Category: Top Issues – Healthcare

Appel Joins WJR Live from Lansing Broadcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Members with questions should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

Peters Pens Medicaid Detroit News Op-ed

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MHA CEO Brian Peters

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

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

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

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

Report: Michigan Hospital Programming, Investments Improve Health and Well-being of Residents

Issues in Healthcare, Top Issues - Healthcare, News Releases
2024 MHA Community Impact Report

The Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) released the 2024 Community Impact Report highlighting how Michigan hospitals are strengthening the healthcare workforce, enhancing access to care and building community health and wellness. This report shares 15 hospital-led community impact programs from nearly every region of the state.2024 MHA Community Impact Report

Michigan hospitals are advancing the health of patients and communities beyond the traditional healthcare setting with a variety of community-focused programs. These efforts are a result of strategic community benefit investments, in addition to local partnerships and support from state and federal healthcare champions.

“The MHA Community Impact Report demonstrates a long-standing commitment by Michigan hospitals to advance the well-being of patients and communities beyond the traditional four walls of the hospital,” said MHA CEO Brian Peters. “It also showcases the strong, lasting impact of investments in health education, community outreach services, clinical research and workforce development.”

Examples of stories include Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital’s Street Medicine Oakland program that provides free medical care to patients experiencing homelessness; MyMichigan Health’s Grow Our Own initiative, which provides financial assistance to individuals who want to further their education in healthcare; and Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital’s Community Connect program that is reducing health disparities related to mental health, substance abuse and adverse childhood events.

The investments total more than $4.5 billion in community impact activities in fiscal year (FY) 2022, from education and prevention services to community outreach, research and workforce development.

“At ProMedica Health, we’re always looking for innovative ways to address the specific health needs of our patient population and reach communities where they are,” said MHA Board Chair Julie Yaroch, DO, president of ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital. “It’s inspiring to see the work of other hospitals featured in the report that are focused on bringing solutions to the table, especially when it comes to closing gaps in public health and enhancing access to care in rural communities.”

The full report and community impact stories from hospitals across the state can be accessed on the MHA website.

Peters Discusses 340B Legislation on Michigan’s Big Show

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MHA CEO Brian Peters

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 1179, which would have protected cost savings from manufacturer encroachment and preserved access to affordable healthcare services in both urban and rural Michigan communities. The interview occurred days after the bill passed the Senate with broad bipartisan support following a 30-3 vote.

“The average cost of a prescription drug is now over $300,000 for a newly introduced prescription medication,” said Peters. “That is just remarkable and does affect all Michiganders in some way or form. We’re excited our state 340B legislation passed the state Senate on a very, very strong bipartisan vote.”

The bill did not see further action due to inactivity by the House during the week of Dec. 16.

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

Capitol News Outlets Cover 340B Legislation

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MHA CEO Brian Peters

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 reported out of the Senate Oversight Committee Dec. 11 and passed the full Senate Dec. 13.

Lansing political outlets MIRS and Gongwer both published stories Dec. 11 that included portions of a media statement issued by the MHA after SB 1179 moved out of committee. Additional stories were published by MIRS Dec. 12, Gongwer Dec. 13 and 340B Report Dec. 13 following the passage of SB 1179 by the full Senate.

“Michigan’s senators stood up to the out-of-state pharmaceutical interest groups and we applaud them for their efforts,” said Peters. “We now call on the Michigan House of Representatives to follow the Senate’s lead and get this bill over the finish line. Michiganders can’t afford to continue to have their healthcare services attacked to pad PhRMA balance sheets.

Outside of this week’s activity on 340B, the Becker’s Healthcare Podcast published an episode Dec. 12 with Peters that was recorded at the Becker’s Healthcare 12th Annual CEO + CFO Roundtable. Peters discusses the evolving challenges and opportunities in healthcare, including cybersecurity, the role of AI, workforce issues and the importance of community partnerships to address health equity.

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

Senate Protects Healthcare Services from PhRMA Attacks

News Releases, Issues in Healthcare, Top Issues - Healthcare

The following statement can be attributed to Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association.

MHA CEO Brian PetersWe are grateful for the broad bipartisan collection of senators who passed Senate Bill 1179 to protect community healthcare services from pharmaceutical manufacturers’ arbitrary attacks on the 340B drug pricing program.

Safety net providers, from Federally Qualified Health Centers to cancer and rural hospitals, and the services they offer to vulnerable patients are under threat from drug manufacturers prioritizing their own profits over healthcare access.

Michigan’s senators stood up to the out-of-state pharmaceutical interest groups and we applaud them for their efforts.
We now call on the Michigan House of Representatives to follow the Senate’s lead and get this bill over the finish line. Michiganders can’t afford to continue to have their healthcare services attacked to pad PhRMA balance sheets.

Senate Committee Puts Patients Over PhRMA Profits

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The following statement can be attributed to Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association.
MHA CEO Brian Peters

Members of the Senate Oversight Committee put patients over pharmaceutical profits by reporting out Senate Bill 1179 to the full Senate, which adds state-level protections to the 340B drug pricing program and the affordable, community-based care it supports.

The 340B program is an essential safety net program that supports vulnerable patients and the providers that care for them. It allows eligible Michigan hospitals to stretch incredibly scarce resources to provide care for more patients in their communities, increasing access to care.

These protections prevent manufacturers from arbitrarily restricting program participation that threatens access to care by cutting program savings. Such harmful actions by these companies risk the closure of birthing units, nursing homes and even critical access hospitals.

We look forward to the full Senate passing this bill and will continue to work with our partners in the House to make sure this important piece of legislation reaches Gov. Whitmer’s desk before the end of the year.

Workforce Bills Highlight Healthcare Legislation Advanced in the State Legislature

Member News, Issues in Healthcare, Top Issues - Healthcare

Advocacy image tileSeveral 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 the statutory changes to continue expanded eligibility for the Michigan Reconnect program. The legislation amends the Michigan Reconnect Grant Recipient Act to reduce the age of eligibility to receive Michigan Reconnect from 25 to 21. The MHA supports this legislation, as it will make it easier for Michigan residents to access high-demand healthcare credentials through the program. The legislation now awaits a vote from the full Senate.

The Michigan House passed House Bill 4224, sponsored by Rep. Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo). This legislation would repeal the onerous Medicaid work requirements that have been in statute for the last several years, although not officially enforced. The MHA supports the bill to clean up Michigan’s Medicaid statute to ensure that the program remains a sustainable safety net for those in need of health insurance. The legislation now advances to the Senate for their likely consideration by the Health Policy Committee.

The Senate Local Government committee also advanced SB 660, sponsored by Sen. Rosemary Bayer (D-Keego Harbor). The legislation would establish a process to allow local units of government to levy taxes on certain impermeable surfaces to fund projects related to stormwater control and runoff. The MHA opposes the legislation, as it removes the current requirement that such taxes must be approved by a vote of the people in the community and could increase costs for healthcare. The bill now advances to the full Senate.

Members with questions can reach out to Elizabeth Kutter.

MHA Board of Trustees Considers Election Impact and Association Priorities

Member News, Top Issues - Healthcare

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 Affairs.

The board also received a state election update and discussed the association’s advocacy strategy during lame duck, which is expected to be active due to the shift in party leadership next year from Democratic to Republican control in the Michigan House of Representatives. Opposition to government-mandated staffing ratios, preservation of Michigan’s medical liability law and protecting the 340B drug pricing program remain strong priorities during the remainder of the current session and for the year ahead.

The board reviewed and discussed the MHA 2024-2025 Strategic Action Plan, which sets the association’s priorities for the year and highlights areas needing long-term focus from the MHA and the hospital community. The plan is organized into five key pillars this year:

  • Workforce support
  • Protecting access
  • Support for mental and behavioral health
  • Creating healthy communities
  • Strengthening cybercrime/cybersecurity policy

Board member David Miller, MD, president, University of Michigan Health, executive vice dean for Clinical Affairs, UM Medical School and professor of Urology, University of Michigan Health, provided a safety story that illustrated the important role leaders play in setting an example and in modeling a culture of safety within an organization.

The board concluded with board task force reports, MHA Keystone Center and MHA Service Corporation reports, regional hospital council reports, an AHA report and an update from MHA CEO Brian Peters.

Members with questions about the actions of the MHA Board of Trustees may contact Amy Barkholz at the MHA.

Media Recap: IV Solutions Shortage & Community Impact

Issues in Healthcare, MHA In The News, Top Issues - Healthcare
MHA EVP Laura Appel speaks with WOOD TV about the Baxter IV solutions shortage.
MHA EVP Laura Appel speaks with WOOD TV about the Baxter IV solutions shortage.
MHA EVP Laura Appel speaks with WOOD TV about the Baxter IV solutions shortage.

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 the Baxter IV solutions shortage is having on Michigan hospitals. The story includes quotes from Laura Appel, executive vice president and government relations and public policy, MHA, sharing updates on the situation and how hospitals are managing supply.

“I would say with few exceptions, I believe just about every health system in the state is doing what are called conservation measures,” said Appel.

The MHA is also featured in the October issue of FOCUS Magazine, the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce’s monthly business publication. The article, located on page 16, focuses on the role healthcare plays in the community, particularly as an employer, and includes quotes from MHA CEO Brian Peters.

“There’s no single answer,” said Peters about issues the MHA is focused on, including workforce shortages, greater behavioral health demands, workplace violence, health equity concerns and hospital viability. “These are obviously very complex issues, so the answers are multiple.”

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