exemption. 

While the rule is set to take effect on July 31, 2026, CMS is accepting comments through that date. You can submit them here.

Unless the Secretary grants an extension, states are required to implement work requirements by Jan. 1, 2027, with some states choosing to implement these requirements sooner (so far this includes Nebraska, Montana, Arkansas, and Iowa).

HHS announces 10 new states in CCBHC Medicaid demonstration

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and in partnership with the Substance Abuse for Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), has announced 10 new states selected for the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Medicaid Demonstration Program: Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Washington, and West Virginia. This expansion reflects continued momentum behind the CCBHC model, which provides sustainable Medicaid funding to expand access to comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder services nationwide.

By enabling participating states to implement a prospective payment system, the demonstration helps ensure providers can deliver coordinated, whole-person care while strengthening behavioral health systems and supporting long-term financing beyond time-limited grants.

SAMHSA Webinar: CCBHC Toolkit for Engaging Service Members, Veterans, and Families

SAMHSA will host a webinar on Tuesday, June 9 from 2–3:30 p.m. ET introducing its new CCBHC Toolkit for Engaging Service Members, Veterans, and Families. The webinar will highlight practical strategies to help CCBHCs identify and engage military-connected populations, increase awareness of military and Veteran experiences, strengthen partnerships with Veteran-serving organizations, and improve service coordination. Register here.

Protect MI Care Recommendations

The Protect MI Care coalition provides recommendations to Michigan health officials on how to implement new federal Medicaid requirements in a way that minimizes coverage loss and administrative burden.

Pocketing Money Meant for Kids: Private Equity in Autism Services  

A new report argues that the growing role of private equity in autism services raises serious concerns about how care is delivered. It suggests that profit-driven business models can lead to cost-cutting measures—such as reducing staffing levels, limiting training, and increasing caseloads—that may ultimately lower the quality of care provided to children. At the same time, firms often emphasize revenue growth through billing practices and service expansion, which can shift the focus away from patient needs.

MDHHS issues MHF Coverage Responsibility Updates

Below is a recent communication from MDHHS regarding the mental health framework, including its delay:

This communication is to notify providers of important updates regarding the implementation of the Mental Health Framework Initiative.

As a reminder, the Mental Health Framework Initiative included multiple different elements, with a goal of improvement to service delivery for mental health care services, based on the level of need of the enrollee, not just the place or type of service. One element of the Mental Health Framework Initiative included shifting coverage responsibility between Medicaid Health Plans (MHP) and Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHP) for specific mental health care services. Under these changes, MHPs would cover 3 new services (crisis residential, inpatient psychiatric, and outpatient partial hospitalization) for certain enrollees, while PIHPs covered all mental health care needs for other enrollees, determined by level of need.

These coverage responsibility changes were previously scheduled to go into effect October 1, 2026. MDHHS is temporarily delaying this specific element of the Mental Health Framework Initiative to allow more time for system-wide preparation. Under the original changes, the coverage responsibility would be driven by a benefit plan in CHAMPS (Community Health Automated Medicaid Processing System) called “BH-COVER”. Providers will still see this new benefit plan assigned to certain MHP enrollees effective October 1, 2026, but will not need to change processes based on its assignment. Other Mental Health Framework changes—including the expansion of standardized assessments for Medicaid beneficiaries seeking mental health care (see Medicaid Policy Bulletin MMP 26-01 for the State’s standardized assessment policy) and efforts to improve care coordination across systems—are continuing.

Improving coordination, access, and quality of care remains a top priority, and MDHHS will continue advancing key Mental Health Framework activities, including:

– Expanding use of the State-specified mental health assessment tools, LOCUS for adults and MichiCANS Screener for children and adolescents,
– Reviewing data to better understand service needs and access to mental health care for Medicaid beneficiaries,
– Strengthening care coordination across MHP and PIHP systems, such as expanding referral pathways between systems and joint collaboration/coordination of services,
– Continuing to clarify coverage responsibility for existing covered services to minimize provider confusion and abrasion; and

Deepening relationships between providers, Community Mental Health Service Programs (CMHSPs), PIHPs and Medicaid Health Plans to improve service delivery and the beneficiary experience across the State.

We look forward to continued collaboration as we work together to improve service delivery and support the needs of Medicaid beneficiaries across the State. Please see MHF website for further updates and details and email MDHHS-MentalHlthFramework@michigan.gov with any questions.

MDHHS extends deadline for applications for Behavioral Health Repayment Program

The Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program (BHLRP) application cycle deadline has been extended and is now open through June 5, 2026.

Funding is available for behavioral health professionals who provide direct, outpatient behavioral health services in public behavioral health settings within Michigan and are committed to remaining with their employer for two years. Priority for this program is given to applicants who provide behavioral health services to children.

To apply you must:

– Be a behavioral health professional providing direct, outpatient behavioral health services.
– Be employed in Michigan, providing services to Michigan residents.
– Commit to remaining with your eligible employer for two years.

For more information, visit: Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program (BHLRP) or contact MDHHS-Behavioral-Health-LRP@michigan.gov

Over half of Michigan’s small businesses may be forced to drop healthcare benefits, a new Senate bill could prevent this 

Below are excerpts from a recent article in Gongwer/State Affairs regarding sky rocketing health insurance costs:

Nearly eight in 10 small business owners in the state report double-digit increases in employee healthcare premiums and more than 75% say the cost of healthcare limits their ability to hire new employees, according to a survey released Tuesday.

The survey from the Small Business Association of Michigan said inflationary costs are harming small businesses. About 65% of business owners report the cost of healthcare being a significant barrier to offering employee benefits.

“Someone must pay the increased cost of healthcare, and in Michigan, it seems small businesses owners are bearing the brunt of it, with double-digit cost increases,” SBAM President Brian Calley said in a statement.

He said some employers have seen increases of as much as $2,000 an employee.

“For a small business with 25 employees, that’s $50,000 more per year just in healthcare costs – $50,000 that could instead be used to hire another employee or invest in the business,” Calley said.

Within the survey, Michigan business owners responded to the prompt “With the way things are going with health insurance costs, it will be [X] years before I might consider dropping coverage entirely for my employees.”

About 270 business owners, 80% of them with fewer than 50 employees, responded. Nearly half of those surveyed, 42%, said between one and three years years, 16% said between four and six years and 4% said in seven or more years.

Sen. Kevin Hertel, D-Saint Clair Shores, recently introduced a bill that would address the unaffordability issue.The bill would allow small businesses to create association health plans that would lower insurance costs for them and their employees.

“As small businesses face rising costs and fewer customers in today’s uncertain economic climate, many are struggling to keep their doors open,” Hertel said in a separate statement. “And when small businesses are stretched thin, it becomes even harder for them to be able to provide benefits, including quality health coverage for their workers.”

He said smaller businesses often lack the leverage needed to negotiate lower insurance costs through risk sharing, unlike larger corporations. Smaller businesses also frequently face higher administrative expenses.

The bill, SB 1011 Track, would allow businesses to band together, pool resources and put together insurance options that reduce costs for themselves and staff.

“As we work together to build a healthier Michigan and a stronger economy, association health plans can help level the playing field – giving small business the ability to lower costs and make healthcare more accessible for working families,” Hertel said.

Hertel said the cost of healthcare has remained the number one concern for small businesses for decades, and costs have increased upwards of 23% over the last few years, making it difficult for businesses to be sustainable long-term.

Over 85% of those surveyed by SBAM said employee benefit costs influence long-term planning and growth strategies.

“In a business like ours, we’re constantly watching every cost and finding ways to operate more efficiently, but there’s only so much you can do when health care premiums keep rising at this pace,” Patti Eisenbraun, owner of Brown Iron Brewhouse in Royal Oak, said in a statement.

Eisenbraun said climbing costs put small business owners in a position where they cannot offer coverage at all.

“We need to see the same level of urgency and creativity within the health care system that small business brings to solving challenges every day,” she said.

Mike Shabluk, owner of Erie Custom Signs in Saginaw, said small businesses want to provide coverage and take care of their employees.

“If nothing changes, more small businesses will be put in a position where they simply can’t offer coverage at all, and that has real consequences for employees, families and communities all across Michigan,” he said.

The SBAM Board of Directors issued an open letter in April that calls for broader attention to the healthcare cost crisis and asks those within the healthcare systems to minimize cost increases.

Must Not Walk Away From The Addiction Crisis | Opinion

Below are excerpts from a recent opinion piece, by Representative Paul Tonko, carried in Newsweek:

Long before Congress found the will to act on the addiction crisis, the recovery community was already doing the hard work. They were telling their stories at kitchen tables and in church basements. They were fighting stigma in communities where addiction was still treated as a moral failure and a source of shame. They were organizing, marching, testifying, and demanding that their government see what they already knew: Addiction is a disease, and recovery is not only possible — it is happening every single day.

Throughout my years in Congress, I have had the privilege of learning from these advocates. Organizations like Faces & Voices of Recovery have been tireless partners—bringing the voices of people in recovery directly to Capitol Hill, helping federal policymakers understand what works, and holding us accountable when we fall short. The progress we have made in addiction policy did not originate in a hearing room. It was carried to Washington by the people who lived it.

A new national survey released by Faces & Voices of Recovery now documents, in powerful terms, just how far that advocacy has moved the country. Public Perceptions of Addiction and Recovery: A 20-Year Follow-Up to the Hart Benchmark (2004–2026) finds that the transformation in American attitudes is profound. Fifty-two percent of likely voters now name mental illness as the top national health concern, up from just 7 percent twenty years ago. Concern about the lack of addiction treatment nearly doubled, from 32 to 59 percent. And 83 percent of voters, across party lines, support requiring Medicaid to cover addiction treatment as essential health care.

These numbers are no accident. They are the direct result of decades of advocacy, courage, and storytelling by people in recovery and the organizations that support them. They reflect what happens when individuals stand up and say: this is who I am, this is what I survived, and this is what I need to stay well. They reflect the researchers who developed life-saving medications like buprenorphine and naltrexone and the advocates who fought to make sure those tools were accessible and destigmatized. They reflect years of community organizing and public health education and, yes, the painful visibility that comes from losing more than 80,000 Americans a year to overdose.

That death toll, after years of harrowing increases, has begun to fall. The progress is fragile, but it is real. We are at an inflection point—a moment when science, public will, and policy are aligned in a way that could fundamentally change the trajectory of addiction in America.

Which is precisely why the current administration’s dismantling of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is so reckless and so wrong.

SAMHSA is the federal architecture that connects Americans in crisis to treatment, funds the recovery support programs that help people rebuild their lives, and deploys the technical assistance that allows states and communities to build on what works. The grant programs housed at SAMHSA were shaped, in many cases, by the testimony and advocacy of recovery organizations—including Faces & Voices of Recovery—who came to Washington year after year to explain what communities actually needed. When SAMHSA is gutted—when its staff is slashed, its grants frozen, its expertise scattered—the people who are hurt first are the ones those fought for by advocates for decades.

This recent survey confirms what advocates have been telling us: 81 percent of voters support increased federal funding for treatment and recovery services. They reject policies that would strip people in recovery of government assistance. These are not fringe positions. They are majority views held by Americans across income levels, education levels, and political ideology.

In a capitol defined by division, addiction policy has long been one of the places where we can still govern together. Republican colleagues have stood beside me in this fight for years. While we have disagreed on much, on this, we found common cause, largely because the recovery community demanded it of us. We must not fail them now.

At a time when the president’s fiscal 2027 budget again proposes large funding cuts and structural changes to SAMHSA, I am demanding we restore SAMHSA’s staffing and budget. Don’t cut addiction and mental health services. Don’t destroy the decades of progress we have made. Protect the funding streams that communities depend on. And let us agree that the gains of the past 20 years belong to the advocates, the families, and the people in recovery who built them.

They are not ours to discard.

Introducing Crossing Perspectives: A National Thought Leadership Series Bringing Together Housing, Health, and Behavioral Health 

Below is a recent announcement from the Corporation for Supported Housing related to an upcoming session on the connection between housing and behavioral health:

Housing and health systems are at a critical inflection point. 

Rising homelessness, growing behavioral health needs, and rapid policy changes are reshaping how we think about care, housing stability, and community well-being. At the same time, systems that have historically operated in parallel are being called to work in deeper alignment. 

To explore what’s next, the National Center for Housing + Health (powered by CSH) is launching a new thought leadership series: Crossing Perspectives: A National Thought Leadership Series Bringing Together Housing, Health, and Behavioral Health. 

Join Us for the First Session
The Future of Housing + Health: Where Systems Converge 
📅 Thursday, June 4
Register here for the first conversation.

This opening conversation brings together leading experts from across housing, healthcare, research, policy, and lived experience to examine the national trends shaping our field—and what it will take to build a more connected, resilient system. 

You’ll hear from:

Deb De Santis (Moderator)
Carmen Heredia, Sonora Strategy Partners
Margot Kushel, MD, UCSF
Amiyoko A. Shabazz, Lived Experience Consultant
Sarah Stella, MD, Denver Health 

Together, they will explore how aligning policy, financing, and service delivery can drive better outcomes for people and communities. Don’t miss this timely conversation. 

Michigan Budget Talks Could Extend Beyond July 1

Michigan lawmakers continue negotiating the state budget as disagreements over taxes, spending, and property tax relief threaten to delay completion past the traditional July 1 target date.

House Speaker Matt Hall said this week he does not expect a final budget agreement by July 1, blaming ongoing disputes over potential tax increases and use of the state’s rainy day fund.

The budget process determines funding for major state priorities including schools, roads, public safety, health programs, and local governments. This year, negotiations are centered heavily on Republican-backed property tax reform proposals and efforts to reduce overall state spending.

Hall said House Republicans want to lower costs for residents through property tax cuts and energy savings while avoiding new taxes. He also argued the state can reduce spending by eliminating what he described as waste, fraud, abuse, and vacant government positions.

The House recently passed an eight-bill property tax package, though additional negotiations are expected over a related proposal that could expand the state sales tax to certain services.

Despite political tensions, bipartisan cooperation will still be necessary because Republicans control the House while Democrats control the Senate and Governor’s Office. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and other leaders at the Mackinac Policy Conference emphasized the importance of finding common ground during negotiations.

Although lawmakers aim to finish the budget by July 1, the state’s fiscal year does not officially begin until October 1, leaving additional time for negotiations if talks continue through the summer.

Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Implementation Learning Collaborative

Are you a manager, leader, or supervisor of a mental health system, organization, or program? Are you interested in learning how to implement or sustain Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)?

The TF-CBT Implementation Learning Collaborative is a free, application-based program designed to equip mental health leaders and supervisors with the tools needed to drive meaningful, sustainable practice change. It is designed for SAMHSA grantees and behavioral health organizations in WI, MI, MN, OH, IN, IL, KS, NE, IA, and MO that currently provide TF-CBT and are seeking structured support to strengthen implementation, fidelity, and sustainability.

Why is this important? Implementation science demonstrates that successful adoption and sustainability of evidence-based practices require more than initial training — they depend on structured, ongoing support. This collaborative leverages proven implementation strategies — including coaching, data-driven feedback, and responsive adaptation — to ensure that TF-CBT is not only learned but consistently applied and sustained over time.

August 5, 2026 – September 17, 2026   |  Applications Due June 30, 2026   |   For more information and to apply click here

Program Highlights:

3 didactic sessions + 2 applied consultation sessions
Total commitment: 6.5 hours
Small cohort of up to 12 participants
6.5 CE credits available

The Launch of CMHA Magazine: A New Voice for Michigan’s Behavioral Health Community

The Community Mental Health Association of Michigan is proud to launch the inaugural issue of CMHA Magazine — a new digital publication dedicated to elevating the voices, stories, and advocacy efforts shaping Michigan’s public behavioral health system. In addition to the digital publication, printed copies of each issue will be included in conference packets at CMHA’s three statewide conferences each year, helping expand the magazine’s reach to behavioral health leaders, providers, and policymakers across Michigan.

More than just a magazine, this publication is designed to serve as a platform for highlighting the incredible work of CMHA members across the state, sharing innovative programs, and keeping providers, policymakers, and stakeholders informed on the most pressing issues facing behavioral health care today.

The inaugural issue features powerful member stories, including LifeWays Community Mental Health’s partnership with the Jackson Police Department, where embedded clinicians are helping transform crisis response and reduce repeat emergency calls. It also spotlights Genesee Health System’s 24/7 Behavioral Health Urgent Care expansion, which is helping fill critical gaps in crisis stabilization and access to care in Flint and surrounding communities.

In addition to member highlights, CMHA Magazine provides timely state and federal legislative updates impacting behavioral health providers and the individuals they serve. Articles in the inaugural edition examine Michigan’s psychiatric bed shortage and policy recommendations emerging from the House Oversight Subcommittee on Public Health and Food Security. The publication also explores upcoming federal Medicaid work requirements and the potential impact these changes could have on access to behavioral health services nationwide.

The magazine will also tackle important issues of the day — from workforce shortages and crisis response innovation to system reform proposals and advocacy efforts that affect Michigan’s public mental health system. Through thoughtful commentary, member engagement, and community storytelling, the publication aims to strengthen collaboration and ensure behavioral health remains a priority in Lansing and Washington.

Published three times each year, CMHA Magazine will reach more than 1,500 behavioral health professionals, clinicians, board members, policymakers, and provider organizations across Michigan through its digital distribution and conference circulation. The launch marks an exciting step forward in connecting Michigan’s behavioral health community and sharing the stories that make this work so important every day.

Statewide FY 26 CMHSP client satisfaction report issued by CMHA’s Center for Health Care Integration and Innovation (CHI2)

Weekly Update readers may remember that, over the past several years, CMHA and its members have engaged in an Accurate Picture campaign. That campaign is aimed at providing an accurate picture of Michigan’s public mental health system and those whom it serves, countering what are often negative misconceptions attached to Michigan’s public mental health system and those who rely upon that system.

The Accurate Picture campaign had a number of components, including the highly successful partnership of CMHA and a number of its members with the Issue Media Group/Common Group publications – a partnership built around the concept of “solutions journalism”. This partnership ensures that the work of Michigan’s public mental health system is highlighted in IMG’s large suite of solutions journalism-focused publications. More about this partnership can be found here.

Over the last several months, CMHA also pursued another component of this Accurate Picture campaign–a statewide client satisfaction report (Note that this report is a revised version, reflecting several refinements from the report sent to you a week ago.)

STATEWIDE FY 26 CMHSP CLIENT SATISFACTION REPORT: All of Michigan’s CMHSPs and PIHPs, and many of the provider organizations in the networks of the state’s CMHSPs and PIHPs, conduct client satisfaction surveys of those whom they serve.

Because the CMHSPs, PIHPs, and providers use a variety of client satisfaction instruments, statewide client satisfaction data has been difficult to aggregate.

However, while a number of instruments are used by the provider organizations across the state, there are a set of satisfaction elements or domains found in all of these instruments. These common domains are: Overall Satisfaction/Improvement, Accessibility/Responsiveness, Supportiveness, Dignity, Respect, Cultural Competency, Person-Centered Planning, and Being Heard & Confidentiality

Using these common client satisfaction domains, CMHA’s Center for Health Care Integration and Innovation (CHI2) aggregated the client satisfaction data, across these common domains, resulting in a recently published report which provides a picture of client satisfaction with the system. This report, 2026 Accurate Picture Initiative Statewide Satisfaction Survey Report (May 2026) can be found here.

In summary, the findings of this report, demonstrate high levels of satisfaction as noted below.

Statewide Behavioral Health Satisfaction Summary by Domain 

Gratiot Integrated Health Network Honored with State and Congressional Recognition

Gratiot Integrated Health Network (GIHN) has been recognized at both the state and federal levels for its commitment to children and families in Gratiot County, receiving the Child Advocate Organization of the Year Award from the Child Advocacy Center of Gratiot County along with official tributes from the State of Michigan and the United States Congress.

The recognitions highlight GIHN’s longstanding dedication to child advocacy, crisis response services, and community collaboration across Gratiot County.

In a Special Tribute issued by the State of Michigan, legislators commended the organization’s staff, partners, and advocates for their leadership and impact throughout the community. The tribute specifically recognized GIHN’s role as a strong community partner and acknowledged the organization’s efforts to provide critical resources and support for children and families.

The tribute noted GIHN’s partnerships with local organizations including the Gratiot Collaborative, the Gratiot Substance and Suicide Prevention Coalition, Child Advocacy, MyMichigan Medical Center – Alma, Gratiot County Schools, and local law enforcement agencies. State leaders also praised GIHN’s administration and workforce for helping remove barriers to services and expanding the reach of behavioral health support throughout the region.

The State of Michigan tribute further highlighted GIHN’s prioritization of children’s mental and physical health needs and recognized the organization’s enhanced 24/7 crisis services, which provide timely and tailored support for individuals and families facing difficult situations.

In addition to the state recognition, Congressman John Moolenaar presented Gratiot Integrated Health Network with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition on behalf of Michigan’s Second Congressional District.

The congressional certificate praised GIHN for “going above and beyond to advocate for the betterment of children and families in the community” and extended best wishes for the organization’s continued success.

GIHN continues to provide behavioral health and support services designed to improve access to care, strengthen families, and promote healthier outcomes throughout Gratiot County.

Call to Action! Protect Michigan’s Direct Care Workforce

This call-to-action advocates protecting and strengthening Michigan’s direct care workforce by ensuring stable funding and resources for workers who provide essential care to vulnerable residents.

Upcoming Deadlines and Dates Section on the CMHA CCBHC Webpage

To support coordination, planning, and timely participation in CCBHC-related activities across Michigan, a new “Upcoming Deadlines and Dates” section has been added to the CMHA CCBHC webpage. This section highlights important upcoming meetings, technical assistance opportunities, reporting deadlines, evaluation activities, and other key dates relevant to CCBHC implementation and operations.

Information will be updated regularly and is intended to serve as a centralized reference point for CCBHC leadership teams and designated staff. Please review this section routinely to stay informed about upcoming requirements, engagement opportunities, and time-sensitive activities involving MDHHS, CMHA, CHRT, and other CCBHC partners.

Update: CCBHC-IA Grant Opportunity Timeline

An updated forecast has been released on Grants.gov for the upcoming CCBHC Improvement and Advancement (CCBHC-IA) grant opportunity. Based on the latest update, the estimated posting date for the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is May 29, 2026.

This opportunity may provide additional resources to support CCBHC implementation and sustainability efforts across Michigan. CCBHCs interested in applying should begin early planning in anticipation of the updated timeline.  Technical Assistance will be available through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and the CCBHC-T program to support SAMHSA CCBHC IA Grant Submissions

Arc Michigan Free Disability Policy Webinar Series

It’s Time For The Arc Michigan’s 2026 Policy Webinar Series:

Friday, June 5      |    9:30a.m.– 12:00p.m.
Friday, June 12    |    9:30a.m.– 12:00p.m.
Friday, June 26    |    9:30a.m.– 12:00a.m.

Join Arc-Michigan for this year’s webinar series for updates on disability services and supports in Michigan. As Michigan’s disability service system continues to evolve, staying informed and connected is more important than ever.

Each Friday, you will hear from key leaders at the state and national levels—including the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and The Arc of the United States—on topics that impact access, quality, and the future of services for people with disabilities. You will also receive timely legislative and policy updates, along with insights into how state and federal decisions may impact disability services and supports in the months ahead. Whether you’re a family member, self-advocate, professional, or policymaker, these conversations are for you. You can learn more about his series and register here.

Registration is Now Open for the 2026 Rural Michigan Opioid & Substance Use Summit!

The Northern Michigan Opioid Response Consortium (NMORC), a program of the Michigan Center for Rural Health (MCRH), is proud to host its annual summit, bringing together rural partners, leaders, and community champions committed to addressing substance use across rural Michigan.

This convening creates space for meaningful connection, shared learning, and action. Together, participants explore practical strategies and emerging approaches that strengthen prevention, expand access to treatment, support long-term recovery, and build a resilient rural workforce.

July 16th, 2026 |  Treetops Resort, Gaylord MI  | Register here: 2026 Rural Michigan Opioid and Substance Use Summit

Who Should Attend?

Behavioral Health Professionals
Public Health Professionals
Law Enforcement
Community Mental Health Providers
Substance Use Disorder Treatment Professionals
Rural Health Clinics, FQHCs, and Hospital Staff
Anyone Passionate About Addressing Substance Use in Rural Michigan!

Michigan Medicaid Covered transportation

Michigan lawmakers are pushing bipartisan legislation to allow Medicaid to cover specialized behavioral health transportation, aiming to reduce delays in care, ease dependence on ambulances and police, and improve access for people in mental health crises.

Decline in Michigan Drug overdoses

Michigan is seeing a significant decline in drug overdose deaths, largely due to expanded access to naloxone and treatment programs. At the same time, the state is set to receive an additional $154 million from opioid settlements, which will support ongoing prevention, recovery, and harm-reduction efforts even as experts caution that drug use itself may not be declining.

Michigan Senate Introduces Bipartisan Bills to Codify CCBHC Program in State Law

Michigan lawmakers this week introduced Senate Bills 1000 and 1001, legislation that would formally place the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) program into Michigan statute and establish a long-term framework for implementation across the state. The bills represent a major step in Michigan’s ongoing behavioral health system transformation efforts and would codify requirements for certification, funding, and service delivery for CCBHC providers.

Senate Bill 1000 was introduced by Senator Rosemary Bayer (D-West Bloomfield), while Senate Bill 1001 was introduced by Senator John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs), reflecting bipartisan support for the initiative. Both bills were introduced on May 21, 2026, and referred to the Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services for consideration.

The CCBHC model was originally created through a federal demonstration program intended to expand access to comprehensive behavioral health services. Under the model, participating clinics are required to provide a broad range of coordinated services, including crisis intervention, outpatient mental health treatment, substance use disorder services, care coordination, and integrated primary and behavioral healthcare.

Duggan to end bid for governor

Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is ending his independent bid for governor in a shocking announcement that completely recasts the race to become Michigan’s 50^th governor.

Sources, speaking on background, said those inside the Duggan camp are reaching out to allies to confirm he is dropping out of the race. Polling recently suggested Duggan was failing to catch on, or even seeing a dip in support, and sources said Duggan had concluded the Democratic momentum is too strong and that he no longer saw a path to victory.

A nonprofit allied with Duggan, Put Progress First, had spent about $15 million on ads, but Duggan himself last week signaled concern that the race had begun shifting into a referendum on President Donald Trump and gasoline prices, making his message of fixing Lansing problematic.

So unexpected was his decision that news of it began spreading merely half an hour after his campaign announced its 27^th union endorsement

Duggan’s candidacy will end much as it began: with a jolt to Michigan’s political observers who’d been wondering since the former mayor’s December 2024 announcement whether he would be able to overcome the hurdles faced by third-party candidates and which major party candidate he would potentially spoil a general election turnout for.

Just last week, Duggan spoke optimistically to supporters at a Lansing Regional Chamber event about what the next several months of the campaign would hold, stating he was prepared to “come home” to metro Detroit after spending months outstate.

Save the Date 33rd Recipient Rights Conference!

Mark your calendars for the 33rd Annual Recipient Rights Conference, September 16-18, 2026, at Crystal Mountain Resort. This gathering brings together recipient rights experts, CMH administrative and clinical staff, and mental health professionals for professional development and networking. NOTE: New agenda this year. The conference will be held Sept. 16-18, 2026, with no pre-conference. More details are coming soon!

Sept. 16-18, 2026  |  Crystal Mountain Resort   |  For more information and details on how to reserve your room click here

CMHA staff member receive national recognition

Anne Wilson, a Conference and Event Manager at CMHA, has just been named the recipient of a Legacy Award by the Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP). To receive this award, from the national SGMP, puts Anne in a rare group of meeting professionals.

Congratulations to Anne on her receipt of this recognition. CMHA is proud to have her on our team.

The announcement from SGMP can be found here.

Here about the experiences of the SGMP National Award Winners – “I am SGMP“

Financial Opportunity for CCBHC Staff Pursuing Clinical Licensure

A new opportunity is available to employees who are pursuing clinical licensure in social work, counseling, marriage and family therapy, substance use counseling, clinical psychology or credentialing in substance use counseling.

The CCBHC Transformation Workforce Career Accelerator, offered by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, provides:

Professional development and training
A library of resources to support your licensure journey
Mentorship and peer support
Virtual supervision support, if needed
Up to $8,500 in financial incentives for eligible participants

The application is free and due May 22. It takes only 15 minutes to complete.

If you’re interested, please review this flyer and complete the application here: https://ica.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/?program=ccbhct

Want to learn more? Join us at an informational session:

CCBHC-T Workforce Career Accelerator Candidate Informational Session
Tuesday 5/19, from 12-12:45 pm CT (1-1:45 pm ET)
https://thenationalcouncil-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_USMJF_wRS2SspPeCi3F99g

To participate, you must be a full‑time employee (part-time employees will be considered on a case-by-case basis) and meet the licensure‑related requirements.

For more information, please visit the CCBHC Transformation webpage.

Listen to latest ‘Connections’ Podcasts 

Real voices. Real journeys. Discover the stories that connect us. Hear powerful conversations that bring our community together and inspire better lives for all.

Pilar Horner presented at the 2026 Annual Winter Conference on strengthening the social work workforce through evidence-based substance use training as part of the MI CARES Project, a statewide initiative focused on addiction education. Drawing from her professional experiences, Pilar emphasized the importance of collaboration, resilience, and finding solutions together when navigating challenges. Listen Here.

Gov. Whitmer Releases Top Lines of Report on Federal Medicaid Cuts, Finding Cuts Would Terminate Health Care for 700,000 Michiganders

Recently, Governor Gretchen Whitmer released toplines of an alarming report from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) on the impact of federal proposals to cut Medicaid. According to the new report, these proposed cuts would result in a loss of health care coverage for hundreds of thousands of Michiganders, reduce access to providers for all residents, increase financial burdens on hospitals and small businesses, and significantly strain the state’s budget. 

The full press release can be found here.

MDHHS issues overview of Behavioral Health Home changes in Michigan Medicaid State Plan

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has received approval from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for a state plan amendment (SPA). A key change reflected in the SPA includes revised staffing requirements for the Behavioral Health Home (BHH) program. This program provides federally required health home services to Medicaid beneficiaries with select diagnoses who are enrolled in a health home program. To align with the revised staffing requirements outlined in the SPA, MDHHS updated the underlying assumptions that drive the health home case rates effective October 1, 2025. In addition to the staffing requirement updates, the revised case rates also reflect updates to other assumptions (primarily wage levels) to better align case rate assumptions with the costs in the current environment.

This letter can be found here.

An Early Look at Policy Decisions as States Get Ready to Implement Work Requirements

The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) recently related a report on the work being done by states in response to the Medicaid cuts outlined in the federal budget bill, HR1. Below is an excerpt from that report.

The 2025 reconciliation law, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, requires states to condition Medicaid eligibility for adults in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid expansion group and in partial Medicaid expansion waiver programs at application and at least semi-annually at renewal on meeting work requirements. States must implement work requirements starting January 1, 2027 but have the option to begin enforcing the requirements earlier. A total of 43 states will be required to implement work requirements, including the 41 states and DC that have adopted the Medicaid expansion and Georgia and Wisconsin that have implemented partial expansion waivers. As of June 2025, about 20 million people were enrolled in the Medicaid expansion, representing 30% of total enrollment in expansion states. The Medicaid expansion population includes parents and adults without dependent children, many of whom have chronic conditions or disabilities but do not qualify for Medicaid on the basis of their disability or through a disability pathway.

The full article can be found here.

SAMHSA Refocus and Renew: Moving Towards Health Technical Assistance Papers

The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently issued an announcement of a change to the technical assistance provided by SAMHSA. Below is an excerpt from that announcement:

The Technical Assistance Coalition series of 10 papers calls on state leaders to refocus on serious mental illness (SMI) and serious emotional disturbances (SED) treatment and recovery— and to renew their commitment to system changes in improving whole-person health. The series focuses on providing updated information and guidance on SMI and SED and renewing efforts for systems-level changes.

More information on this TA approach can be found here.

HHS Launches MAHA Action Plan to Curb Psychiatric Overprescribing

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced efforts to curb psychiatric overprescribing at a MAHA Institute summit on mental health and overmedicalization. As the closing speaker, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. laid out a new action plan to promote appropriate psychiatric prescribing and drive deprescribing when clinically indicated.

The full press release can be found here.

The Office of National Drug Control Policy releases 2026 National Drug Control Strategy

The federal Office of Drug Control Policy recently released its 2026 National Drug Control Strategy. The National Drug Control Strategy is prepared biennially by the Office of National Drug Control Policy. This document provides a strategic roadmap for the Administration to continue dismantling the drug supply and defeating the scourge of illicit drugs in our country.

The full strategy document can be found here.

Hall sets June 1 deadline for Selfridge funding, a move that could accelerate budget negotiations

With the May Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference set for Friday, May 15, and lawmakers and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer increasingly pointing to a June 1 deadline to secure additional funding for Selfridge Air National Guard Base, House Speaker Matt Hall on Wednesday argued that the Legislature should move quickly on a supplemental spending package — a move that could also accelerate broader state budget negotiations.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Hall said talks over the supplemental continue and acknowledged he would prefer a “clean” bill focused solely on Selfridge funding. Still, he emphasized that making the money immediately available was the top priority.

“The Senate supplemental, the way it’s structured, the money would not become available for the runway construction until October of this year,” Hall said. “To meet the construction deadline of getting this done … we really needed to begin that construction in March.”

Hall said beginning construction by June could still allow the runway project to be completed before President Donald Trump leaves office, which he argued is critical to ensuring the long-term future of the Macomb County base.

“The reason for that is a new president is very likely to reopen this decision, delay it for years and years, and then move the fighter jets somewhere else,” Hall said. “The Air Force did not want this. It took President Trump and our secretary of war to override the Air Force to make this happen … it would be subject to another decision by the military, and most people think it won’t come to Michigan.”

The comments came as Hall also floated a broader proposal to move up the overall budget negotiation process to June 1 — months ahead of the traditional July 1 target — a shift he said could bring more certainty to state finances and force earlier resolution of contentious issues.

The U.S. House Appropriations Committee last month approved $162 million to improve and extend the runway at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. The funding request, made by U.S. Rep. John James, R-Shelby Township, is expected to receive a floor vote Friday.

At the state level, both the House and Senate have advanced supplemental spending plans that include $152 million for Selfridge. However, the Senate version also contains additional spending for Medicaid and other priorities, bringing the total package to roughly $1 billion.

Hall criticized the Senate-passed supplemental for bundling in unrelated spending and delaying access to the Selfridge funds, while also reiterating his broader concerns about the budget process. During Wednesday’s press conference, Hall also discussed scaling back earmark spending and revisiting housing legislation as part of ongoing negotiations over the state’s fiscal priorities.

House Says Medicaid Should Go Generic First

Medicaid may be prohibited from covering brand-name drugs or biological drug products if an equivalent generic drug or interchangeable biological drug product is available, under legislation the House passed, 63-43, this week.

HB 4839, sponsored by Rep. Sarah LIGHTNER (R-Springport), would amend the Social Welfare Act to require Medicaid coverage to default to the lower-cost generic or interchangeable biological option. The exception would apply when the prescriber writes “dispense as written,” “d.a.w.” or “to be dispensed as communicated” on the prescription, under existing Public Health Code language. 

The House Fiscal Agency (HFA) estimated the proposal could generate “moderate to significant” state Medicaid savings, ranging from $50 million to $100 million gross, or $12.5 million to $25 million in General Fund savings. HFA noted, however, that pharmaceutical costs and rebates are volatile and can lag, making an exact savings estimate difficult. 

The analysis said Michigan’s Medicaid pharmaceutical benefit totals more than $4.1 billion gross in payments, while receiving more than $2.4 billion in pharmacy rebates, leaving net Medicaid pharmaceutical costs above $1.5 billion gross. 

Supporters framed the bill as a cost-saving measure for the Medicaid program, while still leaving room for physicians to request a brand-name drug when they believe it is medically necessary.

Rep. Alabas FARHAT (D-Dearborn) was among the members who opposed the bill. 

“Families across our state are struggling with the crippling costs of health care,” Farhat said. “And right now, 25% rely on Medicaid as their primary insurance. Complicating their coverage and interfering between the patient and doctor relationship is not the place of state government. We should be looking at ways to let doctors continue practicing medicine and delivering the best outcome for their patients.”

As far as the budgetary savings, he said that “we cannot compromise on ensuring our residents get the health care they deserve.”

The legislation now heads to the Senate.

Medicaid House panel considers expanding swing beds for behavioral health patients

Under HB 5903, sponsored by Rep. Matthew Bierlein, R-Vassar, hospitals and psychiatric facilities could temporarily use swing beds to help address Michigan’s shortage of inpatient psychiatric capacity. Bierlein said the state is currently short more than 1,000 psychiatric beds to meet minimum demand and more than 3,000 beds for optimal access to care.

“This bill is a practical reform aimed at addressing Michigan’s severe shortage of inpatient psychiatric beds,” Bierlein told the committee.

Bierlein emphasized the proposal would not change the state’s certificate-of-need process or alter existing bed licensure requirements. Instead, he said it would give providers more flexibility to respond to patient demand during periods of high need.

“At a time when Michigan families are struggling to access mental health care, we should be removing barriers that prevent providers from delivering timely treatment,” he said.

House Health Policy Committee Chair Curt VanderWall, R-Ludington, voiced support for the legislation, calling it a creative approach to expanding access to care.

“We’ve worked hard in this committee on mental health,” VanderWall said. “I think this is an out-of-the-box solution that will continue to push forward opportunities to address the situation, even if it’s just for a flex period of time.”

VanderWall added that increasing treatment availability could also help keep individuals experiencing mental health crises out of the criminal justice system.

Leadership changes at ISK

Jeff Patton, the long-serving CEO of Integrated Services of Kalamazoo (ISK) has recently announced his retirement. CMHA wishes Jeff the best in the next phase of his life. Jeff’s successor has also been named. Beth Ann Meintz, currently ISK’s Administrator of Clinical Services, has been named as the new CEO of ISK. CMHA wishes Beth Ann the best in her new role.

Qualified Mental Health Provider and Use of Ai- Tennessee Example

Tennessee is one of the first states to regulate the use of Ai in the behavioral health field. As Michigan has seen its own set of bill proposals in recent years, continued awareness on the subject remains crucial.

Patients Placed in the Center of Payer Disputes – One Health Plan Example

Continued concern regarding how health plans may approach care creates uncertainty amongst those reliant on receiving treatment within the University of Michigan Health System. This serves as a reminder of why individuals express caution on how health plans effectively honor person-centered approaches to care and provider choice.

CCBHC May Newsletter

The May CCBHC Newsletter is now available! Download it here or access it directly on the CCBHC webpage under Newsletter Archives.

Completion of the CCBHC-T Clinic Vision and Practice Transformation Workshops 3-part series

Multi-disciplinary leadership/management teams from each CCBHC joined session 3 of the three-part CCBHC-T Clinic Vision and Practice Transformation series on May 6: Peer-to-Peer Learning for CCBHC Practice Transformation Planning.

This clinic-only session provided a space for leaders to discuss real-world practice transformation challenges, tradeoffs, and lessons learned. Through facilitated discussion, participants explored approaches to leading organizational change, engaging staff, and prioritizing transformation efforts.

You can view a recording of Session 3 here. If you were not previously registered for this session, you will be prompted to do so at no cost when you click on the link.

Listen to latest ‘Connections’ Podcasts 

Real voices. Real journeys. Discover the stories that connect us. Hear powerful conversations that bring our community together and inspire better lives for all.

Arun Sahu presented at the 2026 Annual Winter Conference alongside colleagues in a session on deploying an evidence-based AI risk model in CMH. Here he shares his path into health care and how he’s using AI to help reduce recidivism by identifying early signs of potential physical and mental health crises. Listen Here.

Introducing the Michigan Assistive Technology (AT) Help Hub 

The Michigan Developmental Disability  Council (MDDC) recently launched its Michigan Assistive Technology (AT) Help Hub. This online hub brings together resources that make it easy for individuals, families, and professionals to explore available AT and AT services.

Over the past 30 days, the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council (MiDDC) partnered with organizations across the state to raise awareness of assistive technology during the 30 Days, 30 AT Ways campaign.

30 Days, 30 AT Ways highlighted how assistive technology helps people live, learn, work, and participate more independently. The campaign featured daily tips, tools, and resources focused on how AT tools enhance independence, accessibility, and quality of life.

The Michigan AT Help Hub online hub brings together resources from the 30 Days, 30 AT Ways campaign in one place, making it easy for individuals, families, and professionals to explore available resources. Real tools. Real support. Real independence.

The 30 Days, 30 AT Ways campaign and Michigan AT Help Hub were made possible through a collaborative effort among MiDDC and partners, including Disability Rights Michigan (DRM), the Michigan Assistive Technology Program (MATP), the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute (MI-DDI), Michigan Elder Justice Initiative (MEJI), and the Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund (MATLF).

Together, our organizations worked to highlight practical, real-world solutions and connect communities with valuable resources that help people on their path toward greater independence.

Explore the Michigan Assistive Technology (AT) Help Hub here.

Upcoming webinar series: Aging with a Developmental Disability 

Aging with a Developmental Disability Webinar Series, presented by the Michigan Bridging Aging and Disability Networks Community of Practice.

In celebration of Older Americans Month, join us to learn important information for those aging with developmental disabilities, their family members, service providers, and supporters.

Each Thursday in May | 10:30 AM – 12 PM

May 7: Aging Services Overview
May 14: Getting the Right Supports for You
May 21: Supports for Caregivers
May 28: Assistive Technology for Aging in Place

Register for any or all of the sessions by clicking here.

Bipartisan CCBHC Legislation Introduced in US House

The bipartisan Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives August Pfluger (R-TX-11), Doris Matsui (D-CA-7), Mark Alford (R-MO-4), Angie Craig (D-MN-2), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), and Craig Goldman (R-TX-12).

This legislation marks a significant milestone in the effort to expand access to life-saving care at Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) across the country. We are deeply grateful to the sponsors for their commitment to this bipartisan effort.

The House introduction of the Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act follows the Senate introduction and reflects a broader national commitment to ensuring every community has access to high-quality mental health and substance use care — and that the CCBHC model remains strong for years to come.

Key provisions include:

– Establishing a sustainable Medicaid payment option through the CCBHC prospective payment system (PPS). This will help states broaden evidence-based services, build workforce capacity and ensure more predictable funding. The PPS will reimburse clinics based on actual costs while preserving flexibility for states.

– Strengthening integrated care by giving CCBHCs the ability to offer additional services, including primary care.

– Establishing CCBHCs as a recognized Medicare provider type using a PPS, enhancing access for older adults and helping clinics expand their service offerings.

Read the one-pager for additional details and let your representatives know you support this important legislation.

Trump Administration to Revive Axed 988 Line for LGBTQ+ Youth in Crisis

Advocates for the LGBTQ+ community claimed a win this week after the Trump administration pledged to reinstate the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline specialized support program tailored to their needs. The full article can be found here.

Supreme Court Launches Collaborative Behavioral Health Workshops

The Michigan Supreme Court (MSC), with support from the National Center for State Courts, will present three local workshops across Michigan in May and June.

The workshops are on using the Sequential Intercept Mapping (SIM) process, which focuses on helping individuals with behavioral health needs who are involved in (or at risk of entering) the criminal justice system.

The SIM workshops, which will be hosted by local judges, will bring together stakeholders who intersect in criminal justice and behavioral health to collaborate on how best to divert such individuals into treatment; identify resources, gaps, and challenges; and create an action plan to move forward. 

Workshops will be held May 13-14 in Mackinac County and hosted by Chief Judge Beth A. GIBSON of the 92nd Circuit Court; June 102 in Kent County, hosted by Chief Judge Deborah L. McNABB of the 17th Circuit; and June 16-17 in Macomb County, hosted by Judge Julie GATTI of the 16th Circuit Court.

Deadline Approaching: Apply for the MIOTA Loan Repayment Program Applications by April 30

Funding is available for medical providers and behavioral health professionals who are currently providing opioid use disorder treatment or are willing to begin providing it.

To apply you must:

– Be a medical (MD, DO, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant) or behavioral health (SUD counselor, Case Manager) professional
– Commit to increase current opioid use disorder treatment caseload
– Be able to complete a two-year service obligation

For more information, visit the MIOTA Loan Repayment Program website or contact MDHHS-MIOTA-LRP@michigan.gov

CCBHC Anticipated Cost Report Template Office Hours – Recording Available

On April 23, The CCBHC-T program hosted a technical assistance office hours session facilitated by Scott Banken, CPA, MBA, CCRS of FTI Consulting and Erni Kozlowski of CohnReznick Advisory LLC.

The session was designed to support Michigan CCBHCs in navigating the anticipated cost report template and addressed:

Identifying allowable and justifiable anticipated costs
Strategies for addressing common completion challenges
Participant questions and discussion

The recording is available here:

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/q9jVJ3TTpPzKSdPBp_nXsLE25ftMzB3ga9-mQMXxwCNRhiCOkqufGX1HUqBoALET.y60k3odFWMQeQlNm?startTime=1776963635000

Passcode: 1PBBKq^r

*Important Disclaimer: This session was not affiliated with or hosted by MDHHS or Milliman and did not provide official guidance, rulings, or determinations. It was intended solely as a peer-oriented technical support resource to assist clinics in developing their completion strategy.

Quick Survey to Inform Future Cost-Reporting & PPS 1 Technical Assistance

The CCBHC-T Program is collecting input from CCBHC finance staff to help shape our ongoing technical assistance programming in the weeks ahead related to cost reporting and PPS‑1 rate methodology. We ask that one member of finance teams — specifically an individual involved in cost reporting — complete a brief survey sharing their questions and areas of interest.

This input will not affect the current cost-reporting process but will directly inform future TA support following this submission period.

Complete the survey: https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/mej6TW

CCBHC-T Workforce Career Accelerator Opportunity – Sign Up by April 30!

Behavioral health organizations in Michigan are invited to sign up to be an employment site by April 30 with the CCBHC‑T Workforce Career Accelerator, a program designed to strengthen the clinical workforce and support staff pursuing licensure. Participating organizations receive free training and technical assistance.

Staff pursuing licensure in social work, counseling, marriage and family therapy, substance use counseling, or clinical psychology are encouraged to apply to receive virtual supervision support, and access to financial incentives for eligible clinicians‑in‑training. Details are available in the attached flyer and at the CCBHC-T webpage.

Questions? Please email CCBHCTworkforce@thenationalcouncil.org

SED Waiver listening sessions announced

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is proposing updates to the Waiver for Children with Serious Emotional Disturbance (SEDW). These changes would apply only to children, youth, and young adults currently enrolled in the SEDW.

These updates are important because they may affect how services are delivered, accessed, and experienced by families participating in the SEDW.

The SEDW website, including the draft amendment, has been updated and can be found here.

As part of this waiver development process, MDHHS will host two virtual public hearing sessions to share more information about the proposed updates, including what may change and the anticipated timeline, see dates and times below:

Tuesday, April 28, 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 30 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

These sessions are an opportunity for families, youth, and stakeholders to:

Learn about the proposed SEDW updates.
Ask questions about what the changes may mean.
Provide input specific to the SEDW program and proposed amendment.

To help keep the session focused and make the best use of available time, we encourage feedback that is specific to the SEDW and the proposed changes being presented.

Information shared at both sessions will be the same. Registration to receive a link to a session can be submitted through the following link: SEDW Amendment Public Hearing Registration

MI Care Career platform: Connecting Direct Care Across Michigan

IMPART Alliance is supporting the upcoming launch of MI Care Career, a statewide platform designed to strengthen Michigan’s direct care workforce.

MI Care Career is a free, easy-to-use platform that connects and matches direct care workers and employers across Michigan. Matches will be based on needs and preferences, and will only work when enough people have created profiles.

Creating profiles at this time will help populate the system so that, as outreach and marketing expand in the coming months, the platform will be ready to generate matches and provide real value across the state. We are inviting our network to take action now by creating profiles. Help us build a strong foundation for MI Care Career’s launch!

When you create a profile, you can:

Explore job opportunities near you
Get matched with employers based on your availability and preferences
Connect directly with employers who value your experience and skills

For Employers and People Seeking Direct Care Workers

When you create a profile, you can:

Post job openings easily, and at no cost
Find workers matched to schedules, support needs, experience, and other preferences
Communicate directly with direct care workers through a secure platform

Early participation helps build a strong, responsive network that supports access to care and workforce stability. We invite you to take this step now and be part of shaping what comes next.

Create your free profile today!

For assistance, please email MDHHS-MICare-Career-Support@michigan.gov.

Children’s Home and Community-Based Services Waiver (CWP) bulletin with revisions to MichiCANS and DSM issued

The recently issued Medicaid Bulletin MMP 26-13 outlines the changes made to the MichiCANS and its Decision Support Model (DSM) – tools central to the Children’s Home and Community-Based Services Waiver (CWP). That bulletin can be found here: Final Bulletin MMP 26-13-Correction

Michigan House Advances Early Budget After Marathon Session

Michigan House Republicans approved their Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal after an extended session, marking one of the earliest budget passages in recent years. Touted by GOP leaders as a more disciplined and realistic approach, the $75.8 billion plan is built on a review of actual spending over the past three years rather than projected increases—an approach they say revealed inefficiencies, including more than 3,300 vacant state positions they argue unnecessarily inflated costs.

The budget emphasizes fiscal restraint while maintaining targeted investments. It includes a $250 per-pupil increase in school funding, expanded free school meals, additional road funding, and increased revenue sharing for local governments. Lawmakers also allocated roughly $150 million in earmarked projects for infrastructure and public safety and redirected $300 million from a discontinued economic development fund into the state’s rainy day reserve.

Republicans described the plan as a strong starting point for negotiations, highlighting reductions in overall and general fund spending and what they call a focus on “real dollars.” However, the path to passage exposed some internal divisions within the GOP, requiring leadership to secure enough votes after lengthy deliberations.

Democrats unanimously opposed the proposal, criticizing it as partisan and disconnected from the state’s most pressing needs. They raised concerns about deep cuts to higher education—particularly reductions exceeding 60% for the University of Michigan and Michigan State University—as well as potential Medicaid changes tied to stricter eligibility rules. Additional criticism focused on shifts in K-12 funding priorities, the elimination or redirection of arts and school aid funding, and broader concerns about affordability challenges facing Michigan families.

The proposal now heads to the Senate, where negotiations are expected to intensify. With divided government, both parties acknowledge that the current plan is unlikely to remain intact and will require significant revisions before a final budget agreement is reached.

House Oversight Report Released on Inpatient Access

Last week, State Rep. Matthew Bierlein touted House Oversight subcommittee’s approval of a new report outlining significant concerns regarding inpatient psychiatric access to care and recommendations for solutions.

“One in five adults across the United States experiences a mental illness every year and over 1.4 million Michiganders report a mental health condition of some kind. This is something that impacts our families and people throughout our communities,” said Bierlein, of Vassar, who chairs the Oversight Subcommittee on Public Health and Food Security. “The Michigan Constitution deems public health of primary public concern. From there, it’s about how we carry out administering care and delivering an effective system. The state of behavioral health care in Michigan is far past a crisis point. Our investigation and report illuminate ways where the state has fallen short and left providers in a tough spot. Our priority should be delivering better health outcomes for people in need and some of our most vulnerable citizens.”

Last May, the Oversight Subcommittee on Public Health and Food Security launched an investigation into the underperforming behavioral health inpatient system in Michigan. Practicing physicians, behavioral health therapists, judges, county jail administrators, hospital executives, local community mental health leaders and others testified in hearings over two months to provide analysis of where the state is falling short and what can be done to get more people critical care they need.

The report that was finalized and submitted in a vote by the subcommittee looks back to when the state shut down a dozen state psychiatric facilities in 1997 without a sufficient mechanism in place to accommodate people in need. In the years since that move, a lack of flexibility at the state level, as well as staffing and crisis personnel shortages have reached a tipping point and were common themes throughout subcommittee testimony underscoring problems.

Michigan’s system currently ranks 47^th in psychiatric bed space availability, averaging 19 psychiatric beds per 100,000 residents while the national average and recommendation is for 30 beds per that amount. The report found that a shortage of beds also does not necessarily mean a bed isn’t physically there, but that a lack of adequate staffing can have the same effect. Without reforms to prioritize staffing and retention, emergency room doctors or correctional officers in jails and prisons have to serve as pseudo psychiatrists, which creates safety issues.

The report also found that rigid bureaucratic requirements and a lack of administrative support make actions like increasing the number of beds in a facility, relocating beds from one site to another, or acquiring and operating a new facility to expand care difficult, which can cause delays and lapses in care capability. Experts who provided testimony also noted the needs of northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. In one instance highlighted in the report, an individual had to drive 100 miles at a time to reach a psychiatric facility.

The report makes multiple recommendations, like freeing providers from restrictive policies and allowing experts to treat aggressive or severe behavioral health cases as needed, increasing state funding for staff training to help grow the number of behavioral health professionals in Michigan, creating a dedicated Northern Michigan Behavioral Health Campus to assist an underserved population, and more.

“Our system is overwhelmed and in need of attention,” Bierlein said. “Our jails and courtrooms are now misusing limited resources on mental health patients who need psychiatric treatment, not incarceration. Our streets overflow when these patients fall through the cracks and don’t get care, and we have seen the reasons for that through this report. The time is now to act. Let the experts go to work, support them along the way, and cut the administrative burdens.”

Link to report: Rep. Bierlein: State must make mental health care a priority – MI House Republicans

Registration Ends Monday! Self Determination Conference

This conference contains content appropriate for all individuals who receive services, family members, case managers, supports coordinators, clinicians, CMH/PIHP administrative and clinical staff, providers, HCBS and waiver coordinators, fiscal intermediaries, and independent facilitators. Persons with lived experience and their family members are complimentary. Registration Deadline: April 27, 2026

May 4-5, 2026   |   Great Wolf Lodge, Traverse City   |   For more information and to register click here

Registration Open! CMHA 2026 Annual Summer Conference

This conference attracts 500 attendees; bringing together board members, CEOs, COOs, CFOs, medical directors, clinical directors, case workers, supports coordinators, and children’s supervisors from Michigan CMHSPs and Provider Agencies. We also have strong attendance from others within the public mental health and substance use disorder systems. Early Bird Registration Deadline: May 18, 2026.

June 8-10, 2026   |   Grand Traverse Resort, Traverse City   |   For more information and to register click here

Navigating Uncertainty: The Importance of Telling the Story of Your Work

You know you’re doing great work, but how do others know about the great work you’re doing? Being able to tell the story of your work effectively and efficiently is critical for messaging and sustainability. Having a strategy and effective story can also be an invaluable tool in advocating for resource allocation and informing funding decisions by both internal and external interested parties. To learn more and register visit the event page.

Clinical Supervision Learning Community

Dates: June 2–December 15, 2026. Full schedule is on the event page (link below).

Apply by: Accepting applications through May 15, 2026. Acceptance letters will be sent by May 22, 2026.

CMEs: 18 continuing medical education (CME) credits available (see event page for details).

Trainer: Mimi Choy-Brown, PhD, MSW

The Clinical Supervision Learning Community is a 7-month, expert-led program designed for clinical supervisors working in fast-paced, resource-limited community mental health settings. This unique opportunity combines interactive training, individualized coaching, and peer learning to help supervisors implement evidence-based practices (EBPs) while fostering workforce resilience and retention. Read the full series description, participant requirements, and apply on the event page.