The MHA received media coverage during the week of Oct. 27 as MHA CEO Brian Peters discussed the value of hospitals in light of rising insurance premiums.
MIRS published a story Oct. 30 looking at the cost drivers of increasing insurance rates, interviewing several healthcare and association leaders. Peters mentioned the various costs that have increased for hospitals that are necessary to continue to provide accessible and quality services to patients, including labor, drugs, infrastructure and medical liability.
Peters also shared how “a relatively unhealthy population” showing up with “inadequate health insurance” leads to higher utilization and costs in the system.
Gongwer and The Detroit News published articles Oct. 31 on the topic as well, following approval of the 2026 health insurance rate change requests by the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services. Peters highlighted the importance of extending the enhanced premium tax credits at the federal level.
“If the Affordable Care Act passage has proved anything, it’s that we can do a much better job of dealing with these health care challenges if people have coverage, and it’s good coverage, meaning not skinny plans, where you’ve got enormous co-pays and deductibles,” said Peters to The Detroit News.
Members with any questions regarding media requests should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.