Citing upcoming changes to Medicaid eligibility and renewal requirements, Munson Healthcare announced Thursday that it is launching a new initiative to help beneficiaries navigate the upheaval. The changes are the result of the Trump Administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which was signed into law last July.

Among other changes, the OBBBA “creates new administrative requirements and conditions on eligibility (including work requirements) for patients seeking to enroll in or maintain Medicaid coverage and restricts states’ ability to use provider taxes to finance their Medicaid programs,” according to the American Medical Association. Those changes will go into effect next year.

In a press release, Munson noted that, “for thousands of northern Michigan residents, something as simple as a missed notice, missed deadline, or confusing paperwork could mean losing access to medications, preventive care, or ongoing treatment” under the new restrictions. Munson’s new Medicaid support initiative is intended to help people avoid those outcomes.

Resources will include:

>A dedicated Medicaid assistance line: Medicaid beneficiaries are encouraged to call 231-935-2860 and press 1 for enrollment and renewal support.

>An online Medicaid resource center: Munson will maintain a hub of relevant information at munsonhealthcare.org/medicaid, including eligibility guidance, renewal information, FAQs, and links to additional resources.

>Direct support: Munson will also offer access to certified enrollment specialists, who can provide direct assistance with Medicaid enrollment, renewals, and eligibility questions; and financial counseling support, to help them “understand available coverage options and financial assistance resources.”

>Outreach and education: These efforts will include community awareness efforts, dissemination of educational materials, and direct outreach to patients.

“We want people to know they do not have to navigate these changes alone," Munson CEO Ed Ness said in the press release. “Our mission is to improve the health of the communities we serve, and that includes helping patients understand their options and staying connected to the care they need.”