Monday Report - MHA | Michigan Health & Hospital Association

MHA Monday Report Sept. 25, 2023

September 25, 2023September 25, 2023 Monday Report

Active Fall Committee Work Continues in Legislature

Several MHA-tracked bills received testimony and votes the week of Sept. 18 as the state legislature continues its fall calendar. The House Health Policy Committee heard testimony and voted on the Reproductive Health Act bills. …

Gov. Whitmer Announces Grant Recipients for Enhanced Mental Health Support

As part of Gov. Whitmer’s commitment to ensuring access to behavioral health services, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently awarded more than $900,000 to five Community Mental Health Service Programs. The …

MDHHS Launches Maternal Mortality Surveillance Program

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) launched their Maternal Mortality Surveillance program, which is dedicated to preventing pregnancy-related deaths. The Hear Her Michigan Campaign focuses on empowering women and their support …

Transferring Telephone Prior Authorizations

Effective Oct. 1, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will transition the telephone prior authorization process from Admissions and Certification Review to the MDHHS Program Review Division. This applies for the …

Webinar: Learn How to Utilize Physician Talent on Governing Boards

As healthcare leaders cope with turbulent times, it’s essential to have physician board members assist with decision-making on things like action prioritization, merger and acquisition activity and social determinants of health. The webinar Maximizing Contributions …

MHA Person & Family Engagement Advisory Council Work Continues

Approximately 25 hospital and health system members convened for the first MHA Person & Family Engagement Advisory Council meeting of the 2023-2024 MHA program year. Members discussed action items and goals, including advancing the …

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Focuses on Financial Growth

The September edition of Trustee Insights, a monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), includes a study of financial well-being and the need to shift from a transaction-first mindset to a human-centric mindset focused on …

The Keckley Report

The UAW Strike: What Healthcare Provider Organizations Should Watch

“Politicians, economists, auto industry analysts and main street business owners are closely watching the UAW strike that began at midnight last Thursday. Healthcare should also pay attention, especially hospitals. medical groups and facility operators where workforce issues are mounting. …

Nonetheless, the parallels between the current state of worker sentiment in the U.S. auto manufacturing and healthcare services sectors are instructive. Auto and healthcare workers want job security and higher pay, believing their company executives and boards but corporate profit above their interests and all else. And polls suggest the public’s increasingly sympathetic to worker issues and strikes like the UAW more frequent. …”

Paul Keckley, Sept. 18, 2023

News to Know

To help Medicaid beneficiaries with the renewal process, a redetermination event is being hosted by the Salvation Army Great Lakes Harbor Light System in Grand Rapids from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sat, Sept. 30.
Registration for the Root Cause Coalition National Summit on Social Determinants of Health is open.
The American Hospital Association (AHA) is accepting applications for the Dick Davidson NOVA Award.

MHA Monday Report Sept. 18, 2023

September 18, 2023September 15, 2023 Monday Report

MHA Hosts Successful Hospitals for Patient Access Advocacy Day

The MHA hosted a successful Hospitals for Patient Access Advocacy Day Sept. 13, with more than 130 hospital and nursing leaders participating. Attendees completed 118 meetings with lawmakers, covering 80% of the Michigan Legislature. …

Proposed Hospital Nurse Staffing Bills Harm Public’s Access to Healthcare

The MHA released data today illustrating strong public opposition to legislation proposing one-size-fits-all state mandated hospital nurse-to-patient staffing ratios and hospital survey data on the severe impact of the legislation on access to care for Michiganders. …

Legislature Introduces Bills on Hospital Waste and Drug Costs

Legislation was introduced in the state Senate Sept. 12 that would help hospitals reduce unnecessary waste and would attempt to control the rising price of certain drugs. Senate Bill 482 was introduced by Sen. …

Updated mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Targeted for Recent Subvariants

The Food and Drug Administration approved the updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Sept. 11. These updated vaccines currently target circulating subvariants including XBB.1.5, EG.5 and FL.1.5.1, as well as BA.2.86, and provide …

DIFS Bulletin Clarifies Auto No-Fault Provisions

The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) recently issued a bulletin clarifying that provisions of the auto no-fault law signed in May 2019 do not apply for services provided to individuals injured in …

MHA Podcast Highlights National Recovery Month, Resources in Hospital Emergency Departments

The MHA released another episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, which features interviews with healthcare policy experts in Michigan discussing key issues that impact healthcare and the health of communities. The September episode centers around …

The Keckley Report

Is Affordability taken Seriously in US Healthcare?

“Studies show healthcare affordability is an issue to voters as medical debt soars (KFF) and public disaffection for the “medical system” (per Gallup, Pew) plummets. But does it really matter to the hospitals, insurers, physicians, drug and device manufacturers and army of advisors and trade groups that control the health system? …

Affordability to consumers is the most formidable challenge facing the US healthcare industry–more than burnout, operating margins, reimbursement or alternative payment models. Today, it is not taken seriously by insiders. If it was, evidence would be readily available and compelling. But it’s not.“

Paul Keckley, Sept. 11, 2023

News to Know

The American Hospital Association is accepting applications for the AHA’s Dick Davidson NOVA Award.

MHA Monday Report Sept. 11, 2023

September 11, 2023September 10, 2023 Monday Report

Interstate Nurse Licensure Compact Introduced in State House

Michigan House Bill 4935, also known as the Michigan Nurse Licensure Compact, was introduced in the state House on Aug. 24. Sponsored by Rep. Phil Green (R-Millington) and supported by the MHA, the …

Reproductive Health Act Introduced in State Legislature

A package of 21 bills, referred to as the “Reproductive Health Act”, were introduced in the state House and Senate Sept. 7. The legislation introduces a variety of changes to Michigan’s laws on abortion. The changes …

MHA Awards Behavioral Health Grants

The MHA issued a request for proposals earlier this year for a $50 million competitive grant program for Michigan healthcare entities to expand access to pediatric inpatient behavioral health services. The funding was appropriated by …

Webinar Teaches Ways to Amplify Contributions of Physician Board Members

The webinar Maximizing Contributions of Physician Board Members from noon to 1 p.m. EST Oct. 17 will guide attendees to utilize physician expertise related to advising on patient care decisions, the ethical considerations around biomedical, …

Critical Access Hospital Infection Control Opportunity

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and its subsidiary organizations, APIC Consulting Services and the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, have joined together to launch the APIC Health Equity …

Three Upcoming MHA Workforce Webinars Provide Continuing Education

The MHA and other state hospital associations are hosting three workforce webinars in partnership with the Huron Consulting Group, a firm helping organizations develop future-ready leaders that can drive meaningful cultural and organizational change. Continuing …

MHA CEO Report — Preserving Patient Access to Care

Nurses are the heart and soul of our healthcare ecosystem. They were heroes long before the COVID-19 pandemic, they stepped up in extraordinary ways during the darkest days of that chapter in our history and they remain heroes today. …

The Keckley Report

The Medicare Drug Pricing Program Will Attract Uncomfortable Attention to the Rest of the Industry

“Last Tuesday, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the first 10 medicines that will be subject to price negotiations with Medicare starting in 2026 per authorization in the Inflation Reduction Act (2022). It’s a big deal but far from a done deal. …

There will be lessons learned as this Inflation Reduction Act program is enacted alongside others in the bill– insulin price caps at $35/month per covered prescription, access to adult vaccines without cost-sharing, a yearly cap ($2,000 in 2025) on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs in Medicare and expansion of the low-income subsidy program under Medicare Part D to 150% of the federal poverty level starting in 2024. And since implementation of these price caps isn’t until 2026, plenty of time for all parties to negotiate, spin and adapt.

But the bigger impact of this program will be in other sectors where pricing is opaque, the public’s suspicious and valid and reliable data is readily available to challenge widely-accepted but flawed assertions about quality, value, access and outcomes. It’s highly likely hospitals will be next.“

Paul Keckley, Sept. 4, 2023

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the weeks of August 28 and Sept. 4 regarding prescription drug affordability, the healthcare workforce and COVID-19. MHA CEO Brian Peters spoke with a variety of news outlets regarding these …

MHA Monday Report Aug. 28, 2023

August 28, 2023August 25, 2023 Monday Report

MDHHS Announces Medicaid Health Plan Rebid Requirements

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced new information Aug. 22 related to the rebidding of contracts for health plans that provide services to 2.2 million Michiganders receiving coverage through Medicaid and …

Sept 1 Deadline for Wage and Occupational Mix Survey Data Revisions

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released a corrected public use file Aug. 14 containing wage and occupational mix survey data being used to develop the fiscal year 2025 Medicare wage …

New Physician Recruiting Incentives Report

AMN Healthcare’s Physician Solution division (formerly known as Merritt Hawkins) has released its Review of Physician and Advanced Practitioner Recruiting Incentives annually for the last 30 years. Cited every year by Modern Healthcare and many …

The Keckley Report

Payers declare War on Corporate Hospitals: Context is Key

“Last week, six notable associations representing health insurers and large employers announced Better Solutions for Healthcare (BSH): “An advocacy organization dedicated to bringing together employers, consumers, and taxpayers to educate lawmakers on the rising cost of healthcare and provide ideas on how we can work together to find better solutions that lower healthcare costs for ALL Americans.”…

Who will win BSH vs. Corporate Hospitals? It might appear a winner-take all showdown between lobbyists for BSH and hospital hired guns but that’s shortsighted. Both will pull out the stops to win favor with elected officials but both face growing pushback in Congress and state legislatures where “corporatization” seems more about a blame game than long-term solution.

Each side will use heavy artillery to advance their positions discredit the other. And unless the special interests that bolster efforts by payers are hospitals are subordinated to the needs of the population and greater good, it’s not the war to end all healthcare wars. That war is on the horizon. …”

Paul Keckley, Aug. 21, 2023

News to Know

Recognized during the MHA Annual Meeting, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing) was presented with the MHA Meritorious Service Award this past week for her decades of leadership in elected office supporting healthcare.
The MHA encourages MHA chief nursing officers and other Michigan hospital leaders to register for Hospitals for Patient Access Advocacy Day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 13.

MHA in the News

Michigan Radio published a story Aug. 20 about the large number of pediatric patients with serious mental health issues boarding in hospital emergency departments (EDs). MHA Executive Vice President Laura Appel was interviewed for the …

MHA Monday Report Aug. 21, 2023

August 21, 2023August 18, 2023 Monday Report

MHA Joins Partners to Urge Childhood Vaccinations

The MHA participated in a press conference Aug. 17 alongside representatives from I Vaccinate, the Franny Strong Foundation, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Ascension Michigan and Pontiac Middle School, to urge families …

Opportunities for Training and Placement of CHWs Available to Hospitals

The MHA has multiple higher education partners that recently received Health Resources and Services Administration grants to increase the number of community health workers (CHW) and health support workers, and these institutions are …

DEA Listening Sessions on Prescribing Controlled Substances via Telemedicine

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will be hosting two listening sessions to receive additional input concerning the practice of telemedicine with regards to controlled substances. Hosted virtually and in person from 9 a.m. …

MHA Webinar on Maximizing Contributions of Physician Board Members

How can leadership utilize the distinct skills and expertise of physician board members? The MHA webinar Maximizing Contributions of Physician Board Members will take place from noon to 1 p.m. EST Oct. 17 will present …

The Keckley Report

Not for Profit Hospitals: Are they the Problem?

“The issues facing the U.S. health industry are complex. The role hospitals will play is also uncertain. If, as polls indicate, the majority of Americans prefer a private health system that features competition, transparency, affordability and equitable access, the remedy will require input from every major healthcare sector including employers, public health, private capital and regulators alongside others. It will require less from DC policy wonks and sanctimonious talking heads and more from frontline efforts and privately-backed innovators in communities, companies and in not-for-profit health systems that take community benefit seriously.

No sector owns the franchise for certainty about the future of U.S. healthcare nor its moral high ground. That includes not-for-profit hospitals.

The darkening cloud that hovers over not-for-profit health systems needs attention, but not alone, despite efforts to suggest otherwise. Clarifying the community-benefit standard is a start, but not enough. Are NFP hospitals a problem? Some are, most aren’t but all are impacted by the darkening cloud. …”

Paul Keckley, August 14, 2023

News to Know

The Healthcare Association of Hawaii has compiled a list of trustworthy local organizations that are accepting monetary contributions amid the recent wildfires of Maui, Hawaii.
The MHA encourages MHA chief nursing officers and other Michigan hospital leaders to register for Hospitals for Patient Access Advocacy Day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 13.
QURE Healthcare was approved for associate membership June 2023.

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of Aug. 14 following a press conference Aug. 17 where Michigan health officials urged families to get kids up-to-date on routine vaccines ahead of the new school year. …

MHA Monday Report Aug. 14, 2023

August 14, 2023August 11, 2023 Monday Report

CMS Releases FY 2024 Skilled Nursing Facility Final Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a final rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system for skilled nursing facilities for fiscal year (FY) 2024, which begins Oct. 1, 2023. The rule includes: Continuation …

FY 2024 LTCH Prospective Payment System Final Rule Released

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently released a final rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service long term care hospital (LTCH) prospective payment system for fiscal year (FY) 2024. Specifics of the rule include the …

The Keckley Report

The Three Major Challenges for Private Equity Investors in Healthcare Services

“The healthcare services market in the U.S. is worth $3.5 trillion and is forecast to increase at 5%/yr. for the next decade. It’s traditionally dominated by nonprofit operators and market conditions that favor incumbents over newbies, bigger over smaller and business to business (B2B) models over business to consumer (B2C). That’s changing. Investor-ownership in healthcare services is increasing. Distinctions between privately operated PE owned hospitals and services providers and investor-owned publicly traded operators are being scrutinized by regulators even as the tax-exempt status enjoyed by not-for-profits is under the microscope.

Access to capital that’s cost-effective is critical to the future of health services providers. PE will be increasingly part of that discussion and with it, added risk.”

Paul Keckley, August 7, 2023

News to Know

The MHA encourages MHA chief nursing officers and other Michigan hospital leaders to register for Hospitals for Patient Access Advocacy Day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 13 at the MHA Capitol Advocacy Center in downtown Lansing to discuss the substantial harm that proposed legislation mandating registered nurse staffing ratios would have on patient access to care, and real solutions to train and hire more nurses.

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of August 7 on hospital cybersecurity, the first Michigan hospital receiving a rural emergency hospital designation and COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. MHA CEO Brian Peters spoke with WJR Newsradio 760 host Chris Renwick …

MHA Monday Report Aug. 7, 2023

August 7, 2023August 4, 2023 Monday Report

Governor Signs New Budget Including Investments in Hospitals

Gov. Whitmer signed the fiscal year 2024 state budget Aug. 1, which includes $92 million in new investments directly to hospitals. It specifically provides $59 million to support increased Medicaid reimbursement rates at Level I …

Michigan Supreme Court Decides Auto No-Fault Retroactivity Case

The Michigan Supreme Court issued an opinion July 31 upholding the Michigan Court of Appeals’ decision that changes to the auto no-fault law passed in 2019 on attendant care and other lifetime benefits cannot be …

CMS Releases FY 2024 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System Final Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a final rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service hospital inpatient prospective payment system for fiscal year (FY) 2024. The final rule: Increases the …

CMS Releases FY 2024 Final Rule for Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a final rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system for inpatient rehabilitation facilities for federal fiscal year (FY) 2024. Key provisions …

CMS Releases FY 2024 Inpatient Psychiatric Facility Final Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a final rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system for inpatient psychiatric facilities for fiscal year (FY) 2024, which begins …

MHA Podcast Explores “Healthiest” Healthcare Jobs in Michigan

MHA CEO Report — Added Association Value

The healthcare industry is a vital cornerstone of any community, providing essential medical services to people in times of need – not to mention our role as economic engines. Behind the scenes, …

The Keckley Report

Thinking Long-Term: Changes in Five Domains will Impact the Future of the U.S. System but Most are Not Prepared

“What’s ahead? Everyone in the U.S. health system is aware that funding is becoming more scarce and regulatory scrutiny more intense, but few have invested in planning beyond tomorrow and the day after. Unlike drug and device manufacturers with global markets and long-term development cycles, insurers and providers are handicapped. Insurers respond by adjusting coverage, premiums and co-pays annually. Providers—hospitals, physicians, long-term care providers and public health programs– have fewer options. For most, long-range planning is a luxury, and even when attempted, it’s prone to self-protection and lack of objectivity. …

In 10 years, the health system will constitute 20% of the entire U.S. economy and play an outsized role in social stability. It’s path to that future and the greater good it pursues needs charting with open minds, facts and creativity. Society deserves no less. …“

Paul Keckley, July 31, 2023

News to Know

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of July 31 regarding Michigan Supreme Court decision in Andary v. USAA, which the MHA published a media statement on following the opinion release. The MHA is also …

MHA Monday Report July 31, 2023

July 31, 2023July 28, 2023 Monday Report

Hospitals for Patient Access Advocacy Day Scheduled

MHA chief nursing officers and other Michigan hospital leaders are encouraged to register for Hospitals for Patient Access Advocacy Day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 13 at the MHA Capitol Advocacy Center in …

CMS Releases Medicare Physician Fee Schedule CY 2024 Proposed Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its calendar year (CY) 2024 proposed rule for the physician fee schedule. The rule proposes a decrease to the conversion factor by 3.34%, to $32.75 in …

Toolkit Created to Strengthen Caregiver Support Programs

The MHA Keystone Center recently released the Michigan Caregiver Navigation Toolkit to guide hospitals and health systems implementing and maintaining caregiver navigation programs. These initiatives are designed to support caregivers in their role by providing …

CMS Releases Occupational Mix Data

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released July 12 the fiscal year 2025 Hospital Wage Index Development Timetable, a public use file (PUF). The PUF contains data reported by prospective payment system hospitals on …

AI and Workforce Development Webinar Series Offers CME Credit

The MHA and other state hospital associations are hosting a webinar series in partnership with the Huron Consulting Group Aug. 10 through Nov. 9 from 1 – 2 p.m. EST. CME and continuing education credit …

Corewell Health’s Freese Decker Named AHA Chair-elect Designate

The American Hospital Association (AHA) Board of Trustees elected Tina Freese Decker, president & chief executive officer, Corewell Health as its Chair-elect Designate July 16. Freese Decker will be Chair-elect in 2024 and become the …

The Keckley Report

The Four Issues that will Impact Healthcare Services Providers and Insurers Most in the Last Half of 2023 and First Half of 2024

“As first half 2023 financial results are reported and many prepare for a busy last half, strategic planning for healthcare services providers and insurers point to 4 issues requiring attention in every boardroom and C suite …

These issues frame the near-term context for strategic planning in every sector of U.S. healthcare. They do not define the long-term destination of the system nor roles key sectors and organizations will play. That’s unknown. …”

Paul Keckley, July 24, 2023

MHA Monday Report July 24, 2023

July 24, 2023July 21, 2023 Monday Report

Governor Signs MHA Supported Legislation and Announces Round of GoingPro Awards

Gov. Whitmer signed several MHA-supported bills during the week of July 17 related to the Healthy Michigan Plan, organ donation and vaccine distribution. Those bills include: House Bills 4495–4496 (Public Acts 98-99 of …

CMS Releases Medicare FFS OPPS Proposed Rule

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) effective Jan. 1, 2024. The rule proposes to: Increase the outpatient conversion …

MHA Webinar Focuses on Crisis Events

Crisis events are unpredictable and often present unique challenges in healthcare. The MHA is convening healthcare and community leaders virtually from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Aug. 25 to exchange ideas and resources for crisis events …

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Focuses on Quality Oversight

The July edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), focuses on the board’s role in improving quality. Elizabeth Mort, MD, MPH, former senior vice president of quality and safety …

The Keckley Report

The Health System needs a Heart Transplant

“It’s a time when workforce activism is peaking, and hourly workers in hospitals, long-term care facilities and in home care are targets of organizing efforts by unions. …

In an industry as big and prominent as healthcare, hourly workers including nurses, techs, business office and patient support services are vital to its performance. Those in skilled professions that require licenses are buffered by shortages: that’s the case with nurses, physical therapists and others. But not as much for non-skilled positions where cost-cutting has heightened labor-management tensions. And this comes as most hospitals have recovered to pre-pandemic financial health and CEO compensation in not-for-profit systems has become a lightening rod for industry critics like Arnold Ventures, West Health and Lown Institute among others. …

Hourly workers are the beating heart of the healthcare industry: they don’t have star power, they don’t have a voice, and they don’t feel they’re seen or heard. As the system transitions to AI-powered workforce solutions in bigger organizations, the heartbeat is irregular. It needs attention.”

Paul Keckley, July 17, 2023

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of July 17 regarding the healthcare workforce, federal legislation to address drug shortages and bills signed by Gov. Whitmer eliminating burdensome provisions in the Healthy Michigan Plan and …

MHA Monday Report July 17, 2023

July 17, 2023July 14, 2023 Monday Report

MHA Service Corporation Board Highlights Solutions and Successes

The MHA Service Corporation board held its final meeting of the 2022-2023 program year focused on supporting the MHA Strategic Action Plan priorities of workforce sustainability, financial viability, achieving health equity and improving access …

Governor Creates New Department to Support Workforce and Talent Development

The Michigan Legislature may be on summer recess but work in the state capitol continues. The governor made headlines the week of July 10 with the creation of a new state department, the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement …

CMS Releases Proposed Rule to Update Home Health PPS

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule to update the home health prospective payment system (PPS) for calendar year 2024. The proposed rule includes updates to the …

Webinar Series Explores AI, Resilience and Other Topics

The MHA and other state hospital associations are hosting a webinar series in partnership with the Huron Consulting Group Aug. 10 through Nov. 9 from 1 – 2 p.m. EST. The content will help registrants …

HHS Releases 340B Proposed Remedy

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released its proposed remedy for the unlawful payments cuts for certain hospitals that participate in the 340B drug discount program following the June 2022 unanimous Supreme …

Understanding Value-Based Payment Models Can Enhance Patient Care, Lower Costs

Over the last few decades, the healthcare industry has experienced a significant shift from fee-for-service payments to value-based payments. Value-based care delivery models, which base payment on outcomes versus the number of services

MHA Podcast Explores Harmful Nurse Staffing Legislation

The MHA released another episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, which features interviews with healthcare policy experts in Michigan on key issues that impact healthcare and the health of communities. On episode 31, MHA CEO …

The Keckley Report

The Five Most Important Questions Hospitals Must Answer in Planning for the Future

“As hospital leaders convene in Seattle this weekend for the American Hospital Association Leadership Summit, their future is uncertain.

Last week’s court decision in favor of hospitals shortchanged by the 340B drug program and 1^st half 2023 improvement in operating margins notwithstanding, the deck is stacked against hospitals—some more than others. …

Most hospitals soldier on: they’re aware of these and responding as best they can. But most are necessarily focused only on the near-term: bed needs, workforce recruitment and staffing, procurement costs for drugs and supplies and so on. Some operate in markets less problematic than others, but the trends hold true directionally in every one of America’s 290 HRR markets. …“

Paul Keckley, July 10, 2023

MHA in the News

Michigan Advance published a story July 9 on the healthcare priorities included in the fiscal year 2024 state budget. Adam Carlson, senior vice president, advocacy, MHA, is quoted multiple times in the story regarding funding …