The MPCA e-Update is a weekly e-bulletin intended to keep MPCA members updated on issues important to Community Health Centers. Please feel free to forward this to interested individuals, or they may request to be added to the distribution list by registering here. Information from outside organizations does not represent an endorsement by MPCA, and opinions expressed by outside authors are not necessarily official positions or policies of MPCA.

Take a deep breath...it's been a busy couple of weeks in Michigan!
 
Michigan Shut Out of Latest Round of CHC Federal Funding Despite Growing Unmet Need
Last week HHS announced $28.8 million in grant awards to support Community Health Centers in 67 communities across the United States. Of great disappointment and dismay is that not one grant was awarded to a Michigan community despite tremendous need in a state with one of the worst economies, a growing number of underserved residents, and that is home to Detroit, a city that is suffering more than any other U.S. urban area. Read MPCA's response

MPCA, Partners Send Letter of Disappointment
MPCA, its members, and partnering organizations sent a letter of disappointment to all of Michigan's Congressional delegation, the White House, HRSA Administrator Mary Wakefield, and BPHC Administrator Jim Macrae.The letter expresses displeasure with the New Access Point funding announcement in light of the need for new medical capacity in Michigan, harsh economic realities, and the inequities in HRSA's funding decision.

BPHC Provides Clarification on NAP Funding
HHS Associate Administrator for Primary Care Jim Macrae held a conference call on August 15 for Cooperative Agreement entities, including Primary Care Associations, to provide clarification on last week's release of New Access Point funding. The following is a summary of the call shared by MPCA Executive Director Kim Sibilsky:

Jim Macrae shared that the folks at the Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC) are very aware of the concern in the field regarding Michigan being excluded from the funding, and that they've heard from Michigan's Congressional delegation and the press. Of the 800 applications received, only 67 were funded. Prior to this funding round ARRA funded projects from 2010 were given continuation funding and, because that ARRA group was originally funded outside the usual special populations requirements (8.6% for migrants, 8.7% for homeless, and 1.2% residents of public housing), there was a need to make up for that deficit in this action. Then they needed to fund those percentages for THIS funding round. Then, because of the excellent applications and the availability of priority points (up to 5 priority points for high poverty, up to 5 points for sparsely populated, and 5-10 priority points for special populations) they set the funding floor at 102 points. This means any funded project most probably received a very high score AND priority points. That places the emphasis on high poverty and special populations, which Michigan Health Centers could reach, and sparse populations, which few of our areas could meet. It was Jim's opinion that applications were exceptional and that if they had been able to fund 350 grants at $250 million, they would have been able to fund every state's applications to approximately 33% of submitted applications. It is Jim's plan to fund another round within 12 months, hopefully at a larger funding level. Health Centers that submitted applications that were approved but unfunded in this round will have scores that are good for 12 months and it is his "inclination not to have a resubmission" and that they will hope to fund down the list. MPCA will continue to work with you, our members, and other friends and stakeholders in making a clear statement concerning Michigan's need to expand access and our need for HRSA to be a strong partner. Click here to access a recording of the call.

Release of Capital Improvement Grant Guidance Expected Soon
During the August 15 BPHC conference call, HHS Associate Administrator for Primary Care Jim Macrae stated that a capital improvement grant guidance will be sent out within the month. He also stated that this will provide Health Centers the opportunity to compete for about $700 million in capital and improvement grants. Health Centers are encouraged to review their capital needs and to prepare for this capital funding opportunity.

New Members Appointed to MPCA Board of Directors
During the August 2011 board meeting of the Michigan Primary Care Association (MPCA), the board of directors appointed Anthony V. King, FACHE, MHSA as President; Joseph Ferguson, MHA, FACHE as President-elect; and Donald A. Simila, MSW, FACHE as Treasurer. Read more

MPCA Launching FQHC Patient-Centered Medical Home Learning Community
MPCA is proposing a bold step forward through the launch of a new, team-based, comprehensive FQHC Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Learning Community in January 2012. The Learning Community will work in tandem with the NACHC PCMH Institute and other national programs and thought leaders to bring a realistic, team-based approach to learning, implementing, and sharing best practices on the standards and guidelines of the PCMH model of care. Click here for more information about the proposed year-long learning community model and format along with a timeline of key events, participation considerations, and the costs to join.

MPCA Receives HHS Grant Award to Ensure Michigan Children Enrolled in MIChild, Healthy Kids Retain Health Coverage
MPCA is among 39 organizations including state agencies, Community Health Centers, school-based organizations, and non-profit groups in 23 states to receive two-year funding authorized under the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA) of 2009. HHS released $40 million in grants this week for efforts to identify and enroll children eligible for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program. Read more

Record Number Attended 2011 MPCA Annual Conference
It was great to see so many Health Center colleagues from across the state at the 2011 MPCA Annual Conference last week. It was a jam-packed 2 1/2 days as over 200 attendees gathered resources and heard about best practices and lessons learned from phenomenal speakers about new ways to build connections that matter. Click here for a recap of the conference, including presentation materials and a list of this year's award winners.

Michigan CHCs Honor Governor Snyder for Leadership in Promoting Health of Michigan
On behalf of Michigan Community Health Centers, MPCA honored Governor Rick Snyder with the Legacy of Leadership Award on August 8 during the Annual Conference. Michigan Community Health Center staff, board members, and stakeholders were present at the Crystal Mountain Resort to recognize Governor Snyder for promoting and valuing access to health care for all Michigan residents. MDCH Director Olga Dazzo accepted the award on Governor Snyder's behalf. Read more

Michigan Health Centers Celebrate NHCW
August 7-13 was an exciting seven days full of National Health Center Week 2011 events, putting all eyes on Health Centers. Click here for some highlights of the week, including proclamations by President Obama and Governor Snyder and Michigan CHC celebrations. There you can also watch a "week in review" video. If your Health Center hosted an event, thank you for helping raise the visibility of our very successful model of care and all of its benefits. If you have photos and links to local media coverage please send them to Dana Lawrence at dlawrence@mpca.net.

Congressman Upton Recognized for Supporting CHCs
During a visit to InterCare Community Health Network in Benton Harbor on August 5 leading up to National Health Center Week, Congressman Fred Upton (R-6) was recognized for his support of Community Health Centers. Velma Hendershott, President and CEO of InterCare Community Health Network, presented Congressman Upton with the 2011 Distinguished Community Health Defender Award on behalf of the National Association of Community Health Centers in recognition of his leadership in driving support for Community Health Centers, especially services for those who have lost their jobs and insurance as a result of the recession, the uninsured and migrant farmworker populations in Michigan. Read more

You Are Invited to Tour New Heart of the City Health Center
Cherry Street Health Services, Touchstone innovare, and Proaction Behavioral Health Alliance have joined forces to create Heart of the City Health Center, a new approach that addresses access and integration of care for low-income populations. This facility will consolidate the model of mind/body care, and reach approximately 8,000 new patients, with special emphasis on expanding services for children. MPCA is pleased to invite anyone interested in touring Heart of the City and hearing a presentation showcasing the center's efforts in behavioral health integration. Come learn about their unique model of care! The visit is planned for Monday, September 19, 9am-12pm at 201 Sheldon SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 40503. Please RSVP with Laura Groat lgroat@mpca.net by September 1 and let her know how many people from your organization will attend.

Save the Date: Behavioral Health/Primary Care Integration Conference November 16
MPCA, the Michigan Association for Community Mental Health Boards, and other partners are hosting a Behavioral Health/Primary Care Integration Conference on November 16 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing. Mark your calendar to attend this conference to gather invaluable information on the bidirectional integration of behavioral health and primary care services. Registration information is coming soon. If you are interested in presenting at the conference, please complete and return the presentation submission form by September 9. Read more

Shively Named Interim CEO at Oakland Primary Health Services

Linda Shively has been named interim CEO at Oakland Primary Health Services in Pontiac. She previously served as executive director of Baldwin Family Health Care until she retired in 2010.

How West Michigan Program is Improving Health, Reducing Costs for Low-income Families
Cherry Street Health Services is one of 17 primary care providers participating in the Children's Healthcare Access Program (CHAP) in Grand Rapids that is designed to improve the health of low-income children on Medicaid and decrease health care costs by better utilizing existing resources. Read more

Woodlands Providing Social Worker at Cassopolis Family Clinic
Cassopolis Family Clinic has formed a new collaboration with Woodlands Behavioral Healthcare Network to bring a social worker to the CHC for onsite counseling services. This is a great example of how CHCs are collaborating with community-based organizations to expand services and integrate behavioral health and primary care. Read more

Click here for more stories about Community Health Centers.

   
House Committee Approves 1% Claims Tax
The House Appropriations Committee passed legislation that would eliminate the current HMO use tax (SB 347) and create a 1% tax on paid health care claims in Michigan to take effect January 1, 2012 (House Substitute for SB 348). Passage of these bills is paramount as the 1% tax is critical to the state's FY 2012 budget. The tax is designed to generate $1.2 billion in funding and replace the 6% use tax on Medicaid HMOs that is anticipated to be disallowed by CMS as a source of matching revenue for Medicaid. The bills, which the Senate passed in June, now head to the House floor where a vote is expected to take place on August 24. Should the bills pass the House they will then go back to the Senate for consideration and potentially to conference committee. The House Substitute bill for SB 348 and the Senate bill are different in two key provisions: 1) The House bill calls for a January 2014 sunset while the Senate bill calls for sunset in January 2016; 2) The House bill doesn't allow MDCH any flexibility in using revenues from the 1% tax for any purpose other than reimbursing HMOs, while the Senate bill allows for other uses such as GME or uncompensated care reimbursement.

MDCH Seeking Input on Plan for Integrating Care for Dual Eligibles
As you are likely aware, MDCH has contracted with CMS to develop a plan to integrate care for people who receive services from Medicare and Medicaid ("dual eligible"). By hosting public forums, MDCH is seeking input from people who are likely to be affected by its integrated care plan so that it best meets the needs of people who receive services and those who provide services and supports for them. Upcoming forums are scheduled for August 24, 1-4 pm at Hawk Hollow Banquet Center in East Lansing, and on August 29, 1-4 pm at the Greater Grace Temple Banquet Hall in Detroit. Register

MDCH Hosting Michigan Obesity Summit
You are invited to participate in an obesity summit hosted by MCDH on September 21 at the Lansing Center in Lansing. MDCH will share an assessment of the prevalence, disparities, and factors that contribute to obesity and unhealthy weight; highlight best practices, including those underway at the state and local community level in Michigan; identify a limited number of priority strategies for addressing the issue with a focus on reducing disparity; and engage and mobilize partners across multiple sectors in efforts to reduce obesity. The registration deadline is September 16. Register

NATIONAL NEWS 

  
Congressional Super Committee Members Announced
Congressmen Upton (R-MI-6) and Camp (R-MI-4) of the Michigan delegation have been named to the 12-member Congressional "Super Committee" which is charged with identifying and proposing a $1.2 billion package of savings to reduce the national deficit. As explained in a NACHC blog post, the committee can make cuts and reductions from anywhere or any program they choose to reach the $1.2 billion mark - EVERYTHING is on the table. That means Health Center funding, Medicaid, Medicare, and Trust Funds authorized under health reform are vulnerable. While Members of the "Super Committee" will certainly be at the center of the efforts to further reduce the deficit, EVERY MEMBER OF CONGRESS WILL HAVE INPUT into the process and each of them will have a final vote in determining whether a proposed package is passed or rejected. The committee's first meeting will take place September 16. House and Senate Committees must submit recommendations within their areas of jurisdiction to the Super Committee by October 14, and the Committee with then vote on recommendations by November 23. The committee's legislative language must be finalized by December 2 so Congress can vote on the recommendations (just a 'yes' or 'no' vote with no amendments allowed) by December 23. Advocacy has never been more important to protect Health Centers and programs and resources that support them and their patients. Click here to learn the four easy ways you can take action.

FY 2012 Appropriations in the Que
With the debt deal in place, the House Labor-HHS-Education Subcommittee can now resume its consideration of the FY 2012 Appropriations bill that funds the Health Centers program, among other areas. The subcommittee was originally scheduled to consider the bill in July but postponed action until after completion of the debt deal and the August recess. Now that the discretionary spending limit has been established, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees have the same topline discretionary funding level from which to work. Read more

HHS, Treasury Take Steps to Help States Establish Health Insurance Exchanges
HHS and the Department of Treasury released three proposed rules aimed at helping middle class families gain access to unprecedented tax relief that will dramatically reduce the cost of coverage. Meanwhile, HHS Secretary Sebelius sent a letter to state governors highlighting a partnership that will allow states to work with HHS as they establish exchanges. Read more

CDC Awards Funding to Strengthen State, Local Health Departments
Grants totaling $49 million (funded in part by the Affordable Care Act) will create jobs, improve quality of care, and strengthen the public health infrastructure. Awards were granted to all 50 states. Read more

Invitation to Participate in the Patient Safety and Clinical Pharmacy Services Collaborative
Community-based teams of healthcare providers and partners are invited to join the Patient Safety and Clinical Pharmacy Services Collaborative (PSPC) to improve patient safety and health outcomes for high risk patient populations. PSPC is recruiting teams for its fourth year (PSPC 4.0). September 30 is the deadline to submit the participation package. Read more

Updated NHSC Eligibility Criteria Released
On August 2, HRSA released updated eligibility criteria for entities seeking to recruit NHSC scholarship recipients and loan repayors from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012. Click here for the changes.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES   

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES 

Click here for career opportunities in Michigan Community Health Centers. Or, subscribe to the MPCA career opportunities RSS feed - click here.