Report: Data analysis shows appropriate planning helped Michigan Medicaid expansion rollout

University of Michigan researchers say the initial success of the state's Medicaid expansion could be useful to others considering their plans under the Affordable Care Act.

The report is to be published Thursday in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The Healthy Michigan Plan, launched in April, enrolled nearly 328,000 people in 100 days — surpassing its first-year goal of 322,000. More than 400,000 enrolled through September.

Michigan rolled out its plan up to three months later than some states, which let residents find out more about what it offered and how to sign up. Michigan also used networks of organizations for publicity, and hired a company to take calls from potential applicants.

Researcher Dr. John Ayanian says the "initial analysis demonstrates that with appropriate planning, expansion can go smoothly."