In March 2010, national health care reform legislation that originally developed in the U.S. Senate passed the U.S. House of Representatives and was then signed into law by President Obama, marking a historic day in the progress towards health care coverage for all Americans.

What's New

Michigan High-risk Insurance Pool Enrollment Begins

Under national health care reform, all states must establish a high-risk insurance pool to offer coverage to individuals who have pre-existing medical conditions and may otherwise be unable to access affordable insurance. Michigan's high-risk pool will be run by the federal government but administered by an in-state private insurer. In late August, it was announced that Physicians Health Plan (PHP) of mid-Michigan will operate the state's high-risk pool, and enrollment began Aug. 31.

For individuals to enroll in the pool, they must not have had coverage for six months due to a pre-existing condition, must provide a doctor's confirmation of a qualified pre-existing condition, must provide proof of a denial of coverage, and must show proof of U.S. citizenship.

The high-risk pool, which will receive federal subsidies to help offset costs, is a temporary measure designed to bridge the gap until the implementation of other coverage provisions, such as insurance exchanges and insurance regulations, take effect in 2014. Coverage can begin as soon as Oct. 1, 2010, for individuals in the high-risk pool. Michigan residents interested in enrollment and eligibility information can call PHP at (877) 459-3113 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays or visit phpmm.org.    

MHA Member Tools

• National Health Care Reform Implementation Timeline
• National Health Care Reform Talking Points (MHA members only)
• National Health Care Reform Key Provisions (MHA members only)
• 03/22/2010 - MHA Media Statement: National Health Care Reform Legislation Passes

The Law: H.R. 3590 and H.R. 4872

• U.S. Senate Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - HR 3590
• Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010 – HR 4872

• AHA Statement on House Passage of Health Reform Bill - March 21, 2010
• AHA Letter to House Speaker Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Reid (MHA-members only)
• AHA Letter to Sen. Reid on H.R. 3590 - December 20, 2009 (MHA-members only)
• AHA, CHA, FAH Joint Statement on National Health Reform Agreement
• AHA Op Ed in the U.S. News and World Report - June 30, 2009

If you have any questions regarding the MHA's views on national health care reform, please contact Laura Appel, vice president, Federal Policy and Advocacy, at the MHA at (517) 703-8601.