FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 9, 2026 CONTACT: Tammy Pitts, tpitts@mnaonline.org, 517-258-0269
MNA Launches Statewide Network to Help Nonprofits Guide Michiganders Through Federal Medicaid Overhaul New Medicaid Community Support Network aims to keep eligible residents covered as work requirements and stricter renewal rules take effect
LANSING, Mich. — As sweeping federal changes rewrite the ground rules for hundreds of thousands of Michigan residents on Medicaid, the Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) is launching a new statewide Medicaid Community Support Network to equip nonprofits with resources, training, and coordination to help their communities navigate the transition.
H.R. 1, a federal law passed in 2025, introduced Medicaid work requirements, semi-annual eligibility renewals, and other significant changes set to take effect in 2027. Between 171,000 and 355,000 Michiganders are at risk of losing coverage as a result, according to a recent Urban Institute analysis. Many may lose coverage not necessarily because they're ineligible, but due to the expected administrative burden of complex new paperwork, reporting, and verification requirements.
The network will support front-line nonprofit organizations, embedded in their communities, to prevent these errors and keep eligible residents covered. "
Michigan's nonprofit sector already shows up every day for the families most at risk of losing coverage. That includes food banks, health centers, legal aid organizations, faith-based groups, and dozens of other trusted community-based organizations who know their neighbors by name," said Kelley Kuhn, president and CEO of MNA. "This network means those organizations won't have to figure this out alone. We're building the connective tissue so that when someone walks into a food pantry or a clinic confused about a new Medicaid notice, there's a nonprofit ready with the right information and the right next step."
MNA and its partners are building toward a full program launch this fall, ahead of the start of work requirements in January. The network's initial goals include:
• Increasing coordination within the nonprofit sector and with the state of Michigan • Distributing grants to support statewide, regional, and local engagement efforts
• Providing a trusted clearinghouse for information and resources tailored to nonprofits and their clients
• Leading webinars, workshops, and other trainings to educate nonprofit staff on key changes to Medicaid
• Creating communications channels so nonprofits can stay up to date on new policy developments
• Creating a forum for nonprofits to share questions and feedback about what they're seeing and what they need on the ground
The network is being supported by $1.4 million in committed grants from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and the Kresge Foundation.
"Nonprofits do incredible work to serve Michigan communities every day, and they’ll be indispensable in helping families maintain their access to coverage and care through this transition in Medicaid," said Kari Sederburg, vice president of programs at the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. "MNA brings deep relationships and important experience managing complex, collaborative efforts like this one. We're excited to support their efforts to bring the network to life."
"Families shouldn’t lose access to health care or other essential supports simply because the rules have become harder to understand or navigate,” said Marijata Daniel Echols, senior program officer at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. “Community-based organizations are trusted partners for families across Michigan. This investment will help ensure they have timely, accurate information and the tools to guide families through these changes so children and families can continue to access the resources they need to thrive."
"To ensure everyone has what they need to thrive, we have to build systems that work for people, not against them," said Jan Delatorre, health program officer at the Kresge Foundation. "Community organizations are often the first and most trusted point of contact for our state’s residents most likely to be affected by these changes. Investing in their capacity to help navigate this transition is exactly the kind of work that keeps communities healthy.” To learn more, visit readyformedicaidchanges.org and mnaonline.org.
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ABOUT MNA: Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) is a statewide 501(c)(3) membership organization that strengthens Michigan’s nonprofit sector through public policy, advocacy, civic engagement, and resources that build nonprofit leadership and capacity. Together with our members and partners, MNA works to ensure strong, thriving communities across Michigan. For more information, visit www.mnaonline.org.
ABOUT MHEF: The Michigan Health Endowment Fund works to improve the health and wellness of Michigan residents and reduce the cost of health care, with a special focus on children and older adults. Learn more at mihealthfund.org.