Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder is asking the federal government to expand Medicaid services to residents of Flint.
According to a release issued on Sunday, Snyder wants Medicaid expansion for those up to age 21 and pregnant woman who are served from the Flint water system.
“Children, teens and young adults exposed to lead need more coverage to get testing and the treatment they need,” Snyder said. “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.”
In a letter to Victoria Wachino, director f the Center for Medicare and Medicaid services, Snyder said the waiver request has three items.
The first is to expand Medicaid eligibility, the second is to use targeted case management services to coordinate benefits and resources, and finally "provide a mechanism for expanded lead abatement activities in the impacted area.
According to the press release, coverage is available to everyone of all incomes, but individuals with income over 400 percent of the poverty level will have the option to buy into a program for full Medicaid benefits.
