Medicaid Messenger
January to March 2026 Changes Due by November 7
Staff Pool's are open for editing for the January to March 2026 quarter. All Staff Pool updates are due November 7th.
Quick tips for ensuring your Staff Pool is up to date:
- Change the tab at the top of your PCG screen to the January to March 2026 quarter.
- Review your vacant positions before adding a new position. You can make changes to any of the category drop downs in the January to March quarter if needed, such as changing a shift.
- Remember, when adding a person to a vacancy, especially for direct service, the person you are adding MUST have the same credentials as the position they are filling. For example, if you are filling a Licensed Masters Social Worker position, the person you are adding must also be a Licensed Masters Social Worker.
- Verify Licensure of Direct Service staff by checking the LARA website:
- https://aca-prod.accela.com/MILARA/GeneralProperty/PropertyLookUp.aspx?isLicensee=Y&TabName=APO
- Verify Teacher and Psychologist certification by checking MOECS website:
- https://mdoe.state.mi.us/moecs/PublicCredentialSearch.aspx
4. Staff Pool Lists for January to March 2026 must be certified no later than November 7.
Before Clicking Add, Check Available Vacancies
Vacancies are placeholders for positions that your district is actively searching to hire someone for and plans on filling before the end of the quarter.
Please check your available vacancy positions before clicking the Add button when adding staff to your Staff Pool list. If you are adding a new Personal Care Aide/Paraprofessional and you have a vacant Personal Care position in your Pool, click the Vacancy link that is underlined in blue. You will then be able to make edits tailored to your new hire's position with your district or academy.
Don't forget, a Random Moment Time Study (RMTS) can be assigned to vacant positions and these moments do not reflect working time. Reducing vacancy moments increases the chance the RMTS survey answers will capture a reimbursable activity from participants.
New staff who are on your Staff Pool list must be set up in MISTAR. Not only do they need to be assigned a username and password, but they also need to be set up with a Medicaid Credential.
These credentials give the staff access to the Service Tracker module and it lets the system know, based on the staff certification, the correct procedure codes staff can bill for, based on their confirmed licensure.
Please see the instructions below on how to set up Medicaid Credentials in MISTAR.