Snyder to combine DHS - DCH

Tuesday, January 20, 2015, 09:30 AM

Reports: Snyder To Merge DCH, DHS

Governor Rick Snyder plans to issue an executive order merging the departments of Community Health and Human Services In a major realignment of the government.

Mr. Snyder told The Associated Press he will combine the two departments. A Snyder spokesperson also told the Detroit Free Press of the plan.

Rumors have been flying for weeks that a merger could be in the works after Mr. Snyder named Community Health Director Nick Lyon the interim director of Human Services once former DHS Director Maura Corrigan’s resignation became official January 1.

Mr. Snyder will discuss his plan in his State of the State speech tonight.

In his inaugural address nearly three weeks ago, Mr. Snyder spoke of plans to streamline how the state handles service delivery for health and human services.

What a merger would actually mean as far as changes to programs is unclear. The major commonality between the two departments is Community Health’s management of Medicaid. Many Medicaid beneficiaries also receive food or cash aid through Human Services.

Once Mr. Snyder issues the executive order, it will take effect in 60 days unless rejected by the House and the Senate.

Gongwer News Service will have more on this story in today’s Michigan Report.