Carlos Jackson, federal lobbyist, Cornerstone Government Affairs.
The MHA Legislative Policy Panel convened March 15 to develop recommendations for the MHA Board of Trustees on legislative initiatives impacting Michigan hospitals.
The meeting was highlighted by a presentation on Medicaid redetermination from Brian Keisling, director, Bureau of Medicaid Policy, Operations and Actuarial Services. The state is starting the renewal process this month for nearly three million Medicaid beneficiaries. Keisling discussed the approach they’re taking to review beneficiaries as part of the redetermination process and planned communications with beneficiaries whose eligibility will expire or renew.
Moving to action items, the panel recommended the MHA advocate for incentives that would support birthing hospital participation in Levels of Maternal Care.
In addition, the panel discussed issues around telehealth and the potential discrimination against living organ donors.
The panel received updates on other issues including a federal update from federal lobbyist Carlos Jackson with Cornerstone Government Affairs, hospital workforce funding, state budget negotiations and MHA efforts related to behavioral health.
For more information on the MHA Legislative Policy Panel, contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.
MHA EVP Laura Appel joins experts from MDHHS, BCBSM, Michigan Medicine and Beaumont Health
The MHA and fellow healthcare leaders joined a virtual panel discussion on clinical genomics Sept. 22 hosted by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
The purpose of the webinar was to raise awareness about the clinical utility and lifesaving potential of clinical genome sequencing, as well as highlight coverage models for state Medicaid programs and private payors to help enable equitable access.
According to the National Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the National Institutes of Health, recent technological advances have made it possible for clinicians to quickly sequence the genomes of critically ill newborns and children to rapidly make a diagnosis. This powerful technology can transform lives by identifying potentially lifesaving and life-changing medical treatment. However, despite the enormous promise of genome sequencing to improve health outcomes, not all patients who might benefit from this technology can access it.
Laura Appel, executive vice president of Government Relations & Public Policy at the MHA, joined the conversation to speak on our state’s model for advancing coverage of genomic sequencing. Other panelists from Michigan healthcare institutions, included:
Brian Keisling, director of bureau of Medicaid policy at the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services.
Caleb Bupp, M.D., FACMG, division chief of medical genetics & genomics at Beaumont Health Spectrum Health and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.
Lynne Carter, M.D., MPH, medical director at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
Wendy R. Uhlmann, M.S., LCGC, genetic counselor and clinical professor at the Departments of Internal Medicine (Division of Genetic Medicine) and Human Genetics at the University of Michigan.
During the discussion, the group touched on Project Baby Deer, an initiative that provides rapid whole genome sequencing testing for critically ill infants up to one year of age. The program can enhance clinical management of young patients by initiating life-saving treatments, avoiding unnecessary tests and procedures, shortening hospital stays and helping families with treatment decision-making.
To learn more about clinical genome sequencing, visit the HHS website. Those with questions about Project Baby Deer may contact Laura Appel at the MHA.
