Category: Monday Report

MHA Monday Report Oct. 7, 2024

Member News, Monday Report

MHA Participates in Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health Healthcare Policy Forum

Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health hosted Oct. 4 the ninth annual regional healthcare policy forum in Kalamazoo. Moderated by Dr. Colleen Allen, CEO, Autism Alliance of Michigan, the forum focused on the theme of “Working Together” …

MHA Webinar Explores How Boards and Leaders Can Deploy AI Responsibly and Ethically

The MHA is hosting the webinar How Boards and Leaders Can Deploy AI Responsibly and Ethically, scheduled 4:30 – 6 p.m. ET Dec. 3 which features respected healthcare leaders in artificial intelligence (AI), healthcare operations …

Fall MI AIM Regional Training Events

The Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (MI AIM) is offering training events across Michigan for inpatient maternal healthcare providers. The events, scheduled from late October to November, will focus on using quality improvement …

MDHHS Releases Medicaid Doula Services Proposed Policy

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently released a proposed policy updating Medicaid coverage for doula services, effective Oct. 1, 2024. Key updates include increasing the number of covered doula visits to …

MHA Highlights Behavioral Health Priorities at Michigan Children and Families Summit

Lauren LaPine, senior director, legislative and public policy, MHA, participated in a discussion Oct. 3 in Grand Rapids during the Michigan Children and Families Summit hosted by the Steelcase Foundation. The summit explored the results …

MHA Race of the Week – U.S. Senate

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 …

MHA Rounds graphic of Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — Protecting Access to Care Through 340B

Protecting access to high quality, affordable healthcare for all Michiganders is a key tenet of the MHA. Stated simply, the 340B drug pricing program, created by Congress in 1992, is absolutely crucial to our member …

Keckley Report

Tax Exemptions for Not-for-Profit Hospitals: Are they Worth it?

It’s a question lots of folks inside and outside of healthcare are asking these days. …

The JAMA study did not focus on a ratio; instead, it focused on quantifying the amount of state and local exemptions that should be considered by policymakers in addition to their federal exemptions.  Notably, this study quantifies wide variation in which hospitals benefit most when local, state and federal exemptions are included and proposes that policies around NFP hospital tax exemptions be delegated in part to state and local determinations (as is already the case in at least 3 states). …

The Boards and leaders in each not-for-profit hospitals must account for the tax exemptions they currently enjoy and anticipate changes that limit them in the future. These studies point clearly to that inevitability. And each must answer this question for their organization objectively: are our tax exemptions truly worth it to the communities we serve, or simply a financial maneuver to use our money elsewhere?

Paul Keckley, Sept. 30, 2024

News to Know

Members looking to support hospitals impacted by Hurricane Helene can contribute to relief efforts through the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund and the Tennessee Hospital Association Disaster Relief Fund.

MHA Monday Report Sept. 30, 2024

Monday Report

Legislation Impacting Hospitals Introduced in State Legislature

A variety of bills impacting hospitals and health systems were introduced and discussed in the state legislature during the week of Sept. 23. Senate Bill 701, introduced by Sen. Singh (D-East Lansing), updates the statutory framework for the rural and obstetrical …

NAIC Meeting Evaluates Impact of Pharmaceutical Costs on Rural Hospitals

Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Director Anita Fox invited the MHA and Munson Healthcare to present to the Midwest Zone meeting of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) held Sept. 25. The …

CE Credits Available for Health Equity Regulatory Requirements Webinar

The MHA and the MHA Keystone Center are hosting an educational webinar from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Oct. 10 about the current and future state of regulatory and accrediting health equity requirements from the Centers …

2024 Election Materials Available for Michigan Hospitals

The MHA is offering election communication materials geared toward hospital staff, volunteers, patients and visitors to encourage voter participation in the 2024 general election. Additionally, the MHA elections webpage will be updated regularly with relevant …

Keckley Report

The Commonwealth Health System Study in Context: Will it Prompt Meaningful Action in the U.S.?

“Last Thursday, the Commonwealth Fund released its assessment of how the U.S. health system compares to other developed systems of the world. The title says it all: Mirror, Mirror 2024: A Portrait of the Failing U.S. Health System. …

The real question prompted by the Commonwealth study is this: is the ineffectiveness of the U.S. system fixable? Private investors, operators and trade groups say yes so long as a transition is smooth and their interests are protected. Systemic change is unwelcome. Healthcare in the U.S. is an industry that does well financially so, for many politicians, pensioners and insiders, they’d prefer it be left alone.

But the majority of Americans, including the majority in the 18-million healthcare workforce, aren’t sure. They see corporate profits, executive compensation, mergers and takeovers as indicators of its corporatization and business acumen but its layoffs, cost-cutting, surprise bills and inexplicable prices as evidence the system puts profit ahead of fixing problems that matter to them.

This study is worth discussion in every Boardroom in healthcare and in every household interested in health reforms. At a minimum, It merits collaborative action led by AHA, AHIP, AMA and others to develop meaningful, long-term solutions to its flaws that subordinate their proprietary preferences for the greater good.”

Paul Keckley, Sept. 23, 2024

MHA CEO Brian Peters

MHA in the News

Detroit’s WJR 760 AM interviewed MHA CEO Brian Peters Sept. 22 for a segment on healthcare as part of “The Capital Report,” a new show focused on exploring issues happening within state politics and Michigan’s …

MHA Monday Report Sept. 23, 2024

Monday Report

Speak up awardMcLaren Port Huron Nurse Receives MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award

The MHA Keystone Center celebrated Melissa Burgess, RN at McLaren Port Huron Hospital as its quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award recipient in September. The quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! …

Final Rules Strengthen Access to Mental Health, Substance Use Disorder Benefits

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

Upcoming MDHHS Maternal Health Offerings

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Division of Maternal and Infant Health is partnering with the Michigan Perinatal Quality Collaborative yo offer its Statewide Maternal and Infant Health Data Meeting from 4 to 6 …

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Explores AI in Healthcare, Workplace Equity and Community Partnerships

The September edition of Trustee Insights, a monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), outlines how artificial intelligence (AI) will change healthcare operations and how trustees can provide meaningful leadership and guidance. The issue …

Keckley Report

The Four Core Beliefs of Hospital-Employed Physicians

“In my report June 10, I wrote: “The major sources of physician discontent are administrative hassles and unwelcome clinical oversight that create dissonance. They conflict with a false sense of autonomy that the majority of physicians imagined when choosing medicine. Cuts to reimbursement, participation in alternative payment models and medical inflation are manifestations of a system in which ‘suits’ are intruders who make rules, exact handsome salaries, generate corporate profits and distance physicians from patient care purposely… “

This assessment remains true today. Discontent among physicians is palpable and it’s magnified by a growing sense of financial despair among many clinicians. And it poses a unique challenge to hospitals that now employ more than half of America’s physician workforce. …

The core beliefs held by employed physicians about their hospitals may not be fair, objective or accurate, but they’re no less deeply felt and impactful. Hospital boards and C suite leaders would be well-served to refresh plans accordingly.”

Paul Keckley, Sept. 16, 2024

Laura AppelMHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of Sept. 16 regarding Michigan healthcare careers and what’s next for digital health. Second Wave Michigan published a story Sept. 17 on healthcare careers and the existing healthcare …

 

 

 

MHA Monday Report Sept. 16, 2024

Monday Report

Leaders Convene for Crucial Healthcare Workforce Discussion

The MHA hosted nearly 150 thought leaders from healthcare, post-secondary education and workforce talent development Sept. 11 in Lansing for a discussion to help strengthen connections across the sectors focused on building the pipeline for …

MDHHS Issues Final Maternal Infant Health Services Policy

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued a final Medicaid Policy Bulletin Sept. 9 to expand coverage for Maternal Infant Health Program services. ​​ The final policy was issued in response …

2024 Election Materials Available for Michigan Hospitals

The MHA is offering election communication materials geared toward hospital staff, volunteers, patients and visitors to encourage voter participation in the 2024 general election. Additionally, the MHA elections webpage will be updated regularly with relevant …

Michigan Doula Advisory Council Membership Application Opens

The Michigan Doula Advisory Council (DAC) invites doulas across the state to apply for membership as its first council term ends in Dec. 2024. The DAC works to improve doula services in Michigan, particularly with …

What’s Ahead in Healthcare? Insights from the American Hospital Association

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast featuring Rick Pollack, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association. Pollack joined MHA CEO Brian Peters to discuss a variety of topics …

Keckley Report

The Presidential Debate will Frustrate Healthcare Voters

“The healthcare system per se is not a major concern to voters this year, but its affordability is. Out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs, insurance premiums and co-pays and deductibles for hospitals and physician services are considered unreasonable and inexplicably high. They contribute to public anxiety about their financial security alongside housing and food costs. And majorities think the government should do more by imposing price controls and limiting corporate consolidation. …

Misinformation, disinformation and AI derived social media messaging are standard fare in winner-take-all politics. When used in addressing health issues and policies, they’re effective because the public’s basic level of understanding of the health system is embarrassingly low: studies show 4 in 5 American’s confess to confusion citing the system’s complexity and, regrettably, the inadequacy of efforts to mitigate their ignorance is widely acknowledged. Thus, terms like affordability, value, quality, not-for-profit healthcare and many others can be used liberally by politicians, trade groups and journalists without fear of challenge since they’re defined differently by every user. …

Long-term, the system will proceed incrementally. Bigger players will fare OK and others will fail. I remain hopeful thoughtful leaders will address the near and long-term future with equal energy and attention. Regrettably, the tyranny of the urgent owns the U.S. health system’s attention these days: its long-term destination is out-of-sight, out-of-mind to most. And the complexity of its short-term issues lend to magnification of misinformation, disinformation and public ignorance.

That’s why this debate will frustrate healthcare voters.”

Paul Keckley, Sept. 9, 2024

MHA in the News

WWMT-TV Newschannel 3 aired a story Sept. 9 on the radiology workforce shortage in hospitals, including a shortage of radiologists and radiology technicians. MHA Executive Vice President Laura Appel was interviewed for the story, explaining …

MHA Monday Report Sept. 9, 2024

Monday Report

MHA Updates Medicaid and Medicare Enrollment Analysis

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

Oct 10 Webinar to Explore Health Equity Regulatory Requirements

The MHA and the MHA Keystone Center is hosting an educational webinar from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Oct 10 about the current and future state of regulatory and accrediting health equity requirements from the Centers …

Deadline Extended for Michigan Reconnect Scholarship Program

The Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential extended its deadline to enroll in the Michigan Reconnect scholarship program. Those interested now have until Dec. 31, 2024 to apply. Michigan Reconnect is a program …

Learn More About Munson Healthcare’s Ask-A-Nurse Program

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast focused on Munson Healthcare’s innovative Ask-A-Nurse program. The free, 24/7 call center is staffed year-round by registered nurses and offers easy access to health-related …

MHA Rounds graphic of Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — Site-Neutral Payment Policies: The Latest Threat to Patient Access

Operating a hospital has never been more challenging than it is today. At the most fundamental level, hospitals are small towns that operate 24/7, year-round, built around expert clinicians, as well as a wide variety …

Keckley Report

The Four Questions Healthcare Boards must Answer

“In 63 days, Americans will know the composition of the 119th Congress and the new occupants of the White House and 11 Governor’s mansions. We’ll learn results of referenda in 10 states about abortion rights (AZ, CO, FL, MD, MO, MT, NE, NV, NY, SD) and see how insurance coverage for infertility (IVF therapy) fares as Californians vote on SB 729. But what we will not learn is the future of the U.S. health system at a critical time of uncertainty. …

For Boards of U.S. healthcare organizations, the imperative for transformational change is urgent: the future of the U.S. system is not a repeat of its past. But most Boards fail to analyze the future and construct future-state scenarios systematically. Lessons from other industries are instructive. …

Until and unless healthcare leaders recognize the imperative for transformational change, the system will calcify its victim-mindset and each sector will fend for itself with diminishing results. No sector—hospitals, insurers, drug companies, physicians—has all the answers and every sector faces enormous headwinds. Perhaps it’s time for a cross-sector coalition to step up with transformational change as the goal and the public’s well-being the moral compass.”

Paul Keckley, Sept. 3, 2024

 

MHA CEO Brian Peters

MHA in the News

Becker’s Hospital Review published an article Sept. 3 that provides responses from 87 healthcare executives sharing their ideas on ways to boost the patient experience. MHA CEO Brian Peters provided a response, mentioning the MHA …

MHA Monday Report Aug. 26, 2024

Monday Report

Register for MHA 2024-25 Strategic Action Plan Webinar

The MHA is hosting a virtual member forum 11 a.m. to noon Oct. 14 to outline the MHA 2024 – 2025 strategic action plan approved by the MHA Board of Trustees. The plan will include …

MHA Submits Comments on Proposed MDHHS Medicaid Behavioral Health Policies

The MHA submitted comments to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) regarding two Medicaid proposed policies Aug. 20 pertaining to the establishment of Intensive Care Coordination with Wraparound and the implementation …

Kelley Cawthorne Ad

 

Guide for Michigan’s Adult Guardianship Process Available Digitally

The MHA published a resource for hospital and healthcare teams to support patients and families navigating the guardianship process. A printable copy as well as digital version are now available. The Guide for Michigan’s Adult Guardianship …

MHA CEO Report — Adding Value for Hospitals

I discussed last month how the MHA continues to create highly successful and impactful outcomes for our members through our outstanding advocacy in the public policy arena, at both the state and federal levels. …

The Keckley Report

The Two Tipping Points prompting Outsider Demand for Health System Transformation

“As Democrats gather in Chicago and Epic users convene in Verona WI this week, the future of the healthcare system will be on the agenda for both gatherings, but with a different focus: …

In Chicago and Verona, opportunities to improve the U.S. system are readily acknowledged. Which flaws deserve attention first, how and how fast reflect contrasting views. But perhaps as never before, the direction of the system is impacted by two convergent realities …

As congregants assemble in Chicago and Verona this week, outsiders hope they’ll look beyond incrementalism and pursue transformational change. They’re tired of waiting. It’s reached its tipping point. …”

Paul Keckley, Aug. 19, 2024

News to Know

  • MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled Sept. 2 in honor of Labor Day.
  • Due to the holiday, Monday Report will not be published Sept. 2 and will resume its normal schedule Sept. 9.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner CorroHealth will host the webinar Investing Wisely in the Healthcare Continuum Aug. 28 to share strategic solutions for integrating utilization management, clinical documentation integrity and denials management into a unified revenue integrity framework.

MHA CEO Brian Peters

MHA in the News

MHA CEO Brian Peters joined The Common Bridge podcast for an episode published Aug. 18 to discuss various healthcare policy topics, particularly those impacting rural Michigan.  Areas of focus include the Affordable Care Act, the impact of Medicaid provider taxes …

MHA Monday Report Aug. 19, 2024

Monday Report

MHA Submits Comments on Speech-Language Pathologist Proposed Policy

The MHA recently provided comments to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) regarding a proposed policy change for Medicaid enrollment of speech-language pathologists. The MHA supports MDHHS’s efforts to align Michigan licensure …

Registration Open for Safe Table on Just Culture

The MHA Keystone Center Patient Safety Organization is hosting a Just Culture Safe Table from noon to 4 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 19 at the MHA headquarters in Okemos, MI. The peer-led discussion about Just …

Special Pathogen Preparedness and the Revised Infection Control Joint Commission Standards Webinar

The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training & Education Center, in collaboration with the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, are hosting the webinar Special Pathogen Preparedness and the Revised Infection Control Joint Commission Standards …

Kelley Cawthorne Ad

New CMS Requirements for Reporting of Hospital Respiratory Data

The MHA recently submitted formal comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the proposed updates to the Medicare Inpatient Prospective Payment System for fiscal year 2025. Updates to the hospital and …

MHA Provides Comment on Proposed Medicaid Reimbursement for Group Prenatal Care

The MHA submitted a comment letter to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services regarding the proposed Medicaid coverage of group prenatal care, set to begin in October 2024. The MHA expressed support for …

The Keckley Report

Healthcare’s Three Big Tents have Much in Common

“Arguably, three trade groups have emerged at the center of healthcare system transformation efforts in the U.S.: the American Hospital Association (AHA), America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). Others weigh in—the American Medical Association, AdvaMed, the American Public Health Association and others—but this trio is widely regarded as the Big Tents under which policy changes are pursued. …

The Boards of the Big Tent trio weigh in, but senior staff in each of the Big Tents drive the organization’s strategy. They’re experienced in advocacy, well-paid and often heavy-handed in dealing with critics.

Operationally, the 3 Big Tents have much in common. Strategically, they’re far apart and the gap appears to be widening. Each blames the other for medical inflation and unnecessary cost. Each alleges the others use unfair business practices to gain market advantages. And each thinks their vision for the future of the U.S. health system is accurate, complete and in the best interest of the public good.

And none of the three has put-forth a vision for the long-term future of the U.S. health system.  Protecting the immediate interests of their members against unwelcome regulatory changes is their focus.”

Paul Keckley, Aug. 12, 2024

News to Know

The MHA Keystone Center is partnering with the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan to host a two-part, virtual series about peer recovery services for substance and opioid use disorders from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sept. 17 and Sept. 23.

MHA CEO Brian Peters

MHA in the News

U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) issued a press release Aug. 8 highlighting her introduction of the American Made Pharmaceuticals Acts that included a quote of support from MHA CEO Brian Peters. The bipartisan bill, introduced with U.S. Rep. Don …

MHA Monday Report Aug. 12, 2024

Monday Report

MHA Shares State Impacts and Insights at Regional 340B Roundtable

MHA staff attended the Regional 340B Roundtable Aug. 7 in Florence, IN to join colleagues from the Indiana Hospital Association, Ohio Hospital Association, Kentucky Hospital Association and endorsed business partner, SunRx, to share best practices …

MHA Keystone Center Offers Learning Collaboratives for Peer Recovery Services

The MHA Keystone Center is partnering with the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan to host a two-part, virtual series about peer recovery services for substance and opioid use disorders from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. …

CMS Releases FY 2025 Final Rule for Skilled Nursing Facilities

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 federal fiscal year (FY) 2025. Key provisions …

Kelley Cawthorne Ad

MHA Webinar Tying Person and Family Engagement to Culture Performance Deadline Approaching

One week remains before the registration deadline for the MHA webinar Tying Person and Family Engagement to Culture and Performance. Scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. Aug. 20, the webinar provides an opportunity for hospitals to …

CMS Releases FY 2025 LTCH Prospective Payment System Final Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (C recently released a final rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service long-term care hospital (LTCH) prospective payment system for fiscal year 2025. Specifically, the final rule: Increases …

CMS Releases FY 2025 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System Final Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently released a final rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service hospital inpatient prospective payment system for fiscal year (FY) 2025. Highlights of the final rule include: …

The Keckley Report

Big Sky is Cloudy for Hospitals

“As state hospital association leaders assemble in Big Sky, Montana this week, the environment for hospital-friendly legislation is threatening at best:

The public’s trust in hospitals has eroded. Hospital financial performance is a mixed bag: some are profitable and many aren’t. Congress thinks hospitals need more regulation to increase price transparency, require ownership disclosure, verify community benefits that justify tax exemptions and impose restrictions on hospital private equity investments. And programs through which state and federal health policies are authorized—HHS, CMS, FTC, FDA, CMMI et al—are in limbo as a result of the June 28, 2024 Chevron ruling by the Supreme Court. …

For hospitals, effective advocacy is imperative: the reservoir of good will enjoyed for decades is evaporating. Advertising “we’re there for you” is timely as rural providers need a lifeline, and public castigation of “corporate insurers and billionaire critics” necessary to rally supporters. But beyond these, two things are clear:

  • The marketplace for “hospitals” is fundamentally different than the past requiring a clearer value proposition and fresh messaging.
  • And in states, hospitals will encounter unique opportunities and challenges in plotting strategies for their future. No two are alike.

Big Sky is a symbolic locale for this week’s meeting of state health executives: the Big Sky over hospitals is cloudy.”

Paul Keckley, Aug. 5, 2024

MHA Monday Report Aug. 5, 2024

Monday Report

Michigan Supreme Court Issues Ruling on Paid Sick Leave & Minimum Wage

The Michigan Supreme Court issued a ruling July 31 in Mothering Justice v. Attorney General that upholds voter initiative petitions on paid sick leave and minimum wage. Those laws, as originally enacted, will go into …

Michigan Medicaid Facility Rates Increased for Dental Procedures Under General Anesthesia

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued a final policy to increase Medicaid payment rates for dental services provided to patients under general anesthesia in ambulatory surgical centers and outpatient hospitals, …

MDHHS and Michigan 211 Launches New Website for Grief and Bereavement Support

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), in partnership with Michigan 211, recently launched a new website aimed to providing support services for families who have experienced loss of a mother or infant. …

Kelley Cawthorne Ad

CMS Releases FY 2025 Final Rule for Inpatient Psychiatric 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 psychiatric facilities for federal fiscal year (FY) 2025. Key provisions …

Applications Open for MI Behavioral Health Internship Stipend Program

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has allocated $3.5 million for the Behavioral Health Internship Stipend Program. This program will offer up to $15,000 stipends to student interns enrolled in behavioral health …

CMS Releases FY 2025 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) 2025. Key provisions …

The Keckley Report

The Five Characteristics of the Blame and Shame Game in Healthcare

“The Blame and Shame Game spikes in election cycles as candidates pit themselves against their opponents. Healthcare plays its own version: last week is indicative: …

As Congress heads home for their August recess this week and Campaign 2024 intensifies, there’s no doubt healthcare issues will be prominent in local, state and national news. It’s also likely much of that coverage will be negative due to mounting cynicism about the industry’s business, consolidation, and opaque pricing and intensifying blame and shame games between hospitals and insurers, primary care and specialty physicians, PBMs and drug manufacturers, public health and healthcare delivery and others.

Blame and shame rhetoric about these tensions is not new, but its intensity is higher than ever as are the stakes. Blame and Shame is Chapter Two in most organization’s playbooks. Chapter One, the organization’s mission, vision, purpose and strategic plan is often missing and frequently premised on false assumptions. Thus, the “strategy” defaults to calling out the wrongdoings/shortcoming of adversaries and critics and little more. And their rhetoric is laced with terms for which accountability is suspect i.e. community benefit, affordability, value, quality and others. …

Here’s too much at stake to expect any inside sector to do this on its own: Blame and Shame is easier.”

Paul Keckley, July 29, 2024

News to Know 

The Primary Election is Tuesday, Aug. 6. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Voters in line at 8 p.m. can still cast ballots. Those who missed the deadline to register online or by mail can do so in-person through Election Day with their local clerk. To check registration status, polling location or preview a ballot, visit the Michigan voter webpage.

MHA Monday Report July 29, 2024

Monday Report

Governor Signs FY 25 Budget and FY 24 Supplemental

 

Gov. Whitmer signed the fiscal year (FY) 2025 state budget on July 24. The budget proposal fully funds the Michigan Medicaid program, including significant increases to provider-funded Medicaid reimbursements in FY 24 and 25. The budget also …

 

Governor Signs Law Reducing Medical Waste

Gov. Whitmer signed Senate Bill 482, now Public Act (PA) 105 of 2024, on July 23, which extends the timeline for the disposal of sharps containers. Previously, state law mandated that sharps containers be removed …

 

 

June Medicaid and Medicare Enrollment in Michigan

 

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

 

CMS Releases 2025 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule

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

 

Webinar Explores Connection Between Person and Family Engagement and Performance

The MHA is hosting the webinar Tying Person and Family Engagement (PFE) to Culture and Performance from noon to 1 p.m. Aug. 20. The webinar will provide examples of how peers at hospitals are creating a PFE …

 

Engaging Providers and Transforming Revenue and Quality Performance Simultaneously

The MHA’s Endorsed Business Partner (EBP) program promotes industry-leading firms and connects member hospitals to solutions that alleviate pain points. The MHA recently endorsed ModusOne Health, which is the only physician-founded and operated clinical diagnosis improvement company (CDxI®) …

MDHHS

MDHHS Seeks Feedback from Older Adults and Caregivers on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) is now surveying adults aged 60 and older and their caregivers about their experience with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The survey is scheduled to …

 

Expanding Peer Recovery Coach Services to Improve Patient Outcomes

The fiscal year (FY) 2025 budget includes critical funding to support the work of peer recovery coaches (PRCs) in Michigan hospitals. Kelsey Ostergren, director of health policy initiatives, MHA, and Michelle Norcross, senior director of safety & quality, MHA Keystone Center, share the impact these resources have on patients and communities …

 

Applications are Now Open for the Infection Prevention and Control Scholarship

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has opened applications for the 2025 Critical Access Hospital (CAH) Scholarship program …

The Keckley Report

Campaign 2024 and US Healthcare: 7 Things we Know for Sure

“Over the weekend, President Biden called it quits and Democrats seemingly coalesced around Vice President Harris as the Party’s candidate for the White House. While speculation about her running mate swirls, the stakes for healthcare just got higher. Here’s why: …

Healthcare, to the Democratic-leaning voters is a right, not a privilege. Its majority think it should be universally accessible, affordable, and comprehensive akin to Medicare. They believe the status quo isn’t working: the federal government should steward something better. …

Regardless of the election outcome November 5, the U.S. healthcare industry will be under intense scrutiny in 2025 and beyond. It’s unavoidable.

Discontent is palpable. No sector in U.S. healthcare can afford complacency. And every stakeholder in the system faces threats that require new solutions and fresh voices.”

Paul Keckley, July 22, 2024

News to Know 

  • July 22 was the deadline to register by mail or online to be eligible to vote in the Primary Election on Aug. 6.

 

 

MHA in the NewsMHA CEO Brian Peters

Becker’s Hospital Review published an article July 23 that includes MHA CEO Brian Peters as one of 76 healthcare executives sharing their focus for the second half of 2024. Peters covered the importance of the …