Bridge Michigan published a story May 7 detailing how federal funding cuts to Medicaid will further exacerbate rural hospitals’ capacity to treat and transport patients requiring more specialized care.

Lauren LaPine-Ray, DrPH, MPH, vice president, policy & rural health, MHA, and executive director, MHA Center of Rural Excellence, is featured throughout the story highlighting existing barriers with medical transport and warning how Medicaid cuts could further limit local services, increasing the need to transfer more patients to higher-acuity facilities.

In the article, LaPine-Ray outlines how lawmakers can reduce strain on hospitals and EMS providers:

• Create a new license type specifically for transporting psychiatric patients, freeing ambulances for other needs. Two bills pending in the state Senate would do so.
• Review regulations surrounding ambulance services — both ground and air — to cut red tape.
• Invest in paramedic and emergency medical technician training and recruitment to help reduce the shortages straining the system.

Members with questions regarding media requests should contact Elise Gonzales at the MHA.

Phone: (517) 323-3443
Fax: (517) 323-0946

Phone: (517) 703-8601
Fax: (517) 703-0628