September 5, 2023

September Legislative Update

From Kevin A. McKinney,

Lobbyist for the Michigan Osteopathic Association

The Legislature returned from its traditional summer recess on Sept. 5^th with enthusiasm to continue to work thru major priorities shared by the Governor in her recent presentation and priorities being set by both majority caucuses. The fall session will be busy tackling several significant and complex policy issues along with several bills that have been pending in the standing committees awaiting an opportunity to be considered.

Parental leave, energy reform, climate change policies, financial disclosure and transparency for Legislators and executive office along with ethic and campaign finance reform might be addressed. All of these are complex and complicated to get passed especially with the slim democratic majorities in both chambers and the fact that two current House Dem members are running for local office in the November General Election. If both should win, the House majority split ends up at 54/54 until a special election can be held which would likely be in 120 days after the vacancies in the House seats are created.

Issues that we know are likely to see some activity and that MOA is currently following and working on are the following:

Auto No-Fault Reform–Bills are expected to be introduced in the Senate in September that would establish a reasonable fee schedule for providers and family provided attendant care members. CPAN is a founding member of CPAN which taking the lead on the reforms. The goal is to have the bills thru the legislature before the November recess.

Insurance—Bills to move Michigan from a state-federal partnership in the health insurance exchange to a state-based health exchanged is being promoted by Senator Kevin Hertel (Chair of the Senate Health Policy Committee). The bills are expected to be introduced later this fall and will require significant consensus that this is the most prudent policy and will save the state significant costs over Michigan’s current Healthy Michigan.

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act—Both Chambers are expected to move on two packages of bills that were passed in their respective chambers in early summer that would codify provisions of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This remains a top priority for the Administration and legislative leadership and likely will be moving in early fall.

Mandatory Nurse Staffing Ratios— House Bill 4552, which is pending in the House Health Policy Committee will likely see an initial hearing sometime this fall. Informal discussions continue between stakeholders from both sides of the issue and it likely will remain contentious as it has in previous sessions. The MOA is currently monitoring the issue.

Child Restraint Safety Seat bills (House Bills 4511 and 4512) will be getting its first hearing in the House Transportation, Mobility & Infrastructure Committee on Sept. 13^th. MOA supports these measures to have Michigan comport with Federal standards and regulations and manufacturers guidelines.

Health Plans—Prohibit the use of accumulator adjustment programs by health plans (House Bill 4719) which is currently pending in the House Insurance & Financial Services Committee. MOA is an active member of a large coalition of providers and patient groups supporting these measures to ensure access to medications for patients with chronic diseases.

MOA Political Action Committee page

Individual Open Enrollment Period Starts Soon

The annual Open Enrollment Period (OEP) for 2024 individual Marketplace (or “Exchange”) health plans starts November 1, 2023, and ends January 15, 2024. Plans offered during the OEP are effective as early as January 1, 2024.

The annual OEP is the only time you can enroll, switch plans, or renew your current plan for individual or family coverage, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) during the year. A SEP allows you to enroll or change enrollment information outside the OEP when you incur a “Qualifying Life Event” defined by the IRS.

Specifically, Qualifying Life Events include changes in family status (adding dependents, marriage, divorce, death, dependents reaching age 26, etc.), losing your current coverage (for reasons other than delinquent premiums), losing COBRA coverage, changes in eligibility for Medicaid, Medicare or Childrens Health Insurance Plan (CHIP), or experiencing other specified hardships. (See the full list of Qualifying Life Events at HealthCare.gov and/ or see the full list of hardships at HealthCare.Gov).

You may obtain individual Marketplace coverage at Healthcare.gov or through our health insurance advisor, Salus Group, by contacting Darlene Foertsch, Account Manager at dfoertsch@thesalusgroup.com or (586) 554-7429.

NOTE: Only plans sold on the health insurance marketplace qualify for cost assistance.

Key Takeaways About Open Enrollment 2024:

Wednesday, November 1, 2023: Open Enrollment begins.
Monday, January 15, 2024: Open Enrollment ends (extensions may be granted).
Monday, January 1, 2024: The earliest a plan purchased during open enrollment can start.
Open Enrollment is the only time you can shop for health plans in the individual and family market without qualifying for Special Enrollment.
You must do it during Open Enrollment if you want to enroll, re-enroll, or change plans for 2024.
Comprehensive health coverage that offers the benefits and protections of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) can only be sold during the OEP or SEPs.
Only plans sold on the health insurance Marketplace Exchange qualify for cost assistance; however, a private broker such as Salus Group can help you choose an off-Exchange plan.

What about Group Health Plans?

Salus Group offers group health insurance plans as well. We can help you attract and retain the most talented professionals by offering a cost-effective, comprehensive employee benefits package. For a group quote, please contact Stacy Harris, Vice President of Special Markets at sharris@thesalusgoup.com or (586) 554-7672, or Kris Morrison, Account Manager at kmorrison@thesalusgroup.com or (248) 359-6481.

October 27-29, 2023

23.25 AOA Category 1-A & 23.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)^TM anticipated.

Amway Grand Plaza, Grand Rapids, MI

Rate $172 if booked by September 26, 2023

Reservations: Amway Grand Plaza or 800-253-3590

Reminder:

80% of your dues payment to the MOA is tax deductible

Invest in your profession and renew your membership today!

Any questions? Call 517/347-1555 ext. 100

Renewal link

CME Update from the MOA

Michigan LARA Requirements for Osteopathic Physicians

CME Requirements for MI LARA License Renewal: 3 Year Cycle

150 hours of continuing education in which a minimum of 60 continuing education credits must be obtained through MI LARA category 1 programs and a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education must be AOA approved.

DEA 8 Hour Training (one-time requirement) 8-hour training & FAQ's or www.dea.gov

Medical Ethics - A minimum of 1 hour of continuing education earned in the area of Medical Ethics is required for all renewal cycles that began on or after 04/26/2021.

Implicit Bias Training - For initial renewals completed after June 1, 2021, completion of one hour of implicit bias training is required for each year of licensure since June 1, 2021. If renewing prior to June 1, 2022 implicit bias training is not required for that renewal. Once the initial renewal is completed, then 1 hour of implicit bias training will be required for each year of the current license cycle going forward. Please note, this is not a one-time training and must be completed for each renewal cycle prior to the renewal being completed. (R 338.7004 updated 3/23). Link to: FAQ'S

Human Trafficking - One time training, no CME required. Beginning with the 2017 renewal cycle and for initial licensure beginning December 20, 2021. Link to: FAQ's

MOA CME Information webpage

2023 Spring Sessions are available on-demand

30 AOA Category 1-A Credits 30 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ offered

MOA members receive more than 50% off the non-member price.

MOA Survey and Feedback

Survey on if providers and patients speak different languages

The MOA is addressing the challenges for accurate communication when providers and patients speak different languages. The data gathered through this survey will assist the MOA in assessing need, and providing possible services for doctors to use in communicating with patients.

As we all know, language concordance between patient and provider is the most effective strategy to improve communication and health outcomes for limited English proficiency. The MOA believes that health plans should consider providing incentives for primary care physicians to improve services in their practice that target patients who have low health literacy or limited English proficiency. By partaking in this survey, it will help the MOA to demonstrate the need for these incentives.

Please take a moment for a quick survey. Your time and feedback is greatly appreciated.

Provider and Patient Language Survey

All Cancer Symposium

Join the Karmanos Cancer Institute and McLaren Health Care for the 13th Annual All Cancer Symposium September 9th

Coming to you live from Detroit, Flint and Lansing, this year’s free symposium, presented by Karmanos Cancer Institute and McLaren Health Care, gives you an opportunity to learn more about the cancer patient’s journey from our experts. You can attend virtually or in person at the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Greater Lansing, located at 3520 Forest Road in Lansing

More information

Registration link

All MOA on-demand CME programs are available 24/7/365 at www.cmelearningcenter.com

MOA Learning Center delivers over 200 hours of on demand CME courses, all qualifying for AOA Category 1-A and AMA PRA Category 1-A Credit(s)^TMto help you meet state licensing requirements.

CME Information

MI LARA osteopathic physician licensing requirements and CME resources at www.domoa.org/cmeinfo

CME questions, contact Melissa Budd: mbudd@domoa.org

Back-To-School “To-Do’s” from the IVaccinate coalition

Click here!

The Michigan Health and Hospital Association Monday Report for August 28 , 2023

Highlights:

MDHHS Announces Medicaid Health Plan Rebid Requirements

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced new information Aug. 22 related to the rebidding of contracts for health plans that provide services to 2.2 million Michiganders receiving coverage through Medicaid and …

…(link)

New Physician Recruiting Incentives Report

AMN Healthcare’s Physician Solution division (formerly known as Merritt Hawkins) has released its Review of Physician and Advanced Practitioner Recruiting Incentives annually for the last 30 years. Cited every year by Modern Healthcare and many …

…(link)

Link to Monday Report August 28, 2023

September 2023

This newsletter includes short summaries, reminders and updates for Blue Cross and BCN providers. Please visit The Record or BCN Provider News for complete newsletter editions.

Full issue of September 2023 BCBSM - The Record

CPAN Marks 20 Years Protecting Michigan Survivors

Since its inception, CPAN (protectnofault.org) has fought passionately to resist insurance industry efforts to reduce medical and wage loss benefits, and to maintain access to medical care for all injured crash victims. In addition, CPAN has dedicated itself to consistently educating patients and their families regarding the rights and benefits they are entitled to receive under Michigan law—assistance that is very important given the complexity of the no-fault statute.

In providing this advocacy, CPAN has published numerous booklets and literature explaining the no-fault law in order to enhance awareness of its many benefits. In addition to its publications, CPAN has sponsored advocacy workshops for patients and their families as well as for providers who need assistance navigating the system.

CPAN has also hosted dozens of town halls throughout the state to promote informed public discussion about the auto no-fault law and attempts to change it. Moreover, CPAN has encouraged and assisted patients and providers to express their views regarding this important law through interactions with legislators and at public gatherings.

Strategic Partner Career Opportunity Spotlight:

Mackinac Strait Health System

Mackinac Strait Health System is one of the area’s largest employers, with over 330 team members serving their patients and residents throughout the MSHS organization. Besides offering competitive wages, they also offer an excellent benefits package for full and part time team members, which includes affordable Blue Cross/ Blue Shield Health, Dental and Vision plans, prescription drug plans, generous paid time off, and a defined pension program for your retirement.

CURRENTLY HIRING FOR...

Oncologist

Due to an upcoming retirement, Mackinac Straits Health System is seeking an Oncologist to join our medical staff. The Oncology/ Infusion Clinic, located inside Mackinac Straits Hospital (St. Ignace), currently joins our other areas of care which include Primary Care, Internal Medicine, Cardiology, and several specialists. All of our providers work four days a week in an outpatient practice. There are currently no on-call responsibilities for this position.

Family Practice Physician

Mackinac Straits Health System is seeking a Family Practice Physician to join our medical staff. The St. Ignace Medical Clinic, located inside Mackinac Straits Hospital currently consists of Primary Care, Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Oncology, and several specialists. All of our providers work four days a week in an outpatient practice. There are currently no on-call responsibilities for this position.

Link to career opportunities at MSHS

For other career opportunities, visit the MOA Career Point