The Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System, better known as MPSERS, Board of Directors met recently and approved a change that will make services provided by LMSW’s reimbursable for all retirees in the MPSERS system, thanks to the lobbying efforts of NASW – Michigan. Previously, non-Medicare retirees fell under a Blue Cross Blue Shield health plan that did not include reimbursement for social workers (Medicare retiree plans have a federal mandate for reimbursing social workers).
This fills in a tremendous gap and helps to preserve continuity of care for public school employees who see a social worker for behavioral healthcare. Many were either terminating services or paying out of pocket until they qualified for Medicare.
NASW – Michigan appreciates MPSERS and BCBS understanding the importance of social workers and continuity of care and therefore making this change. The new coverage is expected to go into effect January of 2016. Please contact the Director of Public Policy, Allan Wachendorfer, at policy@nasw-michigan.org if you have any questions.
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