MDHHS awards contract for digital incentives program to CHESS Health to support Recovery Incentives Pilot

LANSING, Mich. - As part of its continued efforts to offer evidence-based treatment to Medicaid and Healthy Michigan Plan beneficiaries recovering from substance use disorder (SUD), the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is contracting with CHESS Health to provide an automated incentive manager solution as part of the state's Recovery Incentives Pilot.

The Recovery Incentives Pilot will offer contingency management, an evidence-based treatment that provides motivational incentives to people living with a substance use disorder and who are able to meet treatment goals, to eligible Medicaid and Health Michigan Plan beneficiaries. More than three decades of research shows that contingency management improves medication adherence and treatment retention through reinforcement and incentivizing positive behaviors for individuals with SUD. Contingency management can be used as a standalone intervention or in combination with other treatment options, including medications for opioid use disorder.

"The Recovery Incentives Pilot is another example of Michigan leading in addressing substance use disorder through the use of the latest evidence-based tools in prevention, treatment and recovery," said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. "CHESS Health's digital technology offers allows for customization of rewards for participants meeting their treatment goals and immediate delivery through a reloadable debit card."

The pilot is supported by federal funds and $6 million in opioid settlement funds distributed over the next three years. It is scheduled to launch in January 2025 and will run through December 2026.

Throughout the Recovery Incentives Pilot, providers will have access to the digital incentive management tool to support the delivery of incentives to beneficiaries who meet their treatment goals by providing negative urine drug tests and continuing to engage in treatment. Incentives will be delivered to beneficiaries through a reloadable debit card that can be used to purchase goods and services. Digital delivery of rewards ensures the transactions are secure and trackable and allows for thorough reporting and oversight.

"MDHHS and CHESS Health are both dedicated to improving the lives of individuals struggling with SUD," said Hans Morefield, CEO of CHESS Health. "Offering immediate and customized rewards enhances treatment engagement and retention, resulting in better outcomes for individuals with SUD."

To learn more, visit the MDHHS Recovery Incentives Pilot webpage.

For questions regarding the pilot, email [email protected].

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