“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” — Peter Drucker
As we look toward the year ahead, one thing is clear: healthcare will remain at the forefront of public debate. We’ve seen time and again how healthcare delivery is shaped by policy decisions. In an election year, and at a time when families and employers alike are feeling the strain of rising healthcare costs, it is more important than ever to prioritize electing policymakers who are committed to working alongside those serving our communities every day to develop thoughtful, informed solutions.
Despite rising costs for highly skilled clinical and non-clinical labor, medications, medical supplies, emerging medical technology and cybersecurity, along with persistent workforce shortages and supply chain challenges, hospitals continue to put patients first. They remain committed to delivering safe, high-quality care, even as they treat older, sicker patient populations – many of whom experience food insecurity, housing challenges and transportation barriers. Hospitals are open 24/7/365. There are no days off. We treat the most complex cases, often with multiple comorbidities and the attendant risk that accompanies them. And we don’t refuse care to patients based on their ability – or inability – to pay.
All of this comes at a cost, and while we own our share of the affordability crisis, as we pointed out in a recent op-ed, pointing the finger solely at hospitals is patently unfair. As healthcare takes center stage this election cycle, it is critical that these realities are reflected in policy discussions.
Toward the end of 2025, we saw a preview of how legislation will influence coverage, reimbursement and accessibility in 2026. More than a half a million Michiganders received healthcare coverage through an Affordable Care Act health plan in 2025. With the loss of enhanced premium tax credits, more than 50 percent of those individuals are expected to forgo coverage due to costs. We’ve seen this movie before: loss of coverage and rising levels of uncompensated care is what led directly to the passage of the Affordable Care Act.
We know that when individuals delay or opt out of care because of cost, the consequences are far-reaching. Patients who could have received lifesaving, preventive care from a primary care provider instead arrive in emergency rooms needing more complex, intensive treatment after their condition worsens. This system does not work for anyone. As more individuals seek emergency and hospital care without coverage, it drives up costs and limits access to care for patients and families throughout our communities.
As we repeatedly pointed out during the debate over the federal reconciliation bill, H.R. 1, the healthcare ecosystem is complex and interrelated. When hospital reimbursement is cut in the Medicaid or Medicare programs – or if insurance market changes result in fewer individuals with comprehensive coverage – the resulting service line reductions or eliminations affect everyone in the community. As a result, everyone involved in delivering and supporting healthcare has a shared responsibility to address the affordability crisis. In 2026, we have the opportunity to come together for critical conversations about the future of healthcare. Hospitals remain committed to uplifting solutions that ensure healthcare remains within reach for all.
As always, I welcome your thoughts.
MHA Keystone Center Annual Report Highlights Safety and Quality Initiatives
