Category: Monday Report

MHA Monday Report Jan.13, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

103rd Legislature Begins With Introduction of Earned Sick Time Bills

The Michigan Legislature officially commenced their 103rd session on Wednesday, Jan. 8, including the introduction of legislation to amend Michigan’s Earned Sick Time Act . The session brings a new partisan divide with the Senate …

HHS Submits New HIPAA Security Proposed Rule

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently submitted a proposed rule to update the HIPAA Security Rule and enhance the protection of electronic protected health information. The changes aim to address the …

Healthcare Leadership Academy Enrollment Deadline Approaches

The enrollment deadline for the MHA Healthcare Leadership Academy is Feb. 3. The cohort meets Feb. 19 – 21 and April 10 and 11 at the MHA headquarters in Okemos. The Healthcare Leadership Academy, in partnership …

Applications Open for New Medicare Funded Rural Residency Slots

Qualifying rural hospitals may now apply for new residency positions created by Section 126 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and Section 4122 of the CAA of 2023, which allow hospitals to expand …

HRSA Announces Addiction Medicine Fellowship Program

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) recently announced the establishment of the Addiction Medicine Fellowship Program, which trains physicians to become addiction medicine specialists. The program aims to expand the number of fellows at …

Behavioral Health Internship Stipend Program Application Released

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is offering the Behavioral Health Internship Stipend Program, a key initiative aimed at increasing Michigan’s behavioral health workforce. Now in its second year, the program provides up …

Nominations Open for 2025 Hometown Health Hero Award

The Michigan Public Health Week Partnership is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Hometown Health Hero Award. This award recognizes individuals and organizations that made a meaningful impact on improving the health of their community.

MHA Rounds image of Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — Impacting Communities

As we turn the page on 2024 (and celebrate our success in preventing harmful government-mandated nurse staffing ratio legislation, as well as harmful changes to our medical liability system, during the lame-duck session of the legislature), …

Keckley Report

The Two Events that Changed U.S. Healthcare for Everyone

In late 2025, two events reset the U.S. health system’s future at least through 2026 and possibly beyond…

Transforming the U.S. health system is a bodacious ambition for the incoming Trump team. Early wins will be key—like expanding price transparency in every healthcare sector, softening restrictions on private equity investments, targeted cuts in Medicaid and Medicare funding and annulment of the Inflation Reduction Act. In tandem, it has promised to cut Federal government spending by $2 trillion and lower prices on everything including housing and healthcare—the two spending categories of highest concern to the working class. Healthcare will figure prominently in Team Trump’s agenda for 2025 and posturing for its 2026 mid-term campaign. And equally important, healthcare costs also figure prominently in quarterly earnings reports for companies that provide employee health benefits forecast to be 8% higher this year following a 7% spike the year prior. Last year’s 23% S&P growth is not expected to repeat this year raising shareholder anxiety and the economy’s long-term resilience and the large roles housing and healthcare play in its performance.”

Paul Keckley, Jan. 6, 2025Lauren LaPine

MHA in the News

Second Wave Michigan published a story Jan. 7 on how state officials, healthcare providers and community organizations are focusing on expanding the continuum of care for people experiencing a mental health crisis. Lauren LaPine, senior …

 

MHA Monday Report Dec. 23, 2024

Member News, Monday Report

MHA Prevents Staffing Ratios and Medical Liability Changes

The MHA defeated legislation that would have established government-mandated nurse staffing ratios and legislation that would have made detrimental revisions to Michigan’s strong medical liability laws during the week of Dec. 16. The MHA opposed …

MHA Keystone Center Annual Report Features Hospital Quality and Safety Improvements

The MHA Keystone Center recently released its 2023-24 Annual Report, which demonstrates the organization’s commitment to advancing the safety and quality of care alongside Michigan hospitals. The report showcases MHA Keystone Center-led patient and workforce …

speak upUniversity of Michigan Health-Sparrow Police Authority Officer Honored with Q3 MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award

The MHA Keystone Center has recognized Ronald Patterson, a police authority officer at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow, as its quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award recipient for December. The Speak-up! …

Obtaining Beyfortus Through the VFC Program

Through an ongoing partnership with the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, Michigan birthing hospitals are reminded to enroll as a Vaccine for Children (VFC) Specialty Provider in order to administer the respiratory …

Superior Health Quality Alliance Report Highlights Improvements in Care for Medicare Beneficiaries

The Superior Health Quality Alliance – a coalition of eight Midwest healthcare quality improvement organizations including the MHA Keystone Center – recently released a report detailing its work over the past five years as the …

MHA Offers Webinar on Creating Peer Recovery Coach Programs

The MHA will host the webinar Building Effective Peer Recovery Coach Programs in Hospitals Feb. 12 from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. to help hospitals create hospital-based peer recovery coach programs, providing background information and …

Keckley Report

Health System Transformation: The Mandate is Clear but Insider Pushback is Strong

“The murder of UnitedHealth Group executive Brian Thompson (aka BT) December 4 and prosecution of his alleged killer Luigi Mangione in Pennsylvania and New York will be in the media spotlight for months to come. The 26-year-old data scientist’ antipathy toward the health industry will be the sidebar in most coverage. …

Our system is fragmented by design, opaque by habit, resistant to change and considers criticism by outsiders unfair or ill-informed. Success and incentives in most healthcare organizations are based on short-term financial performance. Transparency is a threat and innovation is incremental. In the vast majority, Boards are rarely more than rubber stamps for management as long as “the numbers are hit.”

Tension between payers and providers, investor-owned and not-for-profit ownership and preventive health and specialty care has calcified and Executives are promoted as celebrities. In the process, the public’s attention is drawn to the industry where ministry and mission appear subordinate to corporatization and profit. …

That’s not the future. The public expects more and they’re tired of industry pushback and excuses.”

Paul Keckley, Dec. 16, 2024

 

News to Know

  • The MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled Dec. 24 – Jan. 1, 2025.
  • Due to the holidays, Monday Report will not be published Dec. 30 and Jan. 6 and will resume its normal schedule Jan. 13.
  • The December edition of Trustee Insights, the AHA’s monthly digital package, highlights resources on key topics such as quality and safety priorities, social determinants of health, board diversity, behavioral health integration and financial performance.
  • In 2025, the MHA will host the second Human Resources Conference and welcome back the MHA Keystone Center’s Safety & Quality Symposium for the first time since 2019

MHA CEO Brian Peters

MHA in the News

MHA CEO Brian Peters joined Michigan’s Big Show Dec. 16 to discuss the 340B drug pricing program and legislation that would have safeguarded the program. Peters joined guest host Mel Seifert and discussed Senate Bill …

MHA Monday Report Dec. 16, 2024

Member News, Monday Report

340B Hospital Protections Advance, Medical Liability Blocked During Busy Lame Duck

Various healthcare bills, including increased 340B protections for healthcare providers, received attention by the Michigan Legislature during the week of Dec. 9. Senate Bill 1179, sponsored by Sen. Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) and which …

mha advancing safe care awardNominations Open for 2025 Advancing Safe Care Award

The MHA is accepting nominations for its annual Advancing Safe Care Award to recognize Michigan hospitals that are tackling issues daily to make care safer and more dependable. Eligible nominees include teams from hospitals across the state …

MHA Keystone Center PSO to Host Structured Communications Safe Table

The MHA Keystone Center Patient Safety Organization (PSO) is facilitating a virtual safe table from 9:30 to 11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 23. The Structured Communication Safe Table will be led by I-PASS Patient Safety Institute. …

MHA and Partners Host Section 1557 Webinar Addressing Language Services

The MHA hosted the Section 1557 Readiness Workshop Dec. 10 with MHA Endorsed Business Partner (EBP) AMN Language Services as part of the ongoing effort to advance the health of individuals and communities. This session …

Upcoming Opportunities to Learn, Network and Grow in 2025

In 2025, the MHA will host the second Human Resources Conference and welcome back the MHA Keystone Center’s Safety & Quality Symposium for the first time since 2019. Both events have been developed alongside MHA …

2025 MHA Healthcare Leadership Academy Approved for More Than 30 Credit Hours

The MHA is pleased to offer its popular Healthcare Leadership Academy in 2025. 32 credit hours are available for physicians, nurses and healthcare executives. In partnership with Executive Core and Grand Valley State University, two …

Keckley Report

In Healthcare, Most think We’re Shrewd and They’re Screwed

“The majority accept that operators in every sector of healthcare apply business practices intended to optimize their organization’s finances. Best practices for every insurer, hospital, drug/device manufacturer and medical practice include processes and procedures to maximize revenues, minimize costs and secure capital for growth/innovation. But in healthcare, the notion of profit remains problematic: how much is too much? and how an organization compensates its leaders for results beyond short-term revenue/margin improvement are questions of growing concern to a large and growing majority of consumers. …

The bottom line: the public is paying attention to business practices in healthcare. The death of Brian Thompson opened the floodgate for criticism of health insurers and the U.S. healthcare industry overall. It cannot be ignored. The public thinks industry folks are shrewd operators and they’re inclined to conclude they’re screwed as a result.”

Paul Keckley, Dec. 9, 2024

 

MHA CEO Brian Peters

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of Dec. 9 on Senate Bill 1179, which would protect access to affordable prescription drugs and healthcare services through the 340B Prescription Drug Pricing Program. The bill was …

MHA Monday Report Dec. 9, 2024

Member News, Monday Report

Medical Liability Highlights Healthcare Issues That Receive Legislative Attention

A large collection of healthcare bills, including one that seeks to change medical liability, received attention by the Michigan Legislature during the week of Dec. 2. The House Judiciary Committee reported out House Bill …

Senate Passes Momnibus Bill Package

The Michigan Senate passed the Momnibus, a group of bills designed to improve equity and accountability in prenatal and maternal healthcare during the week of Dec. 2. The legislation includes Senate Bills 818–823, 825 and …

Senate Passes Behavioral Health Bills

The Michigan Senate unanimously passed several MHA-supported bills aimed at improving mental health treatment for individuals involved in the criminal justice system during the week of Dec. 2. Senate Bills (SB) 915 (Hertel-D), 916 (Santana-D), …

FORHP Updates Definition of Rural Area

The Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) recently announced updates to its definition of “rural area” to improve healthcare resource allocations in rural areas. A key addition is the use of the Rural Ruggedness …

CMS Releases Medicare 2025 Outpatient Prospective Payment System Final Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a final rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service outpatient prospective payment system effective Jan. 1,  2025. The final rule: Provides a net 2% increase …

MHA Continues to Offer Workplace Safety Posters

The MHA continues to offer workplace safety posters to MHA members at no cost to help hospitals comply with the requirement from Public Acts 271 and 272 of 2023 that hospitals display signage informing individuals they …

MDHHS Introduces SUD Program Enhancements and New Mapping Tool

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently developed improvements to current substance use disorder (SUD) programs and a new SUD mapping tool to identify SUD treatment service locations throughout the state, with …

MHA Rounds image of Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — Lame Duck is Here

The balance of power at both the state and federal levels will change in 2025. Yet lawmakers still have several weeks remaining, a period we refer to as lame duck where a number of elected officials …

Keckley Report

Trump Healthcare 2.0: The Laundry List of Disruption Targets

“The incoming Trump administration is committed to cutting government waste and reducing regulation. That pledge puts the U.S. healthcare industry in the crosshairs for budget cuts and heightened attention. It’s also a high-profile industry that’s ripe for disruption.

Healthcare is the economy’s biggest private-sector employer (18.3 million) and accounts for 17.3% of the GDP and 28% of total federal spending. Since 2008, annual increases for prescription drugs, hospitals and physician services have increased faster than the “All Items” index widening every year. From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate was 4.2% for physician services, 4.4% for hospital care, 4.7% for prescription drugs and 5.0% for insurers who experienced the highest volatility of the four. …

The laundry list for Trump Healthcare 2.0 disruption is long. The public expects changes. Responding in business-as-usual fashion—especially thru well-worn trade association advocacy pronouncements– is short-sighted. It’s time to take a fresh look starting with a mirror.”

Paul Keckley, Dec. 2, 2024

News to Know

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently announced the 2025 application period for the Michigan State Loan Repayment Program (MSLRP).

MHA CEO Brian PetersMHA in the News

MHA executives appeared on WJR 760 AM during the weeks of Nov. 25 and Dec. 2 to discuss the association’s opposition to government mandated nurse staffing ratios. MHA CEO Brian Peters appeared on Focus with …

MHA Monday Report Nov. 25, 2024

Member News, Monday Report

DEA Extends Telemedicine Rule for Controlled Substances Through 2025

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Department of Health and Human Services recently issued a rule extending telemedicine prescribing flexibilities for controlled substances through Dec. 31, 2025. This extension continues pandemic-era provisions, allowing …

MHA and Partners Host Cybersecurity Tabletop for UP Healthcare Leaders

The MHA hosted the Enhancing Your Cybersecurity: Tabletop Training and Incident Response Workshop Oct. 14 in Escanaba, MI with MHA Endorsed Business Partner CyberForce|Q and the Region 8 Healthcare Coalition as part of the ongoing …

MHA Webinar to Review Upcoming Earned Sick Time Act

The MHA will host the webinar Earned Sick Time Act – What to Know and How to Prepare from 3 to 4:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 9 to provide an overview of the upcoming Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) effective Feb. 21, 2025, and to help employers prepare for compliance. …

MHA Podcast Explores Resources for Family Caregivers

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast for National Caregiver Month featuring Diane Mariani, LCSW, CADC, program manager for the department of social work and community health program at RUSH University …

Keckley Report

The Profession of Medicine: Key Takeaways from the AMA Interim House of Delegates Meeting

“Last week, the American Medical Association (AMA) held its 2024 Interim House of Delegates (HOD) meeting in Lake Beuna Vista, Florida. The Bi-Annual confab drew 700 delegates representing 200 medical societies and physician professional organizations who considered 712 resolutions in the four-day agenda. …

Against this backdrop, there is consensus in the health system and Congress that the physician workforce is unhealthy and recognition of shortages in rural areas and certain specialties.  There’s consensus among consumers (patients) that physicians are trusted and well-paid but their accessibility increasingly limited. And there’s consensus among physicians that the profession is in crisis-mode. …

Physicians will always play a prominent role in U.S. healthcare. The profession’s preparedness to lead its inevitable transformation is the big unknown. And its attractiveness to future generations of physicians the big risk if not addressed.”

Paul Keckley, Nov. 18, 2024

News to Know

  • The MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled Nov. 28 and 29 in honor of Thanksgiving.
  • Due to the holiday, Monday Report will not be published Dec. 2 and will resume its normal schedule Dec. 9.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner AMN Language Services will host the webinar Section 1557 Readiness Workshop – Guidance and Resources for the 2024 Deadlines Dec. 10 from noon – 1 p.m. ET.
  • The MHA is offering its popular Healthcare Leadership Academy program Feb. 19 – 21 and April 10 – 11, 2025.

MHA CEO Brian Peters

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of Nov. 21 on healthcare workplace violence research and the relationship between hospitals and community mental health organizations. The Oakland Press published a story Nov. 18 on the …

MHA Monday Report Nov. 18, 2024

Monday Report, Member News

Advocacy image tileWorkforce Bills Highlight Healthcare Legislation Advanced in the State Legislature

Several workforce bills highlighted the healthcare legislation that advanced in the state legislature during the week of Nov. 11. The Senate Appropriations Committee approved Senate Bills (SBs) 406 and 407, led by Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing). The bills provide …

MHA Board of Trustees Considers Election Impact and Association Priorities

The MHA Board of Trustees began its Nov. 13 meeting with a review of the results from the federal election and its potential impact on key association priorities, led by Carlos Jackson and Mike Goodman with Washington D.C.-based Cornerstone Government …

CMS Releases 2025 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a issued a final rule to update the physician fee schedule payment system effective Jan. 1, 2025. The rule will: Reduce the PFS conversion …

MDHHS Shares 2022 Maternal and Infant Health Statistics

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology Section recently led a webinar on 2022 maternal and infant health statistics for the state. Infant mortality refers to the death …

Enrollment Open for 2025 MHA Healthcare Leadership Academy

The MHA is offering its popular Healthcare Leadership Academy program in February and April 2025, with sessions at the MHA headquarters in Okemos. In partnership with Executive Core and Grand Valley State University, two power-packed …

Medical SolutionsBuilding a Culture of Retention

MHA Endorsed Business Partner Medical Solutions recently released an episode of their “Staffing Unplugged” podcast, featuring Chief Human Resources Officer Rich Thompson sharing insights on the critical role of culture in healthcare staffing. He …

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Focuses on Post-Merger Board Restructuring

The November edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), includes CEO insights about the integration of two major health systems which resulted in stronger governance. The article explains the …

What’s Top of Mind in Rural Healthcare?

Peter Marinoff, president and CEO, Munson Healthcare’s Southern Region and MHA Small and Rural Hospital Council Chair

The following article was written by Peter Marinoff, president and CEO, Munson Healthcare’s Southern Region and MHA Small and Rural Hospital Council Chair. National Rural Health Day celebrates the remarkable efforts of hospitals, healthcare teams, …

Keckley Report

The Four Core Pillars of Trump Healthcare 2.0

“While speculation swirls around key cabinet appointments in the incoming Trump administration, much is being written about how things might change for industries and the companies that compose them. Healthcare is no exception.

Speculation about possible changes originates from media coverage, healthcare trade associations, law firms, consultancies, think tanks and academics. Their views are primarily based on Trump Healthcare 1.0 initiatives (2017-2021), presumed Trump 2.0 leverage in the U.S. Senate, House and conservative Supreme Court and a belief by the Trump-team leaders that their mandate is to lower costs for “everyday Americans” and tighten border security.

Thus, Trump Healthcare 2.0 policy changes will be extensive, leveraging legislation, executive orders, agency administrative actions, court decisions and appropriations processes to reset the U.S. health system.”

Paul Keckley, Nov. 11, 2024

News to Know

  • The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced the 2025 Medicare Part A and B Premiums and Deductibles, with details available in the CMS Fact Sheet.
  • The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has increased reimbursement rates for Behavioral Health Treatment – Applied Behavior Analysis services to improve autism treatment access for Medicaid beneficiaries.

MHA Monday Report Nov. 11, 2024

Member News, Monday Report

Hearings Held on State Legislation Impacting Hospitals

Several bills impacting hospitals were discussed in state committee hearings during the week of Nov. 4. The Michigan House Health Policy Behavioral Health subcommittee advanced several pieces of legislation to the full Health Policy Committee …

2024 General Election: What’s Ahead in Michigan

Below is a summary of the projected results for Michigan’s top races that will influence healthcare following the 2024 General Election. Official state and local outcomes will be available in the coming days on the …

CMS Releases Medicare 2025 Outpatient Prospective Payment System Final Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a final rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service outpatient prospective payment system effective Jan. 1,  2025. The final rule: Provides a net 2% increase …

endorsed business partnerLongtime Associate Member Alliance-HNI Becomes an Endorsed Business Partner

The MHA recently endorsed Alliance-HNI, a longtime MHA associate member, as an Endorsed Business Partner. Alliance-HNI delivers a full continuum of services, including mobile, fixed-site, comprehensive service line management and joint venture partnerships. …

2025 Medicare Fee-for-Service Home Health Final Rule Released

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a final rule for the home health prospective payment system  for calendar year 2025. The rule includes updates to the Medicare fee-for-service …

Webinar Focuses on Strengthening Healthcare Worker Well-being

The MHA Health Foundation will host the webinar Implementing Evidence-Informed Strategies to Normalize Help-Seeking and Strengthen Wellbeing from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Dec 4 to offer strategies for supporting the mental well-being of healthcare professionals. The webinar offers …

Keckley Report

In Healthcare, Near-Sightedness is “Normalcy”

““Normalcy” in our political system means willful acceptance that our society is hopelessly divided by income, education, ethnic and political views. It’s benign acceptance of a 2-party system, 3-branches of government (Executive, Legislative, Judicial) and federalism that imposes limits on federal power vis a vis the Constitution. …

A process for defining of the future of the U.S. health system and a bipartisan commitment by hospitals, physicians, drug companies, insurers and employers to its implementation are needed–that’s the point. Near-sightedness in our political system and in our health, system is harmful to the greater good of our society and to the voters, citizens, patients, and beneficiaries all pledge to serve.

As respected healthcare marketer David Jarrard wrote in his blog post yesterday “As the aggravated disunity of this political season rises and falls, healthcare can be a unique convener that embraces people across the political divides, real or imagined. Invite good-minded people to the common ground of healthcare to work together for the common good that healthcare must be.”

Thinking and planning for healthcare’s long-term future is not a luxury: it’s an urgent necessity. It’s also not “normal” in our political and healthcare systems.”

Paul Keckley, Nov. 4, 2024

 

News to Know

MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled Nov. 11 in honor of Veterans Day.

MHA Monday Report Nov. 4, 2024

Monday Report, Member News

Behavioral Health Bills Advance, Other Bills Discussed in State Legislature

Several bills impacting healthcare and hospitals were advanced through committees in the state Senate during the week of Oct. 28. The Senate Health Policy Committee unanimously approved Senate Bills (SB) 916 – 918, led by Sen. …

First Legislative Policy Panel Meeting of New Program Year

The MHA Legislative Policy Panel held their first meeting of the MHA program year at the MHA Capital Advocacy Center Oct. 30 to develop recommendations on legislative issues impacting Michigan hospitals. Chad Tuttle, SVP, clinical …

Strategic Planning Session Update with MHA Service Corporation Board

The MHA Service Corporation (MHASC) board met Oct. 24 to discuss healthcare market strategies to identify, diversify and grow solutions for MHA members and clients. The board retreat focused on how the MHASC can support …

Webinar Recap: Special Pathogen Response Systems of Care

The MHA hosted a webinar Oct. 23 overviewing the National Special Pathogen System (NSPS) of care. The NSPS is a tiered system with four facility levels that have increasing capabilities to care for suspected …

MHA Shares September Medicare and Medicaid Enrollment Analysis

The MHA updated its analysis of Medicaid and Medicare enrollment based on September 2024 data. The analysis includes program enrollment as a percentage of each county’s total population and the split between fee-for-service and …

Webinar Explores AI Policy and Strategy for Boards and Leaders

The MHA will host the webinar How Boards and Leaders Can Deploy AI Responsibly and Ethically, scheduled 4:30 – 6 p.m. ET, Dec. 3. The webinar will cover a framework to govern the approach, policies and procedures …

Keckley Report

Looking to 2025: The Stop-Gap Actions likely on Healthcare’s 8 Most Urgent Issues

“Last week, I wrote about three predictions for healthcare regardless of next week’s the election results:

  1. States will be the epicenter for healthcare legislation and regulation; federal initiatives will be substantially fewer.
  2. Large employers will take direct action to control their health costs.
  3. Private equity and strategic investors will capitalize on healthcare market conditions.

As these play out, eight major issues will get attention vis a vis stop-gap measures reflecting regulator and elected officials’ responsiveness to industry pressure and voter sentiment …

These issues are not new to healthcare: they’ve prompted endless symposia, sponsored white papers and discussion by trade associations, special interests and think tanks offering solutions beneficial to preserving their view of what’s needed. What’s new is the public’s distaste for the status quo in healthcare: in every major poll conducted since the pandemic, trust and confidence in the health system has been low and majorities have said the status quo is unsatisfactory.

Thus, stop-gap measures serve two purposes: they enable elected officials and government agency personnel to demonstrate responsiveness to important issues and they provide foundations for additional rules, laws and actions downstream. They’re a start.”

Paul Keckley, Oct. 28, 2024

News to Know

The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Voters in line at 8 p.m. can still cast ballots. The MHA strongly encourages voter participation, knowing those …

MHA CEO Brian Peters

MHA in the News

Becker’s Hospital Review published an article Oct. 31 that includes responses from MHA CEO Brian Peters and other MHA members. Becker’s asked C-suite executives from hospitals and health systems across the U.S. to share their …

MHA Monday Report Oct. 28, 2024

Member News, Monday Report

Obtaining Beyfortus through the Vaccines for Children Program

Vaccination remains a key strategy to mitigate the impact of adverse health outcomes on patients and hospital operations during the 2024-2025 respiratory season. The MHA urges all birthing hospitals to become Vaccines for Children …

Webinar Outlines Policies to Remove Stigma from Credentialing Applications

The MHA and the MHA Keystone Center will host the MHA Health Foundation webinar Implementing Evidence-Informed Strategies to Normalize Help-Seeking and Strengthen Wellbeing from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Dec 4. The webinar will outline how …

A Healthier Future: Improving Access for Immigrant Families in Michigan

Accessing healthcare can be a daunting experience for anyone, but it poses unique challenges for immigrants and refugees. I recently participated in a breakout session at the Michigan Association for Local Public Health Conference held in …

Keckley Report

U.S. Healthcare in 2025 and Beyond: Three Major Predictions

“With 15 days before voters decide the composition of the 119th U.S. Congress and the next White House occupant, the immediate future for U.S. healthcare is both predictable and problematic:

  1. States will be the epicenter for healthcare legislation and regulation; federal initiatives will be substantially fewer.  …
  2.  Large employers will take direct action to control their health costs. …
  3.  Private equity and strategic investors will capitalize on healthcare market conditions. …

Combined, these three predictions foretell a U.S. healthcare system that faces a significant pressure to demonstrate value. They require every healthcare organization to assess long-term strategies in the likely context of reduced funding, increased regulation and heightened attention to prices and affordability. This is problematic for insiders accustomed to incrementalism that’s protected them from unwelcome changes for 3 decades.

Announcements last week by Walgreens and CVS about changes to their strategies going forward reflect the industry’s new normal: change is constant, success if not. In 2025, regardless of the election outcome, healthcare will be a major focus for lawmakers, regulators, employers and consumers.”

Paul Keckley, Oct. 21, 2024

News to Know

  • The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Voters in line at 8 p.m. can still cast ballots.
  • MHA endorsed business partner HSS has officially rebranded as Tarian, following its acquisition in 2022.

MHA EVP Laura Appel speaks with WOOD TV about the Baxter IV solutions shortage.

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of Oct. 21 regarding the Baxter IV solutions shortage and the impact hospitals have in their local communities. WOOD TV aired a story Oct. 21 about the impact …

MHA Monday Report Oct. 21, 2024

Member News, Monday Report

State Senate Advances Healthcare Legislation

Several bills impacting healthcare and hospitals were advanced through committees in the state Senate during the week of Oct. 14. Senate Housing and Human Services voted out a package of legislation referred to as the …

MHA Continues to Monitor Baxter IV Solutions Shortage

The MHA continues to support Michigan hospitals in response to the Baxter IV solutions shortage that began the week of Sept. 29. Baxter International Inc. temporarily closed its North Cove manufacturing plant in Marion, N.C., …

LARA to Evaluate Non-Long Term Care Provider Licensures

The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) is required by MCL 333.20155 to make at least one visit to each licensed Non-Long Term Care provider every three years to evaluate licensure. LARA may waive …

MHA Webinar Explores Leadership Strategic Planning for AI

The MHA will host the webinar How Boards and Leaders Can Deploy AI Responsibly and Ethically, scheduled 4:30 – 6 p.m. ET, Dec. 3. The webinar will cover a framework to govern the approach, policies …

CMS Finalizes Medicare Appeals Process for Beneficiary Status Change

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the United States Department of Health and Human Services recently released a final rule, effective Oct. 11, 2024, implementing a federal district court order that …

Rural Health Research Gateway Releases Report on the First Year of REHs

The Rural Health Research Gateway recently published a report on Rural Emergency Hospitals (REHs) highlighting data from the first year of the designation. Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, the Rural Emergency Hospital provider type …

MHA Race of the Week – Michigan Supreme Court

The MHA’s Race of the Week series highlights the most pivotal statewide races for the 2024 General Election. The series will provide hospitals and healthcare advocates with the resources they …

Three Key Takeaways from the MHA Webinar Featuring Health Equity Regulatory Requirements

Earlier this month, the MHA, in partnership with the MHA Keystone Center, hosted a member webinar highlighting the current and future state of health equity priorities and requirements from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and The Joint Commission that impact …

Keckley Report

Do Healthcare Prices Matter?

“With the election 22 days away and inflation the key issue for voters, the latest Consumer Price Index report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics is especially important. Released last Tuesday, it shows: …

Healthcare prices account for 10.2% of the CPI but attention to these is decidedly less than food, energy, housing and other categories. For consumers, that neglect is harmful’ for industry insiders, it’s a pressure point that’s been avoided. Price estimators, posted chargemasters, open-panel benefits design, website queries and other tactics work OK for now. So…

Do Healthcare Prices Matter? Not much today. But they’re mission critical in healthcare tomorrow.”

Paul Keckley, Oct. 14, 2024

 

News to Know

The United States Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and the Treasury issued Sept. 9 a set of final rules on the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008.

Laura Appel speaks with NBC25 about the Baxter IV solutions shortage.

MHA in the News

The MHA continued to engage with media requests on the Baxter IV solutions shortage during the week of Oct. 14. NBC25/Fox66 in Flint aired a story Oct. 16 on the shortage, which includes an interview …