Priority Medicaid not making cuts to benefits

(July 9, 2009) - We have some good news to share with you about Priority Health's ongoing member benefits, despite state cutbacks.

Recently the Michigan Department of Community Health released a bulletin that announced the elimination of optional benefits for adults. Beginning July 1, 2009, the state will remove benefits for chiropractic, podiatry, vision and hearing aids for members 21 years of age and older. At the same time, the state also will implement a 4% decrease in payments to providers as part of its reduction plan.

The high unemployment rate in Michigan has increased the demand for Medicaid. In an effort to limit the amount of payment and service decreases to providers, we will not be cutting benefits from the Priority Health Medicaid program. However, we will be applying the reduced fee schedule to these services - chiropractic, podiatry, vision and hearing aids for members 21 years of age and older. We will not be applying the reduction in payment for in-network providers for any other services.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your Field Service Representative directly or through the Provider Helpline at 800 942-4765. We'll continue to evaluate information for Fiscal Year 2010 (beginning Oct. 1, 2009) and will notify you of any developments or revisions as they're available. Thank you for your continued support and service to our members.