Michigan Health Link option is the right option

There is good news for individuals who have both Medicare and full Medicaid insurance. The MI Health Link care option continues to be available for anyone living in Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, Macomb, St. Joseph, Van Buren, Wayne or any county in the Upper Peninsula. A person must be 21 years of age or older, have both Medicare and Medicaid (full Medicaid with no deductible) and not be enrolled in hospice. Judy Hazle of the Michigan Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program commented "this is an option that could save individuals money because there are no co-payments or deductibles for medical or behavioral health services including prescriptions." The option provides some dental services, hearing, vision services, in-home services, and transportation to and from appointments. Individuals pick the participating health plan they would like under the MI Health Link care option. The coverage is very broad from equipment to help with daily living to nursing home care. One plan, one card. Your choice!

In addition to the benefit of "one" card for the wallet to carry around, each individual is assigned a Care Coordinator to assist them in managing their care seeing that needs are met. The Care Coordinator works with the beneficiary to develop a personal care plan, help arrange for transportation to and from appointments if needed, and helps to connect individuals to supports and services. All this to support a person's health.

What is important to know about MI Health Link? Those choosing the MI Health Link plan will want to ask their doctor/specialist if he/she participate in MI Health Link. If they do not, individuals being auto enrolled will have 90 covered days with their current doctor/specialist while looking for a new provider, or ask their current doctor/specialist if they would participate in MI Health Link.

The process for letters to be mailed out by the State of Michigan began on March 23rd. Letters were sent to those individuals who are eligible for MI Health Link this year. Judy Hazle stated "if an individual who is eligible with both Medicare and full Medicaid receives a letter stating they are going to be automatically enrolled into MI Health Link they can call the Michigan Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) and ask what options are available to them. MMAP will help individuals understand better the MI Health Link option before they make any decision. "New choices can be a scary thing when a person has been on the same insurance plan for a while" states Ms. Hazle.

Those receiving enrollment letters into MI Health Link will be given a 60 day notice of the auto enrollment into MI Health Link. If the individual decides not to stay in MI Health Link and would like to dis-enroll, they should call Michigan ENROLLS at 1-800-975-7630 soon after the 60 day letter is received so that the individuals Part D plan is reinstated and their insurance is not interrupted.

There are many enhanced benefits to this new health care option one might want to consider. Providers are encouraged to participate so they can continue to serve those who choose to be enrolled in the MI Health Link care option.

If you are a person enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid (full with no deductible), you Eire the caregiver of someone who has both, or a potential provider, feel free to contact the Michigan Medicare Medicaid Office (MMAP) and get your questions answered about MI Health Link, Medicare, and Medicaid. MMAP has unbiased counselors located across Michigan and the assistance is free. Call MMAP at 1-800-803-7174.