Tag: bridge michigan

Bridge Highlights Challenges in Rural Medical Transport

Rural Health Updates, Member News

Bridge Michigan published a story May 7 detailing how federal funding cuts to Medicaid will further exacerbate rural hospitals’ capacity to treat and transport patients requiring more specialized care.

Lauren LaPineLauren LaPine-Ray, DrPH, MPH, vice president, policy & rural health, MHA, and executive director, MHA Center of Rural Excellence, is featured throughout the story highlighting existing barriers with medical transport and warning how Medicaid cuts could further limit local services, increasing the need to transfer more patients to higher-acuity facilities.

In the article, LaPine-Ray outlines how lawmakers can reduce strain on hospitals and EMS providers:

  • Create a new license type specifically for transporting psychiatric patients, freeing ambulances for other needs. Two bills pending in the state Senate would do so.
  • Review regulations surrounding ambulance services — both ground and air — to cut red tape.
  • Invest in paramedic and emergency medical technician training and recruitment to help reduce the shortages straining the system.

Members with questions regarding media requests should contact Elise Gonzales at the MHA.

Healthcare Access Policy Developments Draw Media Attention

Member News, MHA In The News

The MHA received media coverage during the week of March 23 on key issues affecting access to care and the healthcare workforce.

MLive, Gongwer and the Michigan Advance reported on the bipartisan agreement to extend Michigan’s participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. MHA CEO Brian Peters was quoted in the articles emphasizing how the compact helps hospitals recruit qualified physicians more efficiently while maintaining critical state oversight.

Peters underscored the importance of participation in the compact, especially in areas where workforce shortages can limit patient access to specialty services.

“For many hospitals, especially those serving rural or border communities, the compact supports access to care in high-demand specialties such as emergency medicine, psychiatry, obstetrics and primary care,” he said.

Laura AppelLaura Appel, executive vice president, government relations & public policy, was featured in Michigan Independent’s coverage surrounding Gov. Whitmer’s executive budget recommendations to fund Michigan’s Medicaid program.

Appel highlights the challenges hospitals will face if more Michiganders lose healthcare coverage.

The MHA was also quoted in a Bridge Michigan story examining increased federal immigration enforcement activity near healthcare facilities, reiterating that hospitals remain focused on caring for every patient who seeks treatment. Meanwhile, Peters also appears in an MLive article about sharing the impact of Medicaid funding cuts to hospitals.

Members with questions regarding media requests should contact Elise Gonzales at the MHA.