PHE Unwinding (SNF)

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has begun to communicate with stakeholder partners to raise awareness and prepare for the eventual unwinding of the Public Health Emergency (PHE). In May, the US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) released a letter to State Governors regarding the waivers and flexibilities that will expire with the end of the PHE and directed states to begin planning for their 12-month unwinding process. In addition, HHS has created a PHE Unwinding website with guidance and resources to support states and other partners in their work to prepare for the eventual expiration of the PHE. Much of the work today revolves around redeterminations of Medicaid eligibility, with the expectation of additional focus to be added over the course of time. 

Following receipt of that letter, the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) released proposed policy regarding eligibility and Medicaid renewals occurring after the PHE is officially terminated. The proposed policies do not have an effective date pending further communication and notification from HHS and CMS. MDHHS is preparing for the end of waivers that held Medicaid eligibility and renewals in a pause mode during the pandemic. Proposed policy 2218 Eligibility and 2219 Medicaid Renewals highlight the changes that will occur when the PHE is officially ended.

MDHHS also has a dedicated website for issues regarding the ending of the PHE. HCAM recommends that each member have a staff person monitor this site by joining the list serv provided. Click HERE for the link to the website and scroll down the page to add your staff person to the list serv.

Below is the information from the proposed policy which anticipates changes that will occur when the PHE is ended.

“During the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), many changes were made to the Medicaid program’s eligibility, administration, and policies to ease rules for providers and prevent Medicaid beneficiaries from losing their healthcare coverage. It is anticipated that the US Department of Health and Human Services will soon announce the end of the current federal PHE. Michigan will restart Medicaid eligibility renewals and certain waived policies that were in place during the pandemic when the federal PHE ends. 

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is preparing for the end of the federal PHE. This website will be continually updated with the latest information as the department restarts processes and releases updated policies.”