Relating to non-opioid medication

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brian Helton and 1 co-sponsor

SB 628 would require Michigan's Medicaid program to cover syringe service programs' services, expanding harm-reduction access for people who inject drugs.

To Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health

#health

SB 628 — Summary (Introduced Feb. 20, 2025)

Title: Human services: medical services; coverage for syringe service programs; provide for.
Statute amended: 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.1 – 400.119b) — adds MCL 400.109t
Current status: Referred to Committee on Housing and Human Services
Sponsor(s): Gilmore (primary); B. Davis (cosponsor)
Related bill: HB 1701 (companion)

Main purpose / intent

SB 628 directs the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to provide coverage under the state’s medical assistance program (Medicaid) for services provided by syringe service programs (SSPs). The bill is intended to expand Medicaid-covered harm‑reduction services for people who inject drugs.

Key provisions

Adds a new section (109t) to the Social Welfare Act (MCL 400.1–400.119b).

Requires the department to provide medical assistance program coverage for “syringe service programs.”

Defines “syringe service programs” as harm‑reduction programs that offer a wide range of services including, but not limited to:

Distribution of new, unused hypodermic needles and syringes; and
Other injection‑drug‑use supplies (examples listed: cookers, tourniquets, alcohol wipes, sharps waste disposal containers).

Note: The introduced text is brief and focuses on coverage authority and a scope definition; it does not specify reimbursement rates, enrollment procedures, program standards, or an implementation timeline.

Who would be affected

People enrolled in Michigan’s medical assistance (Medicaid) program who use injection drugs — potentially greater access to harm‑reduction supplies and related services.

Syringe service program operators (nonprofits, local health departments, clinics) — may become Medicaid‑billable providers or need to meet Medicaid enrollment/credentialing requirements.

MDHHS and the Medicaid program — administrative responsibility for establishing coverage, claims/payment processes, and any related rulemaking.

State budget/Fiscal agencies — potential fiscal impact on Medicaid expenditures (amount not specified in the bill).

Implementation and procedural notes

The bill is an amendment to state law and would require MDHHS to implement coverage through the medical assistance program. Practical implementation likely will involve administrative rulemaking, provider enrollment pathways, and claims/payment systems, but those details are not included in the bill text.

Fiscal effects are not specified in the bill text; costs and savings (for example from reduced infectious disease transmission or downstream healthcare needs) would depend on program design and utilization.

Legislative status at filing: referred to the Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services. Companion House bill (HB 1701) may advance in parallel.

If you’d like, I can:
- Draft a short fiscal/operational checklist MDHHS might follow to implement coverage; or
- Compare this proposal to how other states structure Medicaid coverage for SSP services.