Self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) benefits for patients with Medicaid: Michigan

The prevalence of high blood pressure among Black people in the United States is among the highest in the world. About 55% of Black adults have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension or HBP. Black people also have disproportionately high rates of more severe HBP and it develops earlier in life.

There is work to be done with providing those in underserved communities of color where HBP is at an all-time increasing rate.  I am overjoyed to see that the state of Michigan Medicaid program is covering blood pressure monitoring devices.  The American Medical Association and the Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS) have advocated for increased access to validated blood pressure measurement devices and self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) clinical support for Michigan Medicaid beneficiaries. With recent changes to Medicaid policy, these important benefits are now available.

AMA and MSMS have developed guidance to assist physicians and care teams in ordering SMBP and validated blood pressure devices for their patients.

Access the resources below to understand the policy updates, the reimbursement available for physicians to provide SMBP clinical services, and the process for ordering blood pressure devices through the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) benefit.

How to prescribe SMBP to Michigan Medicaid patients

Step by step guidance to determine patient eligibility, documentation and prior authorization requirements, and tips for implementing an effective SMBP program.

Reference

Self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) benefits for patients with Medicaid: Michigan | American Medical Association (ama-assn.org)