Maximus
Princeton, NJ
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Medicaid Renewal Brochure
Category: Strategic Campaigns | Public Relations/Communications | 71c. Communication Campaign
About Project
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government paused the recertification process for Medicaid. When that pause ended, and the renewal process restarted, people nationwide risked losing their healthcare coverage if they did not complete the tasks needed to recertify their care.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) engaged Maximus to create an easy-to-understand communication to let Michigan Medicaid consumers know the actions they needed take to keep their coverage.
As of December 2023, approximately 2 million people were enrolled in Michigan Medicaid (MDHHS). Maximus needed to craft a brochure with important information that each of those people could read and understand.
The brochure tells consumers to take important steps like updating their contact, household, and income information online or through an MDHHS office. It has information on what a person should do if they get a renewal packet, what happens after their renewal review, and what to do if they no longer qualify. It also directs them where to get help if they need it.
To effectively reach Michigan Medicaid consumers, the brochure was also translated into Spanish and Arabic. The final document explains what actions consumers must take in a clear, accessible format suited for the nearly 280,000 Spanish-speaking Michigan residents and more than 210,000 Arabic-speaking residents. Access to the same information as English speakers helps reduce health inequities.
Maximus tested the brochure, both in-person at two community-based organizations and virtually, with 33 Michigan Medicaid enrollees. We then refined the brochure based on their feedback.
The final version included:
• Updated heading titles
• Clear explanation of the brochure’s purpose
• A direct request for people to update their contact information
• Crucial information on what would happen next
As of June 2023, 970,000 Michigan Medicaid recipients have retained their coverage. The Medicaid Renewal Brochure is posted on the MDHHS website in Arabic, English, and Spanish.
