Tag: advocacy

House Budget Proposal Advances; Other Hospital Bills See Action

Member News

Several healthcare bills, including mandatory nurse overtime, medical debt collections, prescribed pediatric extended care facilities and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) budget, saw action in the legislature during the week of April 13.

The Michigan Senate voted in support of Senate Bills (SBs) 296 and 297, sponsored by Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) and Sen. Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan), on April 15. This legislation would prohibit hospitals from using mandated overtime for registered nurses in certain circumstances. While the MHA does not support legislation that curtails hospital leaders’ decision-making authority, the MHA worked with bill sponsors and the Michigan Nurses Association to secure key amendments to provide hospitals time to implement potential changes, address extenuating circumstances and provide flexibility to nurses, while keeping patient access at the forefront. The legislation now heads to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

The House Health Policy Committee heard testimony on SB 449, 450 and 451, as well as House Bills (HB) 5254 and 5255. The bipartisan three-bill Senate package codifies the existence of hospital financial assistance programs (FAPs), creates new reporting requirements on the benefits provided by FAPs and prohibits medical debt from being reported by credit bureaus. The bills, sponsored by Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) and Sen. Jonathan Lindsey (R-Coldwater), would:

  • Require hospitals to develop and implement a FAP that provides up to a 100% discount based on a sliding scale for an uninsured patient whose annual income is at or below 350% of the federal poverty guidelines. The FAP must also apply to patients who owe the hospital an unpaid bill equal to or greater than 30% of their annual income.
  • Require hospitals to post information about the FAP on bills, invoices and the hospital website.
  • Require hospitals to submit an annual report to the MDHHS stating the number of applications to the hospital’s FAP and the benefits provided by the FAP each year.
  • Require the state to create a process allowing hospitals to check patient income eligibility.
  • Prohibit consumer reporting agencies from including medical debt in consumer credit reports.

HBs 5254 and 5255, sponsored by Reps. Angela Rigas (R-Alto) and Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia), aim to change medical debt collection processes in the state, including restrictions on the sale of medical debt and on interest rates. The MHA maintains a neutral position on SBs 449-451.

The House Health Policy Committee also voted unanimously in support of HBs 5251 and 5252, which provide for the licensing and Medicaid coverage of prescribed pediatric extended care facilities. These facilities would allow specialized care for pediatric patients with complex medical conditions. The MHA continues to review this legislation.

Lastly, HB 5607, which funds the Medicaid and behavioral health portions of the MDHHS for fiscal year 2026-27, was reviewed and approved by its House Appropriations subcommittees on April 16. The bill supports important healthcare measures, including:

  • Full funding for Medicaid.
  • Recognition of hospital provider taxes and the ability to access those funds without additional legislative action or administrative barriers.
  • Specialty Network Access Fee funding.
  • Support for rural and obstetrics stabilization pools.
  • Funding for Maternal Levels of Care verification.
  • $22 million and additional state employees to implement Medicaid work reporting requirements as required by H.R. 1.
  • Language encouraging the state to allocate Rural Health Transformation funds in a timely manner.

The budget proposal also calls for $300 million in unspecified Medicaid savings.  The bill now goes to the full House Appropriations Committee for its consideration. The MHA will continue to work with lawmakers to pass a state budget that fully supports Michigan hospitals, healthcare workers and patients.

Members with questions may contact the MHA advocacy team.

Governor Whitmer Delivers Final State of the State Address

Member News

Gov. Whitmer delivered her final State of the State address Feb. 25 before a joint session of the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, outlining priorities for the remainder of her term, including healthcare affordability.

During the address, Whitmer called on Congress to renew enhanced premium tax credits for marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act. She also referenced upcoming changes to Medicaid resulting from recent federal law changes.

Additionally, Whitmer emphasized medical debt as an ongoing policy issue that should be addressed by the state legislature. Ideas shared during the speech included capping interest rates on Medicaid changes resulting from credit reporting, requiring hospitals to establish financial assistance programs and prohibiting liens or foreclosures on homes tied to unpaid medical bills.

Whitmer reflected on accomplishments during her administration, including expanding access to pre-K, providing free school meals for all, reducing crime and overdose deaths and continuing infrastructure improvements such as road repairs and the removal of lead pipes throughout the state.

She recognized the work of state departments, legislators and community leaders who helped shape policy efforts during her tenure and emphasized the importance of bipartisan collaboration to advance policies that support Michigan residents.

The MHA looks forward to working with state lawmakers on policies that support healthcare affordability and access to care for Michigan residents.

Members with questions may contact the MHA advocacy team.

Notable Healthcare Legislation Clears House, Senate Committees

Member News

Legislation on physician assistant licensure compact agreements, international medical school graduates, hospital price transparency measures and medical debt collection advanced in the Michigan House and Senate during the week of Nov. 10.

In the House Health Policy Committee, lawmakers took testimony on Senate Bill (SB) 95, introduced by Sen. Jonathan Lindsey (R-Coldwater), which would codify federal hospital price transparency requirements into state law. Lawmakers from other states testified virtually to share perspectives on hospital price transparency efforts similar to SB 95. The MHA continues to work with committee members on this issue and supports tying SB 95 to bills that would create state-level protections for the federal 340B drug pricing program.

The committee also voted in support of House Bill (HB) 4925 and HB 4896, introduced by Rep. Phil Green (R-Watertown Township) and Rep. Jason Woolford (R-Howell), which creates a new pathway for certain internationally educated physicians to practice medicine in Michigan. After securing key amendments, the MHA supported this legislation in committee.

Further, the Michigan House voted in favor of HB 4857, introduced by Rep. Will Bruck (R-Erie), which would expand confidentiality and liability protections associated with critical incident stress management (CISM) services to any individual, rather than limiting them to emergency service providers. CISM services include critical incident stress debriefings, on-scene support, consultation and referral services. The MHA applauds the unanimous 108-0 House vote supporting individuals affected by traumatic workplace events.

In the Senate Health Policy Committee, lawmakers voted in support of HB 4309, SB 483, and SBs 449–451. HB 4309, sponsored by Rep. Dave Prestin (R-Cedar River), adds Michigan into the physician assistant licensure compact agreement. SB 483, introduced by Sen. Rosemary Bayer (D-West Bloomfield), creates a palliative care task force in the state. Lastly, SBs 449-451 address medical debt collection efforts and requirements for hospitals and are sponsored by Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) and Sen. Jonathan Lindsey (R-Coldwater). The MHA supports HB 4309 and SB 483; and remains neutral on SBs 449-451.

Lastly, the Michigan Senate voted 33-3 in favor of  SB 443, sponsored by Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo), which requires hospitals and health facilities that provide surgical services to create and implement a surgical smoke plume evacuation system. The bill will now move to the Michigan House for further consideration.

Members with questions may contact the MHA advocacy team.

Speech-Language Pathologist Medicaid Coverage and Critical Incident Stress Management Services Legislation Advances

Member News

Legislation improving coverage policies for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and broadening those included under Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) services advanced in the Michigan House of Representatives during the week of Oct. 20.

House Bill (HB) 4484, introduced by Rep. Joe Fox (R-Fremont), amends the Social Welfare Act to allow Michigan-licensed SLPs to seek Medicaid reimbursement for audiological rehabilitation and speech-language therapy services. SLPs could seek reimbursement for services regardless of having a certificate of clinical competence and regardless of any Department of Health and Human Services rules or regulations surrounding the issue. The bill passed out of the Michigan House 102-0 on Oct. 22. The MHA-supported bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

HB 4857, introduced by Rep. Will Bruck (R-Erie), expands the scope of confidentiality and liability provisions related to CISM services to any individual, rather than just emergency service providers. CISM services means services provided by a CISM team or team member to individuals affected by a critical incident or series of incidents to help manage or reduce stress-related responses. Some of the services provided include critical incident stress debriefings, on-scene support services, consultation and referral services. The MHA supports the legislation, which was unanimously approved by members of the House Health Policy Committee on Oct. 22.

Members with questions may contact the MHA advocacy team.

MHA Testifies in House Oversight Subcommittee, IMLC and AOT Legislation Passes Senate

Member News

The MHA provided testimony May 21 to the House Oversight Subcommittee on Public Health & Food Security on certain challenges related to behavioral health patients and the need for inpatient psychiatric beds across the state.

The House Oversight Subcommittee on Public Health & Food Security heard about patients facing behavioral health crises and their experiences with emergency department boarding based on insurance status. Taylor Alpert, government relations manager, advocacy, MHA shared data the association began collecting in 2023 on emergency department length of stay for patients with a behavioral health diagnosis. The data revealed more than 155 patients with a behavioral health diagnosis waiting in a hospital emergency department daily. Patients with Medicaid coverage experience longer wait times than those with commercial insurance, with one in three Medicaid patients spending more than 48 hours in the emergency department before being admitted or discharged.

Adam Carlson, senior vice president, advocacy, MHA outlined the process of the current preadmission screening assessment completed by providers for patients with a behavioral health diagnosis and illustrated for the committee how the process is unnecessarily complicated for those with Medicaid coverage. Carlson provided information on how member hospitals in the state are actively trying to expand or undergo capacity improvement projects to address this growing issue, but federal Medicaid threats, staffing gaps and state behavioral health beds per capita remain a challenge.

The MHA has been exploring opportunities to address this issue at the state level and has been working with the legislature on changing the statutory requirements for preadmissions screening timelines. Senate Bill (SB) 316, sponsored by Sen. Roger Hauck (R-Mount Pleasant), enforces a three week timeline for completing a preadmission screening requirement for patients covered by Medicaid and was introduced earlier this week. The MHA will continue to educate legislators on this issue and support SB 316 to expand the assessment responsibility to improve the delivery of care for behavioral health patients in Michigan.

Additional behavioral health legislation advanced in the Senate this week:

  • SB 303, also sponsored by Sen. Roger Hauck, renews Michigan’s participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. It passed unanimously in the Senate and now moves to the House Health Policy Committee.
  • SBs 219–222, introduced by Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), update procedures for Assisted Outpatient Treatment to improve care for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises.

In the House, the Rules Committee passed House Bill 4246, sponsored by Rep. Phil Green (R-Millington), which would establish a nurse licensure compact agreement in Michigan. The MHA has expressed support for each of these legislative efforts.

Members with additional questions should contact Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.

MHA Testifies on Nurse Licensure Compact Bills, Senate Passes Prescription Drug Affordability Board and Momnibus Legislation

Member News

The House Health Policy heard testimony from the MHA in support of creating a nurse licensure compact and the Senate voted to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in the state of Michigan during the week of April 20.

House Bill 4246, sponsored by Rep. Phil Green (R-Millington), would create a nurse licensure compact agreement in the state of Michigan. Amy Brown, chief nursing officer, field engagement, MHA and Elizabeth Kutter, senior director, government and political affairs, MHA provided testimony April 23 in support of the bill during the House Health Policy Committee. Brown and Kutter discussed the importance of the compact in terms of nurse recruitment and patient access to care across state lines, especially with border states.

Amy Brown, chief nursing officer, field engagement, MHA and Elizabeth Kutter, senior director, government and political affairs, MHA provided testimony April 23 in support of the bill during the House Health Policy Committee.

“In addition to recruitment and coordination of care in our state’s border areas, joining the Compact would positively benefit telehealth access,” Brown said. “Compact licensure means residents in Michigan can access more telehealth professionals in other compact states, increasing access points for our state’s residents.”

Currently, there are 41 states participating in the compact, putting Michigan at a competitive disadvantage when it comes to attracting and retaining talent in the nursing profession. This legislation awaits further testimony in the House Health Policy Committee before being taken up for a vote.

Additionally, the Michigan Senate passed legislation to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB). Senate Bills (SBs) 3–5 establish the board and require both commercial insurance and Medicaid to adhere to upper payment limits developed for certain prescription drugs being reviewed by the board. The objective of the PDAB is to provide more opportunities for prescription drug affordability for Michigan residents. The MHA worked closely with bill sponsors to secure key amendments that recognize hospitals as entities that face drug affordability challenges. Following the adoption of these important changes, the MHA supported SBs 3-5.

The Michigan Senate passed the Momnibus, a group of bills designed to improve support in prenatal and maternal healthcare during the week of April 13. The legislation includes SBs 29–39, which focus on addressing improving access to care and ensuring better patient outcomes for all birthing individuals.

The Momnibus makes several changes aimed at improving maternal healthcare, including creating opportunities for patients to directly engage in their treatment experience, implementing policies that support patient rights and providing funding to train more doulas to work in both urban and rural areas. The bills also expand midwifery services, improve data transparency about maternal health outcomes and protect patient rights related to pregnancy and childbirth. The MHA worked closely with the bill sponsors to improve access to maternal care and supported SBs 29, 30, 31, 36, 38 and 39. Both Senate bill packages will now move to the Michigan House of Representatives for further consideration. The MHA will continue to report on further action on this legislation.

Members with questions should contact Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.

MHA Continues to Monitor Baxter IV Solutions Shortage

Member News

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., due to flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. As the largest IV solutions plant in the country, North Cove produces 1.5 million bags of IV solution per day and supplies 60% of the nation’s IV solutions, including critical products like saline, sterile water and peritoneal dialysis solutions.

The MHA continues to hold discussions with healthcare leaders across the state to address the ongoing shortage. These conversations allow hospitals to share insights on supply challenges and explore collaborative strategies for managing the shortage. The MHA continues to gather feedback from its members to advocate for solutions and provide updates on the evolving situation.

Baxter launched a new webpage Oct. 14 with resources that hospitals can use for product management and conservation strategies. The webpage contains resources from Baxter, the federal government and other groups. In addition, Baxter said shipments to the U.S. from two Baxter sites abroad “started last week and more are on the way.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory Oct. 12 to inform healthcare providers, pharmacists, healthcare administrators and health departments of a supply disruption affecting peritoneal dialysis (PD) and IV solutions. This shortage also stems from damage to the Baxter facility.

In response, the advisory includes recommendations from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), the American Society of Nephrology, and other key organizations to help healthcare providers manage the shortage. ASHP also updated its conservation resource Oct. 11 to provide guidance for managing fluid shortages and conserving supplies.

The FDA also released guidance Oct. 11 that is effective immediately for compounding certain parenteral drug products in response to the effects of recent hurricanes, including the closure of the Baxter manufacturing plant.

The Baxter Hurricane Helene webpage continues to serve as a single source of information, providing the latest company updates about allocation plans. Updates will be provided on Mondays and Thursdays. Members are encouraged to contact Baxter for questions related to the IV solution situation, particularly if they are in dire need of product. The American Hospital Association is also maintaining a Baxter resource webpage too.

The MHA encourages Michigan residents to consult with their healthcare providers for updates on the shortage and its impact on hospital operations in their area.

Members with questions should contact Laura Appel at the MHA.

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

MiCare Champion Cast, Member News

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast featuring Rick Pollack, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA). Pollack joined MHA CEO Brian Peters to discuss a variety of topics tied to past, present and future healthcare trends.

As the nation’s largest hospital and healthcare system membership organization, the AHA is one of our country’s most respected and effective advocacy organizations. Beyond his strong advocacy leadership, Pollack has been instrumental in addressing historic workforce challenges, expanding healthcare access, improving healthcare quality and safety, eliminating disparities in care and much more.

MHA CEO Brian Peters and Rick Pollack, president and CEO of the AHA, during the recording of the MiCare Champion Cast episode.

After sharing more about his journey to the AHA, Pollack explored the fundamental shifts he has seen within the national healthcare environment and what issues will be at the forefront through 2025, regardless of the outcome of the general election.

“We always work to be a resource to candidates on both sides [of the aisle] and make sure they have the information they need in terms of data and what our positions are,” said Pollack. “Regardless of the election, there are certain issues that are not going to go away,” he added, noting affordability, drug pricing, value-based payment, and insurer accountability as examples of bipartisan issues.

Pollack later shared the important role grassroot efforts play when it comes to healthcare advocacy at the local level.

“People should not be intimidated in terms of engaging their legislators,” said Pollack. “They work for you, and you could be a resource to them. I always used to try to explain to my kids what a lobbyist does – and part of it is being an objective educator on issues where you are the expert and they will look to you for their guidance and counsel…and as a former congressional staffer, don’t forget the staff.”

Peters and Pollack also discussed cybercrime, challenges and opportunities for rural hospitals, the importance of the 340B Prescription Drug Pricing Program and much more. The episode is available to stream on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud and YouTube.

Those interested in learning more about the MiCare Champion Cast can contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.