Working Together For Michigan Consumers To be Healthy

MVBH

Michigan Voices for Better Health is part of a national effort, Voices for Better Health. This project will work on a new health care program being developed by the state and federal governments. It will be offered in some parts of Michigan to people who are on both Medicaid and Medicare. These people are sometimes called “dual eligibles” because they qualify for coverage from both programs. We will help them, their families, caregivers, and advocates talk to health plans and health care providers about how the plans and providers can better meet consumers’ needs. We’ll bring together people eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare and those who value their input and are dedicated to improving their care.

Together, we’ll help create a health care system that is easy to use, meets all of consumers’ health care needs, and treats people with dignity and respect. MVBH is a joint effort of Michigan Consumers for Healthcare (MCH), the MI Elder Justice Initiative, and the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC), three Michigan consumer advocacy organizations. It is funded by The Atlantic Philanthropies and supported by Community Catalyst, a national health care advocacy organization. We are part of Voices for Better Health, a network of advocates in five states exploring the best ways to give people a voice in their health care. We are helping people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid work with their state policymakers, health plans and other health care decision makers to create lasting improvements.

Michigan’s new MI Health Link program will serve older people and people with disabilities or chronic illnesses beginning in the fall of 2014. Most consumers who are eligible for Medicaid and Medicare within the participating counties will be enrolled in the new program. Consumers who do not want to participate will be able to opt out of Integrated Care. Your story has power, your experience matters, and there are lots of ways for you to get involved in shaping the state’s new MI Health Link project!

If you live in Wayne County; Macomb County; eight Counties in Southwest Michigan (Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Van Buren Counties); and all of the Upper Peninsula, you can: Participate in meetings, forums, and other events about MI Health Link Tell – and let us share — your story. What problems have you faced in getting the healthcare you need? Has a health care or service provider done something to make your health care work for you? If you are interested or know of someone who would be, please contact us at michiganvoicesforbetterhealth@gmail.com. Let us help you find the best way for you to make a difference in your own health care and the state’s new healthcare program!