Category: Member News

Healthcare Bills Advance in Michigan Legislature

Member News

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 (SB) 701 and 702 on March 4. These bipartisan bills, sponsored by Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) and Sen. Jonathan Lindsey (R-Coldwater), aim to change medical debt collection processes in the state, including restrictions on the sale of medical debt and limits on interest, among other provisions. The MHA continues to review and remains committed to engaging with legislators on opportunities to improve healthcare affordability. The bills now proceed to the full Senate for further consideration.

Also on March 4, the House Judiciary Committee approved House Bill (HB) 4582, which would restore the “open and obvious” defense for lawsuits. Sponsored by Rep. Jerry Neyer (R-Shepherd), the committee adopted a substitute that clarifies that property owners still have a duty to protect individuals from unreasonable harm. The MHA supports the legislation that moves to the full House for further consideration. 

The Senate Health Policy Committee unanimously approved SB 301 on March 4. Sponsored by Sen. Joe Bellino (R-Monroe), the MHA-supported legislation would provide a tax credit to employers whose employees take time off to serve as living organ donors. The bill now goes to the full Senate for consideration.

The House Health Policy Committee took testimony March 4 on HB 4832, sponsored by Rep. Dave Prestin (R-Cedar River). The legislation would create a state licensure process for anesthesiologist assistants to address state healthcare professional workforce shortages further. The MHA supports the legislation and encourages the committee to vote in favor of its passage.

Members with questions may contact the MHA advocacy team.

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

Hospitals Help, Uncategorized, Member News
Mackinac Straits Health System opened its retail pharmacy in St. Ignace.

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, requiring patients to travel in excess of 60 to 100 miles round trip to the next closest pharmacy.

Now, the retail pharmacy continues to prosper and provides a lifeline for rural communities in the Straits area, filling over 56,000 prescriptions annually.

The 340B program has allowed the health system to promote discounted medications, enhanced vaccination offerings and specialty care services. Created by Congress more than 30 years ago, the 340B program helps hospitals and community health centers stretch their limited resources further without using any state taxpayer dollars.

“The 340B program directly benefits patients by allowing us to stretch scarce federal resources to offer critical services including additional pharmacy access and personalized prescription delivery to those who have limited means of transportation on Mackinac Island and beyond,” said Karen Cheeseman, president and chief executive officer, Mackinac Straits Health System.

Those interested in learning more about the program can visit the 340B webpage. To read more positive hospital stories, check out more Hospitals Help webpage and the 2025 Community Impact Report.

Members with questions may contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

Register by March 13 to Attend MHA HR Conference

Member News

The deadline to register for the 2026 MHA Human Resources Conference is March 13. The conference is scheduled for March 24 at the Crowne Plaza Lansing and will bring together human resources leaders navigating rapid change, competing priorities, and rising expectations to support both organizational performance and employee wellbeing.

Matt Elliott, the conference’s closing keynote speaker, will present “The Power of &™,” a framework designed to help leaders move beyond “either/or” thinking, a common response during periods of accelerated change.

His keynote will explore how binary decision-making can limit innovation, strain teams, and contribute to burnout and how adopting “both/and” approaches can open new possibilities for organizations.

Registration for the HR Conference is $259 and members can register online by March 11. Questions about registration should be directed to Ellie Droste at the MHA. Members with questions about the conference may contact Erica Leyko at the MHA

2026 MHA Annual Membership Meeting Registration Now Open

Member News

MHA Annual Meeting logoThe 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, including public perception and affordability. Finger-pointing makes headlines, but it won’t fix healthcare challenges. Panelists Tina Freese Decker, president and CEO, Corewell Health, and Bob Riney, president and CEO, Henry Ford Health, will discuss factors driving the conversation and building a commitment to a transparent and simpler care delivery system. Public policies and regulations make hospitals the safety net for the increasing public health crisis without essential funding and flexibility to transform systems.

Richard Helppie, entrepreneur and creator of the Common Bridge podcast; Nathan Kaufman, managing director and founder of Kaufman Strategic Advisors; and James Moses, MD, chief clinical officer at Corewell Health, will discuss pain points and strategies to address them.

The MHA Annual Membership Meeting also includes the popular lawn party with games and entertainment, the ice cream social and many more relationship-building opportunities.

Members are encouraged to register by May 22 to attend this memorable event. Opportunities to sponsor the annual meeting are available through May 5. Members with questions may contact the MHA or call (517) 323-3443.

MC3 Launches Free Webinar Series on Supporting Youth in Crisis

Member News

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 Youth Risk for Behavioral Escalation series will be held biweekly on Tuesday mornings at 9 a.m. ET and will feature 30-minute presentations followed by an optional 15-minute Q&A with clinical experts.

The program was developed following meetings between MC3 leaders and emergency services and health systems teams across Michigan. Leaders reported that providers and staff often face challenges managing behavioral escalation among youth in crisis settings.

The webinars are designed for professionals working in emergency, acute and crisis environments. Sessions will cover topics such as trauma-informed care, behavioral dysregulation and strategies for supporting youth with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities.

The series is open to healthcare professionals statewide at no cost. Participants can learn more and register through MC3.

Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.

Forum to Address Transportation Barriers to Healthcare Access

Member News

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 supported, recognizing the transportation concerns frequently cited by hospitals. The event, held both in person and virtually, will bring together public health and transit leaders to discuss how transportation barriers affect healthcare access in Michigan.

Transportation continues to rank among the most frequently cited challenges facing Michigan health systems and their patients. The forum aims to bring leaders together to explore solutions and strengthen collaboration around this shared issue.

The agenda includes presentations on current transit issues across the state and the financial burden that transportation barriers place on health systems. Small group discussions will allow health system representatives to share their experiences with transit leaders and help inform future transit planning.

MHA members frequently report transportation as a barrier to care. Case managers often spend significant time arranging transportation for patients, and Community Health Needs Assessments consistently flag transportation as a challenge affecting access.

Lunch will be provided for in-person attendees. Those participating virtually will receive Zoom link information the week before the event. MHA members are encouraged to register and review the flyer for more information.

Members with questions should contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.

MDHHS Seeks Proposals for Primary Substance Abuse Prevention Programs for Youth  

Member News

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 primary prevention programs that prevent youth, ages 12 to 17, from partaking in alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Some programming ideas include increasing access to extracurricular activities, helping youth develop decision-making skills and other protective factors.  

This funding opportunity is open to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, private and public entities, local health departments, federally recognized tribes, or an Urban Indian Health Clinic program and universities.  

Funding is provided through the State of Michigan Opioid Healing and Recovery Fund. These funds are from a nationwide settlement with pharmaceutical distributors. The state plans to receive $1.8 billion from the settlement by 2040. Funds plan to be distributed to the state and directly to county, city and township governments.  

Members are encouraged to join the pre-application conference scheduled for 9 a.m. on Monday, March 9.  

Applications are due by 3 p.m. April 2 via EGrAMS. More information about this funding opportunity can be found on the EGrAMS website under “Current Grants” then “Specialty Behavioral Health Services” and finally selecting the “PSUPS-2026” grant program.   

Members with questions may contact the MHA policy team. 

MHA Opposes Federal Student Loan Proposal Affecting Healthcare Workforce

Member News

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 revise the definition of “professional student” and “professional degree” under 34 CFR 685.102, limiting enhanced federal borrowing eligibility to certain doctoral-level programs. The MHA raised concerns that the proposal does not reflect the structure of today’s healthcare workforce and could worsen existing provider shortages.

Hospitals across Michigan rely on a range of licensed health professionals, including licensed clinical social workers, professional counselors, advanced practice nurses, registered nurses and physician assistants. Many of these providers complete accredited programs, meet clinical training requirements and obtain state licenses. However, several of these programs would not qualify as “professional” under the proposed rule.

The MHA cautioned that restricting loan eligibility for these programs could discourage students from entering fields already facing workforce shortages. Nearly all rural Michigan counties are designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas for primary care and behavioral health, and many hospitals rely on master’s-level clinicians to maintain access to care.

The MHA urged the Department of Education to adopt a broader definition that reflects accreditation and licensure standards. The MHA will continue monitoring the rulemaking process and share updates with members as they become available.

Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.

MHA CEO Report — Sustaining Hospital Funding is Key to Meaningful Reform

Member News, MHA Rounds
MHA Rounds image of Brian Peters

“We can’t become what we need to be by remaining what we are.”  — Oprah Winfrey

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, reducing unnecessary administrative burden and improving transparency.MHA Rounds graphic of Brian Peters

The healthcare landscape in our country is incredibly complex, so it’s imperative to recognize no single action or one-size-fits all approach will create the substantial change we need. For decades, good-faith, reactive polices have attempted to manufacture financial stability for patients and providers by addressing immediate cost pressures, but this approach has only delayed the inevitable conversations we must have about healthcare affordability and sustainability.

Michigan hospitals continue to experience reimbursement rates that fall far below the cost of providing care and our patient population is simultaneously growing older and sicker. Hospitals are continually being asked to do more with less, but even their most innovative efficiency efforts cannot overcome reimbursement that lags far behind the growing cost and complexity of patient care. For example, general inflation rose by 14.1% from 2022 to 2024, while Medicare net inpatient payment rates increased by only 5.1% during the same time period. Access to important healthcare services is at risk when providers are reimbursed at less than the cost of care.

We’re eager to discuss long-term solutions with employers, lawmakers and other healthcare stakeholders, but we cannot address these systemic issues from our back foot. Labor, drug and supply costs are forcing hospitals, especially those in rural areas of the state, to limit services. Maintaining healthcare funding is about protecting access to care in communities across Michigan and not about preserving the status quo.

To create a more affordable system, we need one that is strong enough to withstand change. If we can pair reform and sustainability actions, we can strengthen care and lower costs for everyone long-term.

As always, I welcome your thoughts.

MHA Monday Report March 2, 2026

Member News, Monday Report

Governor Whitmer Delivers Final State of the State Address

Gov. Whitmer delivered her final State of the State address Feb. 25 before a joint session of the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, outlining priorities for the remainder of her term, including healthcare affordability. …

MHA EventsUpcoming Events Focus on Workplace Violence

The MHA is hosting two upcoming events that provide resources and insights on workplace violence in healthcare. The MHA Keystone Center and MHA Endorsed Business Partner Tarian will host the webinar, The Four Myths of Workplace Violence …

Hospitals Help: Grant Drives Maternal Safety Innovation at MyMichigan Health

Simulation training helps care teams prepare for rare, high-risk events by allowing them to practice clinical decision-making and collaboration in a safe environment. Through an equipment grant distributed by the MHA Keystone Center with funding …

The MHA February Recap 

MHA Chief Medical Officer Expresses Support for AAP Immunization Schedule

The following statement can be attributed to Gary Roth, DO, MBA, FACOS, FCCM, FACS, chief medical officer of the MHA.  The MHA supports the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) evidence-based 2026 immunization schedule and the …

Former U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow Addresses MHA Board

The MHA Board of Trustees’ Feb. 4 meeting featured a discussion with former U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, who is now a senior policy advisor with DC-based Liberty Partners Group, a bipartisan strategic consulting firm. Stabenow …

MHA Service Corporation Welcomes New Board Member and Explores Innovations

The MHA Service Corporation (MHASC) board met Feb. 4 to advance and promote current and future business services of the MHASC and its Endorsed Business Partner (EBP) Program. The board also welcomed incoming board member …

MHA Keystone Board Reviews Strategic Priorities

The MHA Keystone Center Board of Directors met Feb. 4 to review strategic priorities and key initiatives aligned with the 2025-26 MHA Strategic Action Plan. The meeting opened with a discussion focused on workplace violence …

Building Excellence Without Barriers

Every February, Black History Month invites us to pause and reflect on the pioneers who have redefined what’s possible for communities across the country — often in systems that were not designed with them in mind. …

Keckley Report

Mission Health, Asheville: Up Close and Personal

“On December 10, I had quadruple bypass surgery at Mission Hospital (MH), the HCA Healthcare facility in Asheville NC. It was necessary due to significant blockage (95%) and counsel from my long-time primary care physician at Vanderbilt, Ben Womack. …

This experience has been enlightening. I kept copious notes and continue to add to that file. My journey spans 3 months, 2 ED visits, a 5-day inpatient stay, an outpatient post-op procedure to clear fluid build-up in my lungs, a follow-up visit with Dr. Russell and the first two weeks of the rehab regimen. Observations to date: …”

Paul Keckley, Feb. 22, 2026

MHA in the News

MHA Executive Vice President Laura Appel joined WJR’s Ryan Ermanni live broadcast Feb. 25 for the station’s annual coverage of the state’s legislative and policy priorities in alignment with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the …