Michigan Granted Federal Waiver To Expand Medicaid To Flint Residents

The federal government has given Michigan the green light to expand Medicaid coverage to pregnant women and children affected by the Flint water crisis.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services approved a waiver allowing the state to expand Medicaid coverage and services to expectant mothers and children up to age 21.

The decision means that up to 45,000 Flint residents could receive full Medicaid benefits without cost sharing or premiums for a period of five years.

HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell says expanding the coverage will help Flint residents get connected to a wide range of needed health and developmental services, including lead-blood level monitoring and behavioral health services.