Michigan Combines Aging Services & Medicaid Administration To Create New Agency With Key Goal Of Better Coordinating Older Adult Long-Term Care Services

On October 14, 2021, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order directing the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to create the Health and Aging Services Administration (HASA) and abolish the stand-alone existing Aging and Adult Services Agency and the existing Medical Services Administration. A key function of HASA will be coordinating policy for long-term services and supports (LTSS). Previously, LTSS programs were managed in multiple areas of MDHHS. With HASA, the state anticipates increased coordination between aging services teams in local communities and in-house employees who are responsible for developing policies, as well . . .