In a bit of good news for the people of Flint, Michigan, members of the Obama administration indicated today that they would be able to provide expanded Medicaid services for pregnant women and children affected by the lead crisis. Politico reports:
During a meeting with leading House Democrats, Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell, Assistant Secretary Dr. Nicole Lurie and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy told lawmakers they anticipate being able to offer health care coverage to some individuals who may have consumed contaminated water in Flint.
The Medicaid coverage would include lead-blood level monitoring, behavioral health and nutritional support. The secretaries also told lawmakers that HHS is working with Michigan on an expedited basis.
Republican Gov. Rick Snyder needs to formally request the coverage, but he’s already signaled he intends to do so.
Governor Snyder has already indicated the state’s desire to request the coverage extension, so barring unforeseen hold-ups, this should be a critical component of the public health response to lead exposure in Flint. Medicaid is already expanded to all people under and near poverty in Michigan under the ACA, but this further extension will help the health safety net do what it is supposed to do.
However, this Medicaid expansion is but one of many health reforms that will be required to help the people of Flint. A major energy bill is being held up in the Senate for Republican refusal to add funds for immediate aid in Flint and also the creation of a center to study and assist people with long-term health issues from lead. Lead exposure is forever and has a long-lasting effect on multiple organs and behavior, and unless the Medicaid expansion is permanent and covers children into adulthood, it is only a stopgap measure.