Families Fear Michigan Plan for Dually-Diagnosed

LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan health officials have come up with a new plan for providing care to people who qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare and are seeking public comment at eight forums this month.
The proposed plan affects those with developmental disabilities or mental illness who are considered “dual eligible” under Medicaid and Medicare.
The goal is to provide better integrated care for patients and improve efficiency, but the process has sparked controversy among families of those affected. In forums last year, parents and caregivers said they were afraid that strong local programs of care would be replaced with statewide programs that cut services and have little local accountability.