Stephen Fitton Describes Challenges Michigan Faced When Expanding Medicaid

Expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act is a huge undertaking, and Michigan decided to expand the program under a Section 1115 waiver, which sets the state apart a bit, according to Stephen Fitton, Medicaid Director at the Michigan Department of Community Health.

One of the changes Michigan made was to include a consumer engagement piece that requires a 2% contribution or premium for those over 100% of poverty.

“The idea is to engage consumers in the cost of care, and that’s been, frankly, a huge lift,” he said.