Category: MHA In The News

Media Roundup: Protecting Healthcare Access & Improving Affordability

Member News, MHA In The News

The MHA garnered significant media coverage following the introduction of House Bills 6116-6119 June 18. Immediately after the bills were introduced, the MHA issued a statement that was included in coverage from multiple outlets, including Crain’s Detroit Business, MLive, The Detroit News, Fierce Healthcare, Becker’s Hospital Review and others.

Adam Carlson, senior vice president, advocacy, MHA, and Ben Frederick, associate vice president of advocacy & government relations, Memorial Healthcare, testified before the House Government Operations Committee June 25 in opposition to the legislation. Following the hearing, the MHA issued an additional statement outlining the access and workforce challenges the legislation would create if enacted

Several media organizations reported on the MHA’s testimony, including The Detroit News, Crain’s Detroit Business, MIRS and others.

MHA CEO Brian Peters co-authored a piece in Crain’s Detroit Business with Michigan Association of Health Plans CEO Dominick Pallone outlining policy solutions that address the healthcare affordability crisis without threatening access to care.

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

Crain’s: Sturgis Hospital closure fuels fears for rural care in Michigan

Member News, MHA In The News, Rural Health Updates

Lauren LaPine-Ray, vice president, policy & rural health, MHA, and executive director, MHA Center of Rural Excellence, spoke with Crain’s Detroit Business following the June 16 closure announcement for Sturgis Hospital.

LaPine-Ray highlighted the significant financial strain facing Michigan’s rural hospitals, emphasizing the disproportionate impact of rising costs, lower patient volumes and declining Medicaid payments on these providers.

During the interview, she noted that Michigan’s two most recent hospital closures occurred before the Medicaid reductions outlined in H.R. 1 take effect, raising concerns about additional closures once the cuts are implemented.

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

Media Roundup: Mackinac Policy Conference

Member News, MHA In The News

During the Mackinac Policy Conference MHA CEO Brian Peters sat down with leaders across the state to discuss advancing more collaborative, affordable and outcomes-driven care across Michigan.

Peters joined Paula Cunningham, Michael Patrick Shiels and Rep. Kathy Schmaltz (R-Jackson) on Michigan’s Big Show on iHeartRadio to discuss the important role family caregivers play as extensions of healthcare teams.

During the interview, Peters and Rep. Schmaltz discussed legislation she introduced to alleviate the financial burden family caregivers face through a tax credit. Peters emphasized that when caregivers are prepared and supported, patients are more likely to recover safely at home, which ultimately improves healthcare costs for everyone.

In addition, Peters joined the A Healthier Michigan podcast to discuss the shift away from the traditional fee-for-service reimbursement model, which pays for the volume of care provided, and moving toward value-based care that rewards better patient outcomes.

Throughout the interview, Peters stressed that meaningful progress requires stronger collaboration and shared accountability to improve patient care while making healthcare more affordable and accessible.

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

Peters Provides Context to Insurer-Hospital Contract Negotiations

Member News, MHA In The News, Top Issues - Healthcare

The MHA received coverage in a May 12 Crain’s Detroit Business story examining insurance contract negotiations with hospitals.

In the article, MHA CEO Brian Peters emphasized that reimbursement contracts between hospitals and insurance companies often span multiple years, which can create a challenging environment for hospitals as cost pressures change.

“Negotiations are necessary to address gaps between current market costs and reimbursement rates. While hospitals make every effort to avoid disputes, negotiations are part of the process of maintaining fair, sustainable agreements that ensure hospitals can continue providing access to healthcare services in their communities.”

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

Media Recap: Behavioral Health and Drug Manufacturer Pressures

MHA In The News

Common Ground published a story April 28 detailing Michigan’s behavioral health landscape. Lauren LaPine-Ray, DrPH, MPH, vice president, policy & rural health, was cited throughout the article highlighting growing concern about emergency department (ED) boarding. LaPine-Ray notes that hospitals are increasingly serving as the default entry point for patients experiencing mental health crises due to gaps in the behavioral health system. She shared the staggering number of patients – more than 155 – in Michigan emergency departments each day waiting for behavioral health services.

MHA CEO Brian Peters pushed back on a Michigan Health Purchasers Coalition report that falsely represents the federal 340B drug discount program in an article published by MIRS April 29.

Peters highlights the report’s flawed methodology and urges the coalition’s members to engage with Michigan hospitals on solutions that address the real drivers behind rising healthcare costs like the prices set by drug manufacturers.

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

Media Attends Press Conference Highlighting Impacts of Medicaid Cuts

Member News, MHA In The News

Adam Carlson, senior vice president, advocacy, MHA, joined JJ Hodshire, president and chief executive officer, Hillsdale Hospital, for a press conference April 17 to discuss how proposed cuts to Medicaid will further destabilize hospitals already experiencing financial strain.

Carlson urged Congress to reconsider or delay cuts outlined in H.R.1.

“Congress can still take action as these cuts continue to ramp up to stop them, to delay them, to look at other measures where they can support health care and really support rural health care across our state,” Carlson told WLNS-TV.

WILX-TV also covered the round table discussion.

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

WJR Spotlight Highlights the Importance of the 340B Drug Pricing Program

Member News, MHA In The News

Elizabeth Kutter, vice president and deputy general counsel, MHA, joined Paul W. Smith for a WJR Spotlight interview April 9 about the value the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program brings to Michigan communities.

The conversation explored how hospitals use 340B savings to reinvest directly into patient care by maintaining or expanding services, lowering out-of-pocket costs and supporting community health initiatives.

The segment also addressed ongoing pressure from drug manufacturers to enact policy changes that would weaken the program through restrictions that would impact healthcare access, especially in rural communities. Kutter emphasized how the program operates at no cost to taxpayers and allows hospitals to stretch limited resources as drug, labor and supply costs continue to rise.

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

Media Recap: Coverage Highlights MHA Insights on Access, Affordability and Innovation

Member News, MHA In The News
Laura Appel, executive vice president, government relations and public policy, MHA, during a panel discussion at the Lake Superior Community Partnership Breakfast & Business event.

The MHA received media coverage during the week of March 30 following Executive Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy Laura Appel’s participation in two panels focused on key healthcare challenges and opportunities.

WZMQ covered the Lake Superior Community Partnership’s Breakfast & Business event, where Appel and Lauren LaPine-Ray, DrPH, MPH, vice president, policy & rural health, MHA, discussed the unique healthcare landscape and challenges in the Upper Peninsula. Appel and LaPine-Ray emphasized how federal policy decisions could impact access to care and economic stability in the region.

The Michigan Daily reported on the Blueprints for Pangaea Healthcare Business Gala, which included a panel presentation in which Appel discussed the need for cross‑sector collaboration to address healthcare access and affordability.

MLive published a story on projected Medicaid coverage losses following the passage of H.R. 1. MHA CEO Brian Peters was quoted in the article discussing the long-term impact on Michigan hospitals.

“For Michigan hospitals alone, that number is north of $6 billion in negative impact over that 10-year horizon,” said Peters. “You cannot take $6 billion out of the hospital funding line without severe consequences in terms of access to patient care.”

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

Healthcare Access Policy Developments Draw Media Attention

Member News, MHA In The News

The MHA received media coverage during the week of March 23 on key issues affecting access to care and the healthcare workforce.

MLive, Gongwer and the Michigan Advance reported on the bipartisan agreement to extend Michigan’s participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. MHA CEO Brian Peters was quoted in the articles emphasizing how the compact helps hospitals recruit qualified physicians more efficiently while maintaining critical state oversight.

Peters underscored the importance of participation in the compact, especially in areas where workforce shortages can limit patient access to specialty services.

“For many hospitals, especially those serving rural or border communities, the compact supports access to care in high-demand specialties such as emergency medicine, psychiatry, obstetrics and primary care,” he said.

Laura AppelLaura Appel, executive vice president, government relations & public policy, was featured in Michigan Independent’s coverage surrounding Gov. Whitmer’s executive budget recommendations to fund Michigan’s Medicaid program.

Appel highlights the challenges hospitals will face if more Michiganders lose healthcare coverage.

The MHA was also quoted in a Bridge Michigan story examining increased federal immigration enforcement activity near healthcare facilities, reiterating that hospitals remain focused on caring for every patient who seeks treatment. Meanwhile, Peters also appears in an MLive article about sharing the impact of Medicaid funding cuts to hospitals.

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

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.