LANSING – A group of health care providers, insurers, advocates and trade associations submitted a letter this week warning against a proposed 48-month limit on Michigan Medicaid benefits.

The Medical Care Advisory Council, in a letter dated Tuesday, expressed concern about the legislation pending in the House Michigan Competitiveness Committee (HB 4714 ) that would make more people eligible for Medicaid, but put in place new regulations. The letter was sent to Rep. Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake), the committee chair.

The letter, signed by the council’s chairperson, Jan Hudson, said that the council supports the expansion under HB 4714 but would like to see changes. Hudson addressed the five main concerns of the council, including the 48-month time limit and the development of the federal waiver necessary for the bill as well as the prospects for approval of the waiver.

On the time limit, Hudson wrote that the council was concerned about individuals who have chronic conditions, as the 48 months may not be enough time for those individuals to receive treatment. She also said that the council was concerned about low-income women becoming pregnant after their time limit has expired.

The council’s letter also said that members thought the state may have issues crafting a waiver that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services would approve, since the process for receiving approval can be difficult. The letter said there was concern about having enough time to win approval of a federal waiver.

Despite the concerns, Hudson wrote that the members are ready to help develop the expansion into what they believe will be the best option for the state’s Medicaid program.

Shirkey said the council’s concerns do not surprise him. He also said that he would like to move this issue, which he labeled reform and expansion of access to quality health care, through committee before the summer break although he does not think it will be able to go further before then. “We can’t afford to drop it now,” Shirkey said.

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