Gov. Whitmer released her executive budget recommendation Feb. 8 for fiscal year 2024. The proposed budget fully protects traditional hospital line items for Medicaid and the Healthy Michigan program, continues targeted rate increases from recent budget cycles and includes new investments in workforce training and development. None of the line items important to MHA members were recommended for reductions in the recommendation.
The MHA will share additional information on the new initiatives in the coming weeks, but below are a few key pieces for MHA members.
- New or expanded funding items:
- Healthy Moms and Healthy Babies – $62 million.
- Implementing recommendations from the Racial Disparities Task Force – $58 million.
- Increased rates for laboratory services, traumatic brain injury services and other related professional services – $120 million.
- Expanding eligibility for the Michigan Reconnect scholarship program – $140 million.
- Building capacity for insulin production in Michigan – $150 million.
- Discretionary mental health supports for K-12 students – $300 million.
- Items receiving continued, full funding:
- The Healthy Michigan Plan (Medicaid expansion).
- Hospital Quality Assurance Assessment Program.
- Rural and obstetrical stabilization pools.
- Hospital outpatient rate increase.
- Critical access hospital rate increase.
MHA CEO Brian Peters released a statement in support of the executive budget recommendation, thanking Gov. Whitmer for her continued commitment to protecting hospitals and supporting healthcare workers.
Members with questions about the budget or any other state legislation impacting hospitals should contact the MHA advocacy team.