COVID-19 PHE is ending May 11. What Happens Next?
The Biden Administration has indicated its intent to end the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency on May 11, 2023. The ending of the COVID-19 PHE will impact:
- COVID vaccines, testing and treatments
- Safety (Infection control, CDC guidance, PPE and workplace safety)
- Finance/billing/payment policy (telehealth, too)
- HRSA Program flexibilities and COVID-19 activities
- Impacts to special populations/health equity/social determinants (housing, food benefits, etc.)
- Medicaid Redetermination (although not PHE-tied, still timely and might make sense to review comprehensively)
Note that Medicaid Redetermination and many Telehealth policies were separated from the PHE end date through the Consolidated Appropriations Act (Federal Omnibus 23 Spending Bill). The Medicaid Redetermination process in Michigan will begin April 1. You can find a FAQ and the eligibility renewal timeline for redetermination and the PHE End at the MDHHS website.
HHS has published a roadmap to the transition out of the COVID-19 PHE, as many policies, programs and flexibilities will shift in the coming months.
MPCA will be adding content to our monthly update calls to keep health centers apprised of these changes. In addition, MPCA will be launching a page on its website to house critical need-to-know information and fact sheets for health centers. The webpage will provide downloadable fact sheets, and links to critical information and guidance resources covering a range of topics, including telehealth policies, workplace safety/compliance and Medicaid Redetermination. MPCA will be continuously updating this site throughout the PHE unwinding to ensure health centers have the most current and up-to-date information to navigate the unwinding of the PHE. The COVID PHE End page can be found at mpca.net, under Resources.
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Public Health Emergency for the Opioid Crisis
On January 1, 2023, the federal government renewed the determination that an opioid public health emergency exists nationwide.
SAMHSA Notice of Funding Opportunities: Medication-Assisted Treatment – Prescription Drug and Opioid Addiction
Health centers may be interested in a funding opportunity to provide resources to help expand and enhance access to medications for OUD. It is expected that this program will help to 1) increase access to the medications for individuals with OUD, including individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender minority communities; and 2) decrease illicit opioid use and prescription opioid misuse. See the NOFO webpage to apply by Tuesday, March 7.
Removal of DATA Waiver (X-Waiver) Requirement
SAMHSA will no longer require nor accept applications for the DATA 2000 Waiver previously needed to prescribe the drug most frequently used for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). Read updates on their webpage.
The law takes effect June 21. Here is the latest from Michigan Health and Hospital Association:
Current laws and regulations in Michigan have not changed because of the changes to federal X-Waiver requirements, but the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) is in the process of revising substance use disorder (SUD) rules that would no longer require a SUD program license for buprenorphine providers. The Michigan public health code currently states:
A substance use disorder services program license is required if a prescriber is providing buprenorphine treatment to more than 100 individuals OR is providing methadone treatment. No license is needed if a prescriber is administering buprenorphine treatment to less than 100 individuals at a time.
https://www.mha.org/newsroom/dea-change-in-x-waiver-requirement/
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MDHHS Provides Hotline Number for Migrant Workers
 MDHHS has announced a hotline for Michigan migrant workers and their families to receive information about the COVID-19 vaccine and other health-related matters. This hotline will connect migrant workers and family members to vaccine clinics near them, the number for individuals to call is 1-833-SIAYUDA (1-833-742-9832).
In response to this, please ensure your vaccines.gov page is up to date with health centers location(s), hours, phone number and vaccines available. Here is the vaccines.gov support page for help in updating your health center's site and information.
If you need assistance with your vaccines.gov page or have any vaccine related questions please reach out to Marji Nichols, MPCA Immunization Program Manager.
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MPCA Offers Member Savings with Voyce
 MPCA has been partnering with Voyce for nearly a year. In that time, Michigan health centers ranging from the largest ones to some of the smallest have seen the capabilities of Voyce and have decided to use them for their medical interpretation services. We are happy to provide specific references upon request.
Voyce is a technology company that provides Video Remote Interpretation (VRI) through medically-trained interpreters. Voyce offers a simple, seamlessly integrated and accessible video and audio platform delivering live professional interpretation, often in less than 20 seconds - anywhere, anytime on almost any device. With one tap, users can select from more than 240 languages, dialects and sign, connecting to a certified interpreter within seconds.
Voyce’s goal is to give patients the highest quality of care for the lowest possible cost by making communication as simple as possible. MPCA members receive discounted pricing and are simply billed for the time their staff are engaging with an interpreter; there are no additional fees.
MPCA encourages you to consider adding Voyce to the services you make available to your providers and patients. To get started or to have a one-on-one consultation, please reach out to Andrew Royce, Founder and CEO, at 954-860-9159.
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AmeriCorps Week Coming in March
Members of the MPCA AmeriCorps (HealthCorps) program will be participating in AmeriCorps Week from Sunday through Saturday, March 12 to March 18.
Our members include Imani Williams, Davina Williams, Sylvia Winborn, Phil Huang, Akanksha Kapur, Michelle McQueen, Shakia Gaines, LaToya Dirrell and Pratiksha Boinapally.
 AmeriCorps Week is an opportunity to recognize the dedication and commitment of the more than 1.2 million Americans who have chosen to serve their country through AmeriCorps and millions more who have served in AmeriCorps Seniors and their community partners, and to encourage more Americans to follow their footsteps in service.
Michigan's AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers will be taking to the streets of their local communities performing random acts of kindness.
MPCA's program under the direction of AmeriCorps HealthCorps Program Director/MPCA Program Manager Karen Goucher is part of Michigan's network of more than 8,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers of diverse ages and backgrounds who help to meet local needs at more than 1,500 locations in the state by responding to COVID-19, tutoring or mentoring children and youth, supporting veterans and military families, combatting the opioid epidemic, restoring the environment, and responding to disasters. Specifically, MPCA members focus on connecting low income and medically underserved populations to primary health care through patient engagement activities.
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MPCA, MDHHS & MHA Team Up for
Medicaid Redetermination Webinar
 Michigan Primary Care Association and Michigan Hospital Association, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, are pleased to present "Medicaid Redetermination: Information for Health Center and Hospital Stakeholders" on Monday, March 20, from 10-11 a.m.
Register Here
This informational virtual session will provide health centers and Michigan hospitals critical information on the Michigan Medicaid Redetermination Process, the role that Medicaid provider organizations can plan in supporting retention of coverage for eligible individuals, and successful transition of those deem ineligible to affordable alternative coverage.
Agenda:
- Welcome from MPCA and MHA: Brief overview of webinar objectives
- Presentation from MDHHS on timeline, process, challenges and how providers can help (Nicole Hudson)
- Stakeholder Strategies: How hospitals and Health Centers are taking action to support Medicaid Redetermination effort and access to health coverage
- Q&A session
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Student Loan Repayment Program Provides Incentive for Medical Providers to Offer Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
As part of its multifaceted plan to address the opioid epidemic, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is offering student loan repayment to eligible medical providers if they begin providing or expand opioid addiction treatment programs through the Michigan Opioid Treatment Access Loan Repayment Program.
The goal of the repayment program is to increase availability of opioid use disorder treatment across the state, especially in areas where treatment is difficult to access. The program is being funded through the Michigan Opioid Healing and Recovery Fund, which is receiving payments from the nationwide settlement with the three largest pharmaceutical distributors, as well as opioid manufacturer, Johnson and Johnson.
Applications must be submitted by March 13. Applications and other resources can be found at Michigan.gov/miota. Health care providers are encouraged to review the materials and submit applications when the cycle begins.
READ FULL STORY
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Save the Date: Emergency Preparedness Training Event
The 2023 MPCA Emergency Preparedness annual training event will be hosted virtually on March 29-30 from 9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
 The focus will be continuity of operations, strengthening health center readiness to sustain operations and core functions in the face of a wide range of emergencies. Practical aspects of designing, preparing and updating your COOP plan to meet current and emerging emergencies and threats will also be examined. We'll also have a review of compliance standards and requirements to meet CMS Emergency Preparedness Final Rule.
Who should attend? Designated emergency preparedness staff of health centers or other health center staff responsible for managing emergency response, compliance and operations.
Registration link to come later.
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CHC Stakeholder Invitation to Participate in a Short Survey for a Research Diversity Grant
Neighborhood Healthcare, a community health center based in San Diego, Calif., seeks to increase the diversity of clinical research populations and improve access for people of color to clinical studies by engaging CHCs in clinical research. CHCs from across the nation are invited to participate in a short online survey as part of this important project.
Surveys will be sent out in April 2023 and compensation will be provided ($2,500 per CHC to help organize surveys and $50 gift certificates per participant). At the grant's end, a white paper and toolkit will be developed and made available to your organization and any interested FQHC/CHC nationally. Only 40 CHCs nationally will be accepted so spaces are limited!
If you are interested in participating or have any questions, please email Cecelia Levy.
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NACHC Hosting a Virtual Learning Lab for Million Hearts Campaign
On Wednesday, March 15, NACHC will be hosting its latest virtual learning lab in their series as part of the Million Hearts Campaign.
 To learn more about how bi-directional text messaging with patients can improve chronic disease outcomes, register for free at the following link: NACHC Million Hearts March Learning Lab.
Upon registration, you will receive the link to view the pre-work recording. Following the recording, you will be directed to a survey, where you will have the opportunity to pose questions that will be addressed during the live 45-minute learning lab. CME credit is available for viewing the recording, completing the survey, and attending the live learning lab.
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SAVE THE DATE: 340B Grantees Spring Conference
The 340B Grantees Conference is back, even bigger than before! Hosted by Ryan White Clinics (RWC)-340B and National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), the conference will take place at the JW Marriott in New Orleans from Wednesday through Friday, May 3-5.
Who should attend? The conference provides a platform for 340B Grantees like RWC, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and FQHC Look-alikes to come together and share best practices, learn from experts in the field, and network with colleagues from around the country. RWC-340B and NACHC invite other federal grantees to submit proposals to provide relevant updates for all grantee covered entities.
Attendees can expect the following at the conference:
• The Conference will feature an impressive lineup of presenters, panel discussions, and workshops, all focused on the unique needs and challenges faced by 340B Grantees.
• Topics will cover compliance with the latest 340B program regulations, strategies for maximizing the benefits of the 340B program, ways to use data to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction, and 340B advocacy.
• In addition to the educational sessions, there will be ample opportunity to network with other 340B grantees and learn about the latest products, services, and solutions to help 340B grantees optimize their operations from leading vendors.
Also, New Orleans' world-famous Jazz Festival takes place on both surrounding weekends, providing attendees with a chance to experience the city's rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere.
Register here.
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MPCA Partners with NKFM for March is Kidney Month
 March is Kidney Month, and we have teamed up with the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM) to raise awareness about kidney disease and World Kidney Day on Thursday, March 9. Informational Flyer
Thirty-three percent, or 1 in 3, adults in Michigan are at risk for kidney disease and most people are unaware. One of the top risk factors for kidney disease is type 2 diabetes; others include high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and family history. The NKFM’s “Are You the 33%? ®” campaign highlights the magnitude of the problem. The awareness campaign takes the conversation about kidney health to the next level and puts an actionable behavior in the hands of patients, prompting them to take the Kidney Risk Quiz and helping them become their own health advocates.
Here are three ways you can take action raising awareness about kidney disease and changing these numbers with your patients:
1. Raise Awareness: Encourage your staff members, patients, and friends to take the short, one-minute Kidney Risk Quiz to find out if they are at risk for kidney disease. Visit kidneymi.org/quiz.
2. Spread the News: Educate your patients and staff about kidney disease prevention. Right now, a member of your office could be at risk for kidney disease and not even know it! The campaign toolkit is full of shareable content, such as articles and videos that provide important kidney health facts and wellness tips. Visit nkfm.org/kidney-toolkit.
3. Join the Conversation: Social media is a great vehicle for raising awareness. Encourage your staff to share the quiz using #MinuteForYourKidneys so that their friends and loved ones can too find out if they are risk for kidney disease. Our toolkit also has sample tweets and Facebook posts to make sharing easy.
People with kidney disease are at higher risk for more serious illness from COVID-19 compared with others. Remember that it is never too late to gain the added protection offered by COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. Talk with your patients about getting a COVID-19 vaccine or booster.
For questions or to find out more ways you can spread the word, contact Jaclyn Ellis.
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BPHC Hosting PCMH Health Equity Technical Assistance Symposium
The Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC) will host a virtual Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Health Equity Technical Assistance Symposium from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29, and Thursday, March 30. Participants will have the opportunity to hear about and discuss best practices and lessons learned from peers and experts in the fields of health equity, quality improvement, and accreditation and recognition.
Visit the registration page.
Questions? Use the BPHC Contact Form. In the Health Center Program section, select “Accreditation and Patient Centered Medical Home Recognition (APCMH) - H80.”
Health Center Presentation Tracks
The presentation portion of the symposium will have four tracks. Within each, we encourage you to emphasize data collection and impact on workforce well-being (if applicable). We are especially interested in the priority areas listed below, relating to specific Uniform Data System (UDS) data and performance measures (refer to UDS Tables 6B - Quality of Care Measures and 7 - Health Outcomes and Disparities).
Track A: Behavioral Health
- Adult
- Pediatric/adolescent
Track B: Chronic Disease Management
- Cancer screenings
- Breast
- Cervical
- Colorectal
- Dental
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- HIV
- Obesity
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Track C: Maternal and Child Health
- Childhood immunization
- Childhood nutrition and obesity
- Early childhood screenings
- Maternal mental health
- Prenatal care
- Postpartum care
- Women’s health and wellness
Track D: Climate Change and Environmental Health
- Addressing climate change to promote health equity
- Preparing health centers for extreme weather events
- Connecting and collaborating with state and local entities
- Connecting with the communities we serve
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MPCA Workforce Updates for March
Health Center Careers Training Program Expansion
MPCA’s Health Center Careers Training Program (HCCTP) has expanded to include new professions including community health workers, doulas, pharmacy technicians, medical billers/coders and medical administrative assistants. Dental and Medical Assistants remain in the program as well. Funding is available to cover wages, tuition and supplies. Contact Rachel Ruddock to learn more.
2023 Compensation and Benefits Survey Arriving Soon
The 2023 MPCA Compensation and Benefits Survey will be released in early March to health center CEO’s. The due date for completion is Friday, May 12. Please plan to participate in this year’s survey and direct any questions to Rachel.
Save the Date – MPCA Workforce Summit
Please save the date for the 2023 MPCA Workforce Summit taking place on August 17 at the Crowne Plaza in Lansing. Agenda and registration information coming soon. Contact Rachel with questions.
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MPCA AmeriCorps HealthCorps is Recruiting
The Michigan Primary Care Association is seeking career-minded individuals with a passion for community and helping others who want to make an impact in the Michigan communities they serve.
Interested? Please visit the program's website for more information. Register at MyAmeriCorps and apply today!
HealthCorps members will receive training and certification as Navigators with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), as well as training and certification as a community health worker.
We have several health center locations in need of members, including:
- Northwest Michigan Health Services, Inc. (Traverse City)
- Covered Bridge Healthcare of St. Joseph County (Centreville)
- MidMichigan Community Health Services (Houghton Lake)
- Great Lakes Bay Health Center (Saginaw)
- Kalamazoo Family Health Center (Kalamazoo)
- Catherines Health Center (Grand Rapids)
Below are the names and locations of the service sites in the Detroit area:
- Central City Integrated Health
- 10 Peterboro, Detroit, 48201 (located in the midtown area of the city)
- The Wellness Plan Health Center
- 46156 Woodward Ave., Pontiac, 48342
- 2888 West Grand Boulevard, Ste. 305, Detroit, 48202
Here's a sampling of benefits: a living allowance, an educational award upon successful completion, health insurance and more.
Members spend their service hours reaching out to individuals in the community that are not receiving primary and preventive services and connect them to care through community health centers. Connecting patients with primary care, including annual primary care visits, chronic disease management visits, or preventive services like immunizations and cancer screenings. Reengaging patients who experienced delayed or disrupted care because of COVID-19 and promoting awareness of COVID-19 precautions and alternative access to care options, such as telehealth and curbside services.
For more information about the MPCA AmeriCorps HealthCorps program or to ask questions, reach out to us! To learn more about benefits, qualifications, service commitments and types of HealthCorps service activities, please email MPCA AmeriCorps Program Manager Karen Goucher or phone 517.827.0878.
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Preparedness Monthly Thought for March: Flooding
The Michigan Primary Care Association offers up this monthly tip for a simple but effective consideration for emergency preparedness, taken from official government sources, to help put you in a preparedness mindset.
 Know your risk for floods by visiting FEMA's Flood Map Service Center to know types of flood risk in your area. You can also sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
Floods may:
- Result from rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges and overflows of dams and other water systems.
- Develop slowly or quickly. Flash floods can come with no warning.
- Cause outages, disrupt transportation, damage buildings and create landslides.
If you are under a flood warning:
- Find safe shelter right away.
- Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
- Remember, just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
- Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
- Depending on the type of flooding:
- Evacuate if told to do so.
- Move to higher ground or a higher floor.
- Stay where you are.
Make a plan for your household, including your pets, so that you and your family know what to do, where to go, and what you will need to protect yourselves from flooding. Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response. Gather supplies, including non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, and water for several days, in case you must leave immediately or if services are cut off in your area.
In case of emergency, keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies. Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.
For more information on what you can do to keep your family and property safe, please visit https://www.ready.gov/floods.
Please contact Jeff Jones, MPCA Emergency Preparedness and Operations Specialist, for more information at 517.381.8002.
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MPCA Endorsed Business Partners Directory
The Michigan Primary Care Association is pleased to establish group purchasing arrangements with our endorsed business partners for the benefit of our member health centers. The MPCA is diligent in the vetting process of prospective companies that have the potential to help our members save on operational costs with quality goods and services. Each agreement is reviewed and approved by MPCA’s Budget & Finance Committee and our Board of Directors.
The MPCA's endorsed business partnership program can help members gain exclusive savings on office products, business essentials, technology, medical supplies, cost reduction services and much more.
Please visit the roster of our current business partners including their website, the name of a consultant for each company and their contact information.
Molina Healthcare of Michigan is a proud, longtime Silver Sponsor of the MPCA Fall Annual Conference. Thank YOU for your support of MPCA!
The Molina mission is to provide quality health services to financially vulnerable families and individuals covered by government programs. Molina Healthcare is an innovative national health care leader, providing quality care and accessible services in an efficient and caring manner.
Please visit the Molina website to learn more.
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Events
A full list of MPCA events can be found here.
Here's our latest events-only newsletter. The next edition will be published near March 15.
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