LANSING–A new U.S. Government Accountability Office report outlines how menstrual products are not covered under traditional Medicaid health care plans, but in some instances there is partial coverage under managed care plans.

Catina Latham, the director of the GAO health care team, said some insurance companies have managed care plans that voluntarily offer coverage. Those that choose to do so can request a waiver from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that allows them to cover these services.

The GAO review found at least 25 states, including Michigan, have at least one Medicaid managed care plan that covers a range of menstrual care and over-the-counter or personal care items, Latham said. “This coverage was not offered by all the plans in each of these states.”

According to the report, Michigan offers over-the-counter and personal care item coverage of $25 per month. It includes dental care products and first aid care, as well as feminine care products,

Andrea Kerbuski, the vice president of Bellwether Public Relations which represents the Michigan Association of Health Plans, said the state Department of Health and Human Services could seek federal approval to add this benefit to its Medicaid program, but to date has not done so.

“Legislative efforts to mandate such coverage have been introduced but not passed,” Kerbuski said.

Karley Abramson, a research associate for the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, said that in addition to things like the pink tax, which exempts feminine hygiene products from the 6% state sales tax, parts of Michigan have tried to provide free menstrual products.

“Michigan could do a state mandate for that. About 27 states total have enacted legislation that does require the provisions of free menstrual products,” said Abramson. “Usually this is located either in prisons or schools or homeless shelters or other isolated locations.”

According to the Alliance for Period Supplies, a 2023-24 school year pilot program provided approximately $1 million from the state School Aid Fund for period products in schools for eight participating school districts throughout Michigan.

According to the Legislature, each eligible or at-risk student must receive at least 20 tampons or menstrual pads each month for the school year.