Mobile imaging pilot seeks $8.5 million to close Medicaid reimbursement gap for peripheral arterial disease

Rep. Farhat presented an $8.5 million request to fund a mobile outpatient imaging/intervention unit aimed at improving access to peripheral arterial disease treatment for Medicaid recipients. Amy Gannon, president and CEO of the Michigan Fitness Foundation, and a mobile‑provider representative outlined the plan to lease equipment, recruit staff, and offer services through hubs in Monroe and Dearborn with plans to expand statewide.

The presenters said the key barrier is Medicaid reimbursement rates that are below the cost of providing procedures in outpatient settings. The mobile‑provider representative said the difference between Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement for the relevant procedures is roughly $6,000 per case; the requested funds include gap funding to pilot treating about 1,000 patients and collect data intended to justify higher Medicaid payments in the future.

Committee members focused on sustainability and return on investment: how the program would be sustained after one‑time funds, what the ongoing staff and lease costs would be, and how the project would demonstrate cost savings for Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The presenters said the pilot will generate outcome data showing fewer ER visits and amputations and argued that, if Medicaid rates were adjusted based on that evidence, the service could be self‑sustaining at Medicare rates.

The committee did not vote on the request; members asked for clearer line‑item budgets and evidence supporting projected outcomes.