Category: MHA In The News

Lee Discusses AI in Healthcare

Top Issues - Healthcare, Issues in Healthcare, MHA In The News
Jim Lee speaks with Mid-Michigan NOW about AI.
Jim Lee speaks with Mid-Michigan NOW about AI.
Jim Lee speaks with Mid-Michigan NOW about AI.

Jim Lee, senior vice president, data policy & analytics, MHA, appeared in a story about artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare aired by Mid-Michigan NOW on April 23.

Lee discussed how AI is being used by hospitals and providers to assist with medical data and information and to reduce administrative burden.

“AI and healthcare is sort of like having a super smart assistant that helps doctors and nurses by quickly sorting through mountains of data and medical information,” said Lee.

Lansing political news outlet Gongwer also published two articles on April 23 that quote MHA representatives.

MHA CEO Brian Peters appeared in a story covering the newly launch Protect MI Care coalition to protect against Medicaid funding cuts.

“[Medicaid is] the financial lifeline that keeps hospitals, mental health providers and nursing homes open,” said Peters. “Cuts at this scale would lead to facility closures, creating health care deserts that hurt everyone, regardless of how they’re insured.”

MHA Chief Nursing Officer Amy Brown also appeared in an article following her testimony in the House Health Policy Committee in support of House Bill 4246, which would add Michigan to the nurse licensure compact.

“An important tactic to improve our ability as a state to attract talent and make it easy for nurses to choose Michigan to practice is to join the nurse license compact,” said Brown. “Hospitals continue to prioritize recruitment and retention efforts, but with the aging demographics of our state and the lack of participation in the compact hinder our ability to recruit younger nurses to replace the many nurses nearing and entering retirement.”

Members with any questions regarding media requests should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

MHA Pushes Back Against Lown Institute Report in Crain’s

MHA In The News

MHA CEO Brian Peters was quoted in a Crain’s Grand Rapids article pushing back against the release of a Lown Institute report about Michigan nonprofit hospital community benefit spending.

The report intentionally omits IRS Form 990 categories, including Medicaid payment shortfall and health professional education, which significantly reduces a hospital’s community benefit contributions. Peter’s statement provided to Crain’s criticized the Lown Institute methodology, while highlighting the impact that providing care to those with Medicaid coverage has on a community. Peters also uplifted the importance of health professional education in increasing the numbers of providers while the country continues to experience a shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly in rural Michigan.

“The latest version of the Lown Institute’s report on community benefit activities of nonprofit hospitals remains flawed, shortsighted and fails to highlight all the important programs and services hospitals and health systems provide to their communities and patients,” said Peters. “It is irresponsible to intentionally ignore these categories that make a significant difference in Michigan’s communities and the viability of hospitals.”

MHA Executive Vice President Laura Appel also joined state officials and leaders at Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital April 18 to discuss the negative impacts of potential cuts to Medicaid funding on patient care and the financial health of rural hospitals and their local communities. Speakers included Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Elizabeth Hertel, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) Director Susan Corbin and Munson Healthcare President and CEO Ed Ness. LEO published a press release, while media outlets including Cadillac News, UpNorthLive and WWMT News 3 published stories that day on the subject.

Members with any questions regarding media requests should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

Medicaid & Pediatric Behavioral Health Media Coverage

Issues in Healthcare, MHA In The News, Top Issues - Healthcare
Laura Appel speaks with 9&10 News.
Laura Appel speaks with 9&10 News.
Laura Appel speaks with 9&10 News.

The MHA received media coverage the week of April 7 on potential Medicaid funding cuts, pediatric behavioral health and healthcare costs.

9&10 News aired a story April 9 on potential federal Medicaid funding cuts. MHA Executive Vice President Laura Appel spoke with 9&10 News, explaining how the cuts would specifically impact rural healthcare. Representatives from McLaren Health Care and Munson Healthcare also appeared in the story.

“In our rural areas, we have small populations, and some of them are also shrinking, which makes it that much harder to sustain certain services because of the fixed costs being spread over so few people,” said Appel. “When we lose a labor and delivery unit, we lose it for that entire population.”

Lauren LaPineSecond Wave Michigan published a story April 8 about how Michigan hospitals are improving pediatric behavioral healthcare. Lauren LaPine, MHA senior director of legislative and public policy, spoke with Second Wave Michigan about the MHA’s behavioral health work, focusing particularly on the $50 million state grant the MHA served as the fiduciary for to expand inpatient pediatric behavioral health capacity in the state. LaPine also highlighted the data the MHA collected regarding emergency department boarding, which shows at least 155 people at any point, including 17 children, are in an emergency department awaiting behavioral health care.

“Our data in Michigan reflects some of the trends that we see nationally in terms of the increasing need for behavioral health services for children and youth,” said LaPine. “So, we are paying really close attention to that need and want to make sure that our member hospitals and health systems are able to address the need when pediatric patients and their families come to the hospital in a behavioral health crisis.”

Lastly, Crain’s published a story April 9 about the role of hospitals regarding rising healthcare costs. MHA CEO Brian Peters is quoted in the story, explaining how the majority of rising costs are due to responding to market trends for labor, as well as rising costs for facilities, drugs and supplies.

“The largest expense for hospitals is labor … A large component to increased healthcare costs for hospitals is making sure healthcare workers are appropriately and competitively compensated so they can provide care to patients when and where they need it,” said Peters.

Members with any questions regarding media requests should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

Virtual Media Roundtable Focuses on Medicaid Funding Cut Consequences

Issues in Healthcare, MHA In The News, Top Issues - Healthcare
MHA CEO Brian Peters speaks during a virtual media roundtable about Medicaid.
MHA CEO Brian Peters speaks during a virtual media roundtable about Medicaid.
MHA CEO Brian Peters speaks April 3 during a virtual media roundtable about Medicaid funding cuts.

A virtual media roundtable hosted April 3 by the Michigan League for Public Policy included MHA CEO Brian Peters as a panelist, where he discussed the consequences for potential Medicaid funding cuts by Congress.

Crain’s Detroit Business, CBS Detroit and MIRS published stories as a result of the roundtable.

“When Medicaid funding reductions force hospitals to curtail services or in fact eliminate entire service lines or in fact close hospitals … the services are no longer available to Medicaid recipients, but they’re no longer available to anyone in the community, either,” said Peters. “The cuts that are being contemplated in Washington, D.C. right now, if those were to be implemented, they would cost jobs. And more importantly, I can tell you, they would cost lives,”

Monique Stanton from the Michigan League for Public Policy.
Monique Stanton from the Michigan League for Public Policy.

Joining Peters during the roundtable were:

  • Monique Stanton, President & CEO, Michigan League for Public Policy
  • Russ Kolski, Interim Executive Director, Ingham Community Health Center
  • Susan Harding, Executive Director, Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency
  • Jenny Wagemann, Manager, Allen Farmers Market and Breadbasket Food Pantry

On a separate note, MLive also published a story April 3 that references the MHA’s healthcare workforce data and the 44% reduction in nursing vacancies in Michigan hospitals from 2023 to 2024. The story shares news on a nursing student loan repayment program announced by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The Detroit Free Press also published an article on the program, citing the MHA’s Economic Impact of Healthcare Report.

Members with any questions regarding media requests should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

LaPine Appears on MIRS Monday Podcast Discussing Behavioral Health

Member News, Issues in Healthcare, MHA In The News, Top Issues - Healthcare
Lauren LaPine

Lauren LaPineLauren LaPine, senior director, legislative and public policy, MHA, appeared on the MIRS Monday podcast published March 24 to discuss the state behavioral health system.

LaPine spoke about the challenges associated with patients boarding in the emergency department (ED) while they await placement for behavioral health services and the impact it has on all patients. She also discussed the current need for specialty psychiatric placements and the need to increase capacity for these beds in the state.

“When we have patients coming to the emergency department that are in a behavioral health crisis, that can cause a backlog and [increased] wait times for critical care,” said LaPine. “We learned that at any one point in time, there are 177 patients stuck in the emergency department waiting for either a behavioral health assessment to determine what kind of care they need, or they’re stuck in the ED waiting for an inpatient bed.”

The episode was hosted by Samantha Shriber from MIRS and joining LaPine during the interview was Constance O’Malley, RN, MSA, FACHE, regional chief operating officer, UM Health Regional Network; and Rep. Greg VanWoerkom (R-Norton Shores), chair of the House’s Medicaid and Behavioral Health appropriations subcommittee.

Members with any questions regarding media requests should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

340B & Medicaid Receive Media Coverage

Member News, MHA In The News

The MHA received media coverage the week of March 10 on the 340B program and potential federal Medicaid funding cuts with outlets including MichMash, Crain’s Grand Rapids Business and 9&10 News.

MHA CEO Brian Peters appeared on the March 14 episode of the MichMash podcast where he discussed MHA advocacy efforts to oppose Medicaid funding cuts, passage of Senate Bills 94 and 95 by the Michigan Senate that safeguard the 340B program and the healthcare workforce. The interview was conducted by hosts Cheyna Roth and Zach Gorchow. MichMash is produced by WDET Detroit Public Radio in collaboration with Gongwer News Service and is part of the NPR Network.

Crain’s Grand Rapids also published an article March 10 about the 340B legislation moving through the Senate. Peters and Elizabeth Kutter, senior director of advocacy, MHA, are quoted in the piece.

“This bill prevents drug manufacturers from continuing to issue arbitrary restrictions on 340B eligible Federally Qualified Health Centers and hospitals,” said Peters. “We continue to be grateful for the Senate’s leadership and collaboration in recognizing the need for strong, quality health care providers over out-of-state prescription drug interest groups.”

9&10 News aired a story March 11 that looked at the impact on Michigan if funding cuts to Medicaid are implemented. MHA Executive Vice President Laura Appel was interviewed and appears in the story.

“We know that work requirements are popular as a concept, but really, we need to focus on people being healthy so that they can work, as opposed to working so that they can become healthy,” said Appel.

Members with any questions regarding media requests should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

Media Coverage Includes Focus on 340B, Tariffs & Medicaid

Issues in Healthcare, MHA In The News, Top Issues - Healthcare
Elizabeth Kutter

The MHA received media coverage the week of March 3 on the Michigan Senate passing legislation that protects the 340B program, the potential impact of tariffs on hospitals and healthcare costs, as well as a radio appearance discussing potential federal Medicaid funding cuts.

Michigan Public aired a story March 6 following the broad bi-partisan passage of Senate Bills 94 and 95 by the full chamber. Senate Bill 94 would safeguard the 340B program, ensuring cost savings and preserves access to affordable healthcare services in both urban and rural Michigan communities. Further, this legislation adds first of its kind drug manufacturer transparency requirements, making Michigan’s legislation the strongest in the nation.

Elizabeth KutterElizabeth Kutter, senior director, government and political affairs, MHA, was interviewed by Michigan Public for the story.

“You have to be an entity that proves their eligibility in the program, which by default means that you are serving patients who are extremely vulnerable,” said Kutter. “You’re serving kids. You’re serving cancer patients. You’re serving people who, if your hospital closes or if healthcare access becomes limited, suddenly you’re seeing a very serious hospital desert for patients.”

Gongwer and MIRS also covered the passage of the bills.

In addition, Crain’s Detroit Business published an article March 3 looking at the impact of potential tariffs on a variety of Michigan industries, including healthcare. MHA CEO Brian Peters is quoted in the story addressing the impact to hospitals.

“Implementing tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China without exceptions for medications and medical supplies could jeopardize the availability and further increase the prices of already-expensive vital medications and health care devices Michigan hospitals need to provide appropriate patient care,” said Peters. “Tariffs will particularly exacerbate existing pharmaceutical shortages. China is responsible for providing a significant number of cardiac and oncology drugs, as well as active pharmaceutical ingredients needed to produce prescription drugs domestically. Many healthcare supplies are also produced in China and the United States does not have existing capacity to meet an increased demand for product.”

Peters also appeared on WJR 760AM March 3 to discuss the impact of potential federal Medicaid funding cuts on Michigan hospitals.

Members with any questions regarding media requests should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

Appel Joins WJR Live from Lansing Broadcast

Top Issues - Healthcare, Issues in Healthcare, MHA In The News
MHA EVP Laura Appel with WJR's Guy Gordon and Lloyd Jackson.
MHA EVP Laura Appel with WJR's Guy Gordon and Lloyd Jackson.
MHA EVP Laura Appel with WJR’s Guy Gordon and Lloyd Jackson.

MHA Executive Vice President Laura Appel appeared on Detroit’s WJR 760 AM’s ‘JR Morning with Guy Gordon, Llyod Jackson and Jamie Edmonds’s “Live from Lansing” broadcast Feb. 26 as part of the station’s annual coverage of legislative and policy issues facing the state the morning after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State address. The MHA sponsored the program, with the broadcast hosted at the Courtyard by Marriott Lansing Downtown.

As part of the program lineup, Appel spoke with Gordon and Jackson about the state of hospitals and the many changes they face, including the healthcare workforce, the 340B program and protecting Medicaid from federal funding cuts. Other notable interviewees during the event included Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Lawton) and Speaker of the House Matt Hall (R-Richland Township).

Relevant healthcare topics included in the State of the State address included expanded attention towards recruiting males to pursue post-secondary education opportunities and increased state support for forgiving patient medical debt.

Additional media stories published during the week of Feb. 24 included an article picked up by both Bridge and MIRS on the challenges of behavioral health transport services for providers in the Upper Peninsula. Lauren LaPine, senior director of Legislative & Public Policy, MHA, was quoted in the article discussing efforts with the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services to implement and fund behavioral health transportation services at hospitals across the state.

“We believe that a patient shouldn’t have to be transported via police transport for behavioral health needs,” said LaPine.

In addition, the MHA received mention in a Feb. 27 article from MIRS recapping a House Health Policy Committee hearing about the 340B program.

Members with questions should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

Peters Pens Medicaid Detroit News Op-ed

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

MHA CEO Brian Peters

The Detroit News published an op-ed Feb. 19 from MHA CEO Brian Peters expressing the importance of protecting the Medicaid program from any potential federal funding cuts.

Peters highlighted the high number of people supported by Medicaid, the value of the Healthy Michigan Plan and the harm cuts would have on healthcare providers, particularly in rural Michigan.

“Medicaid expansion under the ACA has saved lives, kept hospitals open and improved the overall well-being of countless individuals,” said Peters. “As the CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, I know firsthand what Medicaid cuts would do to hospitals, essential services, Michigan’s healthcare industry and the economy as a whole.”

Members with any questions regarding media requests should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

Executive Budget Recommendation News Coverage

MHA In The News, Issues in Healthcare

MHA CEO Brian Peters

A MHA media statement published Feb. 5 was included in stories by Michigan news outlets covering the fiscal year 2026 executive budget recommendation.

The statement, attributed to MHA CEO Brian Peters, was mentioned by WLNS-TV and Gongwer. The WLNS article includes the reactions from numerous leaders, while the Gongwer story focuses specifically on the budget recommendation for the Department of Health and Human Services.

“This budget presented by the Whitmer administration today maintains stability for health care providers across Michigan,” said Peters. “We appreciate the continued protection of funding pools that preserve access to care for Michiganders, whether they require obstetrical services, care at rural and critical access hospitals or coverage from the Healthy Michigan Plan and Michigan’s Medicaid health plans. We are also encouraged to see continued attention towards issues that impact Michigan’s talent pipeline and remove barriers towards pursuing health care careers.”

Members with any questions regarding media requests should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.