HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Ottawa County Health officials are ready to help people 21 and older who have sickle cell disease get support for treatment, according to a county statement released this week.
The State of Michigan’s Children’s Special Health Care Services coverage is being extended to adults with sickle cell disease. Eligibility is based on medical circumstances and not on income.
The program covers services directly related to sickle cell, including copays, deductibles, transportation, care coordination, access to Children’s Special Health Care Services’ clinics and case management.
The state’s 2022 budget includes $6.7 million to cover treatment for an estimated 400 adults with sickle cell who were not previously covered. Sickle cell disease, simply put, is a treatable inherited blood disorder that can cause pain, organ damage and early death.
“One of MDHHS’s top priorities is expanding access to health care coverage through innovation,” said Kate Massey, senior deputy director for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ health and aging services administration. “Addressing the needs of adult patients has been a challenge for many years. Expanding eligibility for sickle cell disease coverage to adults over age 21 improves the quality of care provided in Michigan.”
For more information on the program or to apply for coverage, Brenda Kempf at the Ottawa County Department of Public Health, (616) 393-4445 or (616) 396-5266.
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