Category: Member News

MHA Monday Report March 16, 2026

Member News, Monday Report

Medical Debt Legislation Clears Senate, MHA-Supported Bills Advance in the House

Legislation addressing medical debt collection processes and hospital financial assistance policies passed the Michigan Senate, while the House of Representatives moved MHA-supported bills during the week of March 9.  The Senate voted in support of Senate Bills 449, 450 and 451 as well as …

Healthcare Leadership Award Nominations Due March 27

The MHA is now accepting nominations for the annual Healthcare Leadership Award, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership within their healthcare organization and community. Trustees, executives, physicians, nurses and other outstanding leaders are eligible for consideration. …

DEA Final Rule Takes Effect for EMS Controlled Substances

A new Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) final rule took effect March 9, codifying regulations enacted in 2017 within the Controlled Substances Act related to the handling of controlled substances by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) …

Health Access & Community Impact Council Focuses on Food as Medicine

The MHA Health Access & Community Impact Council convened virtually March 5 to discuss strategies to improve health outcomes through stronger integration of social and clinical care. In recognition of National Nutrition Month, members also explored …

Applications Open for 2027 AHA Foster G. McGaw Prize

The American Hospital Association (AHA) is accepting applications for the annual 2027 AHA Foster G. McGaw Prize now through May 5, 2026. The prize celebrates hospitals and health systems that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to …

Hospitals Help: Bronson Healthcare Guides Patients Through Billing, Benefits and Financial Support

Navigating healthcare billing and out-of-pocket costs can be overwhelming. In order to let patients focus on healing, many hospitals are expanding the role of financial counselors, social workers and patient navigators. For example, financial counselors …

Keckley Report

Healthcare Workforce Modernization Needed

“Last week, the war in Iran intensified and Kristi Noem’s tenure as DHS Secretary came to an unceremonious close. Perhaps lost in the noise was the February jobs report issued Friday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It showed a surprising decline in job growth prompting speculation the economy might have taken a downward turn. …

Healthcare is capital intense: it needs appropriations from government and in-flows from employers and individual taxpayers to pay its bills. Most of that pays for its labor costs. Today, most Board agenda include updates on labor relations, human resource management issues and workforce adequacy—it’s standard fare. And all weigh options to outsource and devour progress reports from HR management on AI-enabled investments anticipated to reduce labor costs. …

If the overall economy is dependent on healthcare to produce an appropriate share of job growth while reducing overall costs, modernizing its workforce is key. It must include unpaid caregivers, licensed and unlicensed providers and technology-enabled solution providers—not just traditional licensed professional groups and their academic partners. That’s not going to happen in the current political environment where each sector’s primary focus is protecting reimbursement and guarding against scope of practice threats.

The health system needs transformation. Workforce modernization is where to start.”

Paul Keckley, March 8, 2026

New to KnowNews to Know

  • The MHA membership will convene in person for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting June 24–26.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner CyberForce|Q is hosting the Navigating AI’s Impact on Cyber Hygiene webinar March 25 from noon-1 p.m. ET.

MHA in the News

The MHA partnered with Crain’s Content Studio to facilitate a healthcare affordability discussion, which was highlighted in its Detroit and Grand Rapids publications. Healthcare and business leaders examined the complex factors driving healthcare costs and …

News to Know – March 16, 2026

Member News
New to Know
  • New to KnowThe MHA membership will convene in person for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting June 24–26. The annual meeting will feature an outstanding lineup of experts discussing key topics, including public perception and affordability. Members are encouraged to register by May 22 to attend this memorable event. Members with questions may contact the MHA or call (517) 323-3443.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner CyberForce|Q is hosting the Navigating AI’s Impact on Cyber Hygiene webinar March 25 from noon-1 p.m. ET. This session will include insights from Doug Copley, chief information security officer, AtlantiCare Health System, who will explore what effective cyber hygiene looks like in an AI‑powered environment, going beyond traditional best practices to address emerging risks. Members are encouraged to register or contact Rob Wood at the MHA with questions.

MHA Members and Business Leaders Join Crain’s for Healthcare Affordability Roundtable

Member News, MHA In The News

The MHA partnered with Crain’s Content Studio to facilitate a healthcare affordability discussion, which was highlighted in its Detroit and Grand Rapids publications.

Healthcare and business leaders examined the complex factors driving healthcare costs and its impact on both patients and employers. Participants emphasized that meaningful change will require coordination across the healthcare system, including providers, insurers, businesses and policymakers.

Hospital leaders highlighted existing efforts to improve efficiency, reduce administrative burden and expand new care models that help keep patients healthier and out of the hospital.

The discussion reinforced Michigan hospitals’ commitment to addressing affordability while maintaining access to high-quality care.

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

Applications Open for 2027 AHA Foster G. McGaw Prize

Member News

The American Hospital Association (AHA) is accepting applications for the annual 2027 AHA Foster G. McGaw Prize now through May 5, 2026. The prize celebrates hospitals and health systems that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to community health and well-being.

Winning organizations ensure regular community health assessments are completed, community-wide planning and co-design of programs and services are conducted and transparent outcome metrics are tracked to ensure accountability and progress. Past winners have co-created mental health crisis clinics, expanded housing options to help people transition out of homelessness and used strategic investments to expand capacity in vital community benefit organizations.

The award will honor one winner and up to three finalists who will be recognized at the 2027 AHA Leadership Summit in San Diego. Members who are improving community health and well-being through leadership and community partnerships in Michigan are encouraged to apply.

Members interested in learning more are encouraged to visit the AHA website. Those with questions may contact the AHA.

Medical Debt Legislation Clears Senate, MHA-Supported Bills Advance in the House

Member News

Legislation addressing medical debt collection processes and hospital financial assistance policies passed the Michigan Senate, while the House of Representatives moved MHA-supported bills during the week of March 9. 

The Senate voted in support of Senate Bills (SB) 449, 450 and 451 as well as SBs 701 and 702. The bipartisan three-bill package, SBs 449-451, codifies the existence of hospital financial assistance programs (FAPs), creates new reporting requirements on the benefits provided by FAPs and prohibits medical debt from being reported by credit bureaus. The bills, sponsored by Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) and Sen. Jonathan Lindsey (R-Coldwater), require the following: 

  • Hospitals to develop and implement a FAP that provides up to a 100% discount based on a sliding scale for an uninsured patient whose annual income is at or below 350% of federal poverty guidelines. The FAP must also apply to patients who owe the hospital an unpaid bill greater than 30% of their annual income. 
  • Hospitals to post information about the FAP on bills, invoices and the hospital website. 
  • Hospitals to submit an annual report to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) stating the number of applications to the hospital’s FAP and the benefits provided by the FAP in a given year. 
  • The state to create a process allowing hospitals to check patient income eligibility. 
  • Prohibits consumer reporting agencies from including medical debt in consumer credit reports. 

Additionally, SBs 701-702 aim to change medical debt collection processes in the state, including restrictions on the sale of medical debt and limits on interest.  

Each bill was approved by the full Senate and has been referred to the House of Representatives for further review and consideration. The MHA secured several key amendments to the legislation and will continue engaging with lawmakers as the process continues. 

Additionally, the House of Representatives acted on several healthcare-related bills this week, including House Bill (HB) 4582, SB 398, and HB 5281. The full House voted 58-48 on HB 4582, sponsored by Rep. Jerry Neyer (R-Shepherd), which clarifies Michigan’s premises liability law. The bill has now been referred to the Senate for consideration. SB 398, sponsored by Sen. Joe Bellino (R-Monroe), modifies opioid treatment program requirements under the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, and was supported by the House Health Policy Committee.  The Behavioral Health Integration Council previously engaged with bill sponsors on SB 398 and other opioid use disorder bills, resulting in the MHA’s support. The House Judiciary Committee also took testimony on HB 5281. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Mike Harris (R-Waterford Township), would regulate third-party litigation funding transactions and require transparency measures. The MHA supports these bills and looks forward to their progress through the legislative process. 

Members with questions may contact the MHA advocacy team. 

Health Access & Community Impact Council Focuses on Food as Medicine

Member News

The MHA Health Access & Community Impact Council convened virtually on March 5 to discuss strategies to improve health outcomes through stronger integration of social and clinical care. In recognition of National Nutrition Month, members also explored how Food as Medicine initiatives are being implemented across Michigan health systems.

Nutrition plays an essential role in improving health and preventing chronic disease, yet many communities continue to face barriers to accessing healthy food. Council members discussed how hospitals and community partners are working to address nutrition insecurity and expand Food as Medicine programs.

The meeting opened with organizational storyboards highlighting how health systems are working to improve health outcomes, expand access and strengthen community partnerships. Members shared examples of strategies integrating social care into clinical practice, including embedding social needs data into dashboards, expanding community-informed approaches and using geographic insights to better understand barriers such as transportation, behavioral health access and financial strain.

Hospitals are also piloting innovative models, including food support programs and virtual care, to better serve rural and underserved communities.

The discussion also included insights from a cross‑sector community development initiative, highlighting how coordinated work across healthcare, economic opportunity and community design can improve conditions in under-resourced communities. Members emphasized that strong internal leadership alignment is essential to sustain community-focused progress.

The council received a legislative update, highlighting potential coverage disruptions, Medicaid redetermination challenges, physician licensure risks and evolving hospital finance pressures. Council members were encouraged to use the MHA Action Center to engage lawmakers in protecting healthcare funding.

During the meeting, Lucy Ciaramitaro, director, communications, MHA, shared more about the Hospitals Help statewide storytelling campaign that elevates high-impact hospital stories to support public awareness and trust.

Dawn Opel, JD, PhD, chief innovation officer and general counsel, Food Bank Council of Michigan, delivered an in‑depth overview of Michigan’s Food as Medicine landscape, including the Medicaid In Lieu of Services benefit. While Michigan is a national leader in this space, program uptake remains low due to clinical integration barriers, unclear workflows, inconsistent referral pathways and limited data sharing between health and food systems. Food insecurity in Michigan continues to increase, placing additional pressure on hospitals and community partners and underscoring the need for aligned strategies.

The meeting concluded with a discussion of council subgroups developing guidebooks and recommendations for scalable community health strategies related to quality improvement, patient experience, community partnerships and clinical social care integration.

Members are encouraged to map current Food as Medicine partnerships to identify gaps in referrals, data sharing or workflows. Hospitals may also engage patients and staff to assess social-needs screening workflows, focusing on timing, roles and follow-up capacity.

The council also highlighted several resources for hospitals, including the 2025 Michigan Food as Medicine Summit materials and the Aspen Institute Food is Medicine Research Action Plan.

Members with questions about the council’s work should contact Ewa Panetta at the MHA.

DEA Final Rule Takes Effect for EMS Controlled Substances

Member News

A new Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) final rule took effect March 9, codifying regulations enacted in 2017 within the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) related to the handling of controlled substances by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies.

While many provisions reiterate existing statutory requirements, the rule creates a process allowing EMS agencies to register with the DEA. It remains unclear whether EMS agencies must register with the DEA or if the rule creates an alternative to operating under a hospital’s existing DEA registration (the current process in Michigan).

If the rule requires EMS agencies to register with the DEA, it would conflict with the state’s current statutory framework, which does not allow EMS agencies to obtain their own controlled substance licenses.

Michigan’s Current Framework

Three key aspects of Michigan law include:

  • Hospital pharmacies own and maintain inventory of all EMS medications; EMS agencies serve only as custodians.
  • EMS agencies are ineligible for a state-controlled substance license under the current statute.
  • Existing MDHHS licensure and Medical Control Authority protocols authorize EMS agencies to administer controlled substances but not to purchase, own or independently store them.

MHA Actions

The MHA has engaged key stakeholders, including Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, the Michigan Pharmacists Association, the Michigan Board of Pharmacy and the Michigan Association of Ambulance Services — as well as the Michigan DEA Field Office to provide guidance. DEA staff have informally recommended a “business as usual” approach and the MHA is working to obtain a more formal written statement.

MDHHS Bureau of Emergency Preparedness, EMS and Systems of Care released a memo on March 6 outlining that Michigan’s existing custodial framework and EMS licensure protocols remain sufficient to comply with the new rule and reaffirm the DEA position of “business as usual.”

The MHA believes this clarification will allow Michigan hospitals and EMS agencies to continue operating under current processes without disruption and will share further direction from the DEA when available.

Members with questions should contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.

Healthcare Leadership Award Nominations Due March 27

Member News

The MHA is now accepting nominations for the annual Healthcare Leadership Award, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership within their healthcare organization and community. Trustees, executives, physicians, nurses and other outstanding leaders are eligible for consideration.

Members are encouraged to submit individuals for consideration by completing the electronic nomination form by 5 p.m. on March 27.

Nominees must represent an MHA-member organization in good standing and have been actively involved with their healthcare organization within the past three years. Award recipients will be honored during the MHA Annual Membership Meeting in June and nominators will be asked to submit video recognition to be played during the award presentation.

For additional information, please contact Erica Leyko at the MHA.

Hospitals Help: Bronson Healthcare Guides Patients Through Billing, Benefits and Financial Support

Member News, Hospitals Help

Navigating healthcare billing and out-of-pocket costs can be overwhelming. In order to let patients focus on healing, many hospitals are expanding the role of financial counselors, social workers and patient navigators.

For example, financial counselors at Bronson Healthcare meet patients where they are. Financial counselors are available whether a person enters through the emergency room or comes in for scheduled surgery, providing price estimates, financial aid resources and insurance guidance for those who need it.

David Cavataio, director of patient accounting, Bronson Healthcare, oversees a team of 15 financial counselors strategically placed across four locations. Their mission is simple but powerful: catch patients before they fall into financial crisis.

“We’ve tried to build it where no matter where you go, we get you to the right people to help you,” said Cavataio.

The Bronson team doesn’t wait for patients to ask for help. Instead, they use admissions data to anticipate and identify who may qualify for financial assistance or Medicaid coverage. From there, a dedicated team handles upfront estimates and trained call center staff connect patients to resources and support to navigate the billing process.

Patients who receive timely guidance tend to follow treatment plans and maintain long-term relationships with their providers. The challenge? Trust. Many patients are skeptical when counselors first approach them.

“A lot of patients, when they first see our counselors, don’t trust them,” said Cavataio. “But if they see how hard our team works to help them and how we’ll drop everything to get the information they need, help them fill out forms, I think they see that we’re a partner.”

This is also a strategic choice for hospitals. When patients enroll in financial-aid programs, the amount of unpaid medical debt decreases, fewer accounts are sent to collections and administrative costs decline. In 2023 alone, Michigan hospitals paid more than $3.5 billion in uncompensated care.

Efforts to build trust at Bronson are paying off. According to the team, Medicaid applications have jumped 25% this year. Financial assistance applications are up 40%. These statistics represent thousands of Michigan families who can now afford the care they need.

“The call from your financial team was like a beacon in a storm,” said one patient. “I was about to quit my job so I could qualify for state assistance. I was near rock bottom. That changed after five minutes with the team.”

State policymakers are also moving to strengthen these efforts. Initiatives such as the 2024 medical debt-relief program have helped thousands of Michiganders reduce or eliminate existing debt.

“We’re there to help,” said Cavataio. “At Bronson Healthcare, those aren’t empty words; they’re a daily practice that’s keeping Michigan families out of medical debt and healthy, one patient at a time.”

To learn more about Medical Financial Assistance at Bronson Healthcare, visit their website. Members with questions or content ideas for the Hospitals Help series may contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report March 9, 2026

Member News, Monday Report

Healthcare Bills Advance in Michigan Legislature

Several healthcare-related bills advanced in the Michigan Legislature during the week of March 2, including proposals addressing medical debt, liability protections, organ donation incentives and workforce shortages. The Senate Finance Committee advanced Senate Bills …

Action Alert: Legislature Begins Budget Process

House and Senate Appropriations subcommittees have begun work on the fiscal year 2027 state budget, which begins Oct. 1. The MHA has created a new action alert encouraging individuals to contact lawmakers and emphasize the importance of …

2026 MHA Annual Membership Meeting Registration Now Open

The MHA membership will convene in person for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting June 24–26 at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. The annual meeting will feature an outstanding lineup of experts discussing key topics, …

MHA Opposes Federal Student Loan Proposal Affecting Healthcare Workforce

The MHA recently submitted a comment letter opposing the U.S. Department of Education’s proposed rule that would change how certain graduate health programs qualify for federal student loan programs under H.R. 1. The proposal would …

Register by March 13 to Attend MHA HR Conference

The deadline to register for the 2026 MHA Human Resources Conference is March 11. The conference is scheduled for March 24 at the Crowne Plaza Lansing and will bring together human resources leaders navigating rapid …

Hospitals Expand Food Access Through Community Benefit Collaboratives

As many observe National Nutrition Month, hospitals across the state are implementing programs to address chronic disease through nutrition education and expanded food access. This work is being done through the MHA Community Benefit Collaboratives, which support efforts to improve Michiganders’ health outcomes in …

MDHHS Seeks Proposals for Primary Substance Abuse Prevention Programs for Youth  

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) released a grant funding opportunity March 4 to provide support to organizations implementing primary substance use prevention programs for children and youth. The goal of this program is to support organizations to deliver …

Forum to Address Transportation Barriers to Healthcare Access

Transportation Riders United (TRU) will host MI Public Health in Motion: Health and Transit Forum March 19 from noon to 2 p.m. ET. TRU is a Michigan-based transit advocacy organization whose work the MHA has …

MC3 Launches Free Webinar Series on Supporting Youth in Crisis

Michigan Clinical Consultation & Care (MC3) is launching a free virtual education series beginning March 10 to help healthcare professionals better support children and adolescents experiencing behavioral health crises. The Practical Strategies to Support …

Hospitals Help: Mackinac Straits Retail Pharmacy Serves as a Lifeline in Northern Michigan

Mackinac Straits Health System opened its retail pharmacy in St. Ignace following valuable feedback from the community. Previously, the community lacked access to pharmacy services on weekends and holidays. This created additional barriers to care, …

MHA Rounds graphic of Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — Sustaining Hospital Funding is Key to Meaningful Reform

Michiganders heard a clear message from our state and federal leaders last week: healthcare is too expensive and the system is flawed. We agree. Michigan hospitals are deeply invested in providing timely and accessible care, …

Keckley Report

The Other F Bomb in Healthcare: FRAUD (especially Medicaid)

“40 minutes into the 108-minute State of the Union address Tuesday night, the President laid out his healthcare policy priorities for 2026 and after:

  • Increased focus on price transparency (building on 2021 and 2022 Executive Orders that targeted hospitals and insurers).
  • Increased use of Most Favored Nation pricing agreements to lower prescription drug costs.
  • Increased adoption of Health Savings Accounts by individuals who lost premium tax credits (aka ‘ill-conceived elements of “Obamacare).

These are the backbone of the President’s “Great Healthcare Plan” (January 15, 2026) that is premised on his view that the healthcare system is fundamentally flawed because consumer interests are not served. His plan reckons consolidation and corporatization in the $5.3 trillion U.S. healthcare enterprise as business strategies to profit operators (hospitals, medical practitioners, insurers, long-term care providers), suppliers (drugs, supplies, technologies, facilities), regulators and advisors at the expense of consumers. It posits that increased competition, less regulation, more transparency and a more direct role for consumers are necessary changes. …

FRAUD is the new F bomb in healthcare. It rallies industry critics to a common purpose. Medicaid is only the start.”

Paul Keckley, March 1, 2026

MHA in the News

KFF Health News published a story March 4 detailing concerns from hospital leaders and lawmakers across the country about how states plan to spend new federal rural health funding. The $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program …