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Gov. Snyder seeks to expand Medicaid for Flint

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MICHIGAN — Gov. Rick Snyder is requesting an expansion of Medicaid benefits to include anyone up to the age of 21, and pregnant women, who consumed Flint’s lead-tainted water.

“Children, teens and young adults exposed to lead need more coverage to get testing and the treatment they need,” Gov. Rick Snyder said in a statement released by his office on Sunday.

“Expanding these services and lead abatement efforts will mitigate the risks of lead exposure and result in better identifying any long-term health challenges, including behavioral issues.”

Snyder made the formal request on Sunday to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. If approved, it would provide a waiver that would expand Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program services to roughly 15,000 more Flint residents.

Anyone up to the age of 21 who has been served by Flint’s water system since April 2014 would be eligible. Pregnant women and their future children would also be made eligible, according to a release from Snyder’s office.

All incomes would be covered, but those with an income of more than $47,520, or households of four with an incomes of more than $97,200 would have the option to buy into the program.

In his request, Snyder said the state of Michigan would dedicate case managers to help individuals with:

  • Coordinating primary care physicians and behavioral health providers, Medicaid health plans and others to ensure access to all necessary health services;
  • Providing nutrition support;
  • Improving access to educational and social supports and services that may be available in the community to assist them with their individual needs.