CEO Report - MHA | Michigan Health & Hospital Association

MHA Monday Report March 6, 2023

March 6, 2023March 3, 2023 Monday Report

Healthcare Workforce Supplemental Passed by Michigan Legislature

During the week of Feb. 27, the Michigan Legislature passed a supplemental appropriation bill that included $75 million to help address the ongoing staffing crisis in hospitals. The appropriation was part of House Bill 4016. …

Application Period Begins for Michigan Opioid Treatment Access Loan Repayment Program

Applications for the Michigan Opioid Treatment Access Loan Repayment Program (MIOTA) will be accepted from Feb. 27 through March 13. MIOTA is a medical education debt repayment program focused on incentivizing healthcare providers to begin …

Nominations Being Accepted for 2023 Advancing Safe Care Award

To recognize Michigan hospitals that are tackling issues daily to make care safer and more dependable, the MHA is accepting nominations for its annual Advancing Safe Care Award. Eligible nominees include teams from hospitals across …

Registration Open for MHA Human Resources Member Forum

The MHA will host an in-person Human Resources Member Forum at the MHA Headquarters in Okemos from 8:30 a.m. to noon April 26, with a virtual option available as well. The forum is structured as …

Using Interim Leadership to Strengthen Organizational Agility

AMN Healthcare / B.E. Smith has a track record of success in providing experienced interim leaders to fill open positions while clients conduct searches for a replacement. An additional item, AMN Leadership / B.E. Smith is excited to offer is …

MHA CEO Report — The Challenges for Rural Hospitals

Having just returned from the annual American Hospital Association Rural Health Care Leadership Conference, where I was joined by a strong contingent of MHA members and staff, the future of our rural hospitals has been top of mind.

The Keckley Report

Strategery in Healthcare: Are Insiders Prepared to Shift?

“Healthcare’s insiders talk good games but default to incrementalist’ strategery not because the future is an unknown. It’s because many boards are uncomfortable with ‘too much’ change or, in some cases, executive comp is geared to risk avoidance and short-term financial success. Often, excuses masquerade as reasons. That’s why outsiders are gaining ground on insiders.

Healthcare’s future is not a repeat of its past. Strategery in every organization needs a fresh look– especially among its insiders.“

Paul Keckley, Feb. 27,2023

News to Know

The MHA is offering its popular Healthcare Leadership Academy program on March 13-15 and May 15-16.
Registration is now open for the MHA Keystone Center Safe Patient Handling Conference.

MHA Monday Report Jan. 9, 2023

January 9, 2023January 6, 2023 Monday Report

Governor Signs Several MHA Priorities Into Law

Gov. Whitmer signed several bills into law Dec. 22 that were supported by the MHA and passed during the lame-duck session. Among these were expansions to the Michigan Reconnect Program, legislation to allow for a new rural emergency hospital licensure …

Omnibus Spending Bill Includes Major Health Policy Measures

After the MHA’s recent visits to Capitol Hill to advocate for year-end member priorities, Congress has reached a major deal on a year-end omnibus legislative package. The package includes health policy measures related to Medicare and Medicaid provisions, telehealth and …

Webinar Series Reviews Critical Access Hospitals CMS CoPs Requirements

Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) that accept Medicare and Medicaid payments must follow the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Conditions of Participation (CoP). The CMS CAH Manual has seen multiple changes to regulations and interpretive guidelines. …

MDHHS Releases Final Policy to Increase Rates for Certain Dental Procedures

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently released a final policy to increase the minimum Medicaid payment rates to $2,300 for covered dental services provided under general anesthesia at outpatient hospitals and $1,495 for services provided in …

MHA CEO Report — New Control in Lansing

As I put the proverbial pen to paper, the Michigan Legislature has completed the 2021-2022 legislative session and I am very pleased to report that in the lame-duck session, we successfully advanced several MHA-supported bills – and not a single MHA-opposed …

The Keckley Report

Four Major Reasons Why 2023 is a Make or Break Year for U.S. Healthcare

“2022 was an unanticipated tsunami for every sector in the U.S. health system. The economy stalled. Inflation raged. Demand recovered. Hourly wages went up but household financial liquidity went down. The political environment became more toxic and November election results assured more of the same. All impacted healthcare. …

Thus, 2023 is a make or break year in healthcare: these conditions assure old ways of doing business will no longer work. …”

Paul Keckley, Jan. 2, 2023

News to Know

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing) announced Jan. 5 she will not seek a fifth term in 2024. Sen. Stabenow was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2000, following her service as an elected official in the U.S. House of …

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage during the weeks of Dec. 19, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 on financial and staffing challenges impacting hospitals as well as the impact of a tripledemic of respiratory illnesses this winter. Below is a collection …

MHA Monday Report Nov. 14, 2022

November 14, 2022November 11, 2022 Monday Report

Recapping 2022 Election Results

Midterm election results are in, bringing new leadership to the Michigan Legislature and a returning administration at the top of the ticket. Election 2022 will bring significant change to Lansing, as Democrats will now control the Governor’s office and both chambers of the state legislature for the first time since 1984 …

Legislature Returns for Lame Duck Session

The legislature returned during the week of Nov. 7 to vote on legislative leadership and kickoff the 2022 lame-duck session. Only a handful of MHA-tracked bills saw action, including legislation to implement the new federal Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) designation …

CMS Finalizes Rate Cuts in 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released the 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) final rule, effective Jan. 1, 2023. The rule reduces the PFS conversion factor by $1.55 (4.7%) to $33.06 in a calendar year (CY) 2023 from $34.61 in CY 2022 …

October MA Enrollment Increases by 17,000 Beneficiaries

Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollment in Michigan totaled approximately 1.22 million in October, an increase of 17,000 beneficiaries since July. The October enrollment is spread across 48 MA plans that are currently operating in the state …

The MHA Keystone Center Offers Ongoing Workforce Well-Being Courses

Through a partnership with the Duke Center for Healthcare Safety and Quality, the MHA Keystone Center is pleased to offer the second iteration of its WELL-B webinar series geared to support healthcare workers experiencing burnout …

The Keckley Report

The Physician Pay Rule in Context: Profession “Heal Thyself”

“Last Tuesday, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published its 2023 payment schedule for physicians along with changes in the Medicare shared savings program, outpatient, behavioral and home health services…

Healthcare is at a crossroad. Physicians are caught in the crossfire of policies to lower health costs and capital necessary to transform the system from specialty care and volume-based incentives to value and wellbeing.”

Paul Keckley, Nov. 7, 2022

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage on the continued surge of RSV cases across Michigan’s pediatric hospitals that is stressing hospital capacity during the week of Nov. 6. Laura Appel, executive vice president …

MHA Monday Report Nov. 7, 2022

November 7, 2022November 4, 2022 Monday Report

MHA Board of Trustees Advances Strategic Action Plan, Affirms Policy Panel Legislative Recommendations

The MHA Board of Trustees began their Nov. 2 meeting with a review of key communication strategies to assist hospitals and health systems to “tell their stories” about the unprecedented financial and workforce challenges they currently face and how they are adapting to meet the critical healthcare and economic development needs of their communities …

Healthcare Community Urged to Vote in Nov. 8 General Election

The MHA encourages its staff, members and other stakeholders in the healthcare community to vote in the state’s general election Nov. 8.- Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. …

Parents Urged to Take Preventive Measures as Pediatric Beds Fill Up

Michigan children’s hospitals and pediatric healthcare leaders are raising awareness about a pediatric hospital bed shortage and urging the public to help prevent respiratory illnesses, which are rapidly spreading in the form of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza …

CMS Releases Final Rule to Update OPPS

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a final rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) effective Jan. 1, 2023 …

Provider Enrollment Requirements Reinstated Effective Dec. 1, 2022

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued MMP 22-38 COVID-19 Response: Termination of Bulletin MSA 20-28, which reinstates provider enrollment requirements …

CMS Releases Final to Update Medicare PPS Effective 2023

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a final rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service home health (HH) prospective payment system (PPS) effective Jan. 1, 2023 …

MHA Supports Increased Access to Affordable Post-Secondary Education

The MHA, along with stakeholders across diverse fields, supported record state investment in Michigan’s future workforce. On October 11th, the Governor signed Public Act 212 of 2022 establishing the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, and applications starting with students in the high school class of 2023 will now be eligible for increased state financial aid …

CE Credits Available for Unionization and Legal Guidelines Webinar

The webinar Dispelling Misinformation About Unionization and Legal Guidelines 8:30 – 10 a.m. ET Nov. 11 has been approved by HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®) for 1.5 hours …

MHA CEO Report — Your Vote Matters

At the MHA, we often say that politics is not a spectator sport. It requires continual engagement and relationship building so that when you are in a crisis and need assistance, you have trusted friends you can turn to …

The Keckley Report

The Three Blind Spots in Hospital Strategic Plans

“For 40 years, I have facilitated Board Retreats for hospitals, health systems, insurance plans and medical groups. At no time has the level of uncertainty about the future for hospitals been as intense nor the importance of a forward-looking strategic vision and planning been as necessary as now. The issues are complicated: lag indicators about demand, clinical innovations, reimbursement, costs et al are a foreboding backdrop for these discussions. And three issues have surfaced as blind spots in the environmental assessments and deliberations preceding the plan …”

Paul Keckley, Oct 31, 2022

News to Know

Many Michigan hospitals are underway with their Michigan Harvest Gathering campaign which runs through Nov. 18. Online donations by hospital employees and community members to the Michigan Harvest Gathering program can be made through the Food Bank Council of Michigan’s website …

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage on the surge of RSV cases across Michigan’s pediatric hospitals during the week of Oct. 31. The coverage included several comments provided to news outlets and the distribution of a press release Nov. 4 to statewide media …

MHA Monday Report Aug. 15, 2022

August 15, 2022August 12, 2022 Monday Report

Primary Election Sets Field for November

Michigan’s primary election was held Tuesday, Aug. 2, finalizing the November general election ballot. The 2022 midterm election is critical to Michigan’s healthcare future given the number of key elected positions up for election …

CMS Releases FY 2023 Final Rule to Update Hospital IPPS

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a final rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) hospital inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) for fiscal year (FY) 2023. The rule will: Reduce disproportionate …

CMS Releases FY 2023 Inpatient Psychiatric Facility Final Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a final rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system for inpatient psychiatric facilities for fiscal year (FY) 2023, which begins …

Final Rule to Update Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities Payment for FY 2023

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently released a final rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system for inpatient rehabilitation facilities for fiscal year (FY) 2023, which begins …

CMS Releases FY 2023 Final Rule to Update Long-term Care Hospital PPS

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a final rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service long-term care hospital prospective payment system (PPS) for fiscal year (FY) 2023, which begins Oct. …

Survey Published for Opioid Use Disorder Contacts

In preparation for the state’s anticipated grant program to implement an Emergency Department Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (ED MOUD) program, the MHA is asking all members to fill out …

Hospitals Encouraged to Review Medicare Advantage Enrollment Plans

Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollment in Michigan totaled approximately 1.20 million in July, an increase of 15,000 beneficiaries since April. The July MA enrollment is spread across 47 MA plans that are currently operating in the …

Address Healthcare Employee Retention with Data Tools

It’s well known within the healthcare industry that issues of employee turnover, lack of applicants and salary compression were exacerbated in 2020 and 2021. Unfortunately, these trends have continued throughout …

The Keckley Report

Solving Healthcare Workforce Shortages Requires Taking Self-care More Seriously

“The Labor Department reported that the U.S. added 528,000 jobs in July including 69,600 in healthcare. The unemployment rate fell to 3.5%, June job openings were down to 10.7 million from 11.3 million in May and government officials announced that the economy has now recouped the 22 million jobs lost in the pandemic.

But the more sobering news is that inflation has negated the workforce’ 5.1% wage gain in the last year and 1 in 5 workers is looking for employment elsewhere for higher pay and better benefits. And it’s even worse in the healthcare delivery workforce—the hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics and ancillary service providers where 12 million work. During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospital employee turnover increased to 19.5%–five times higher than the general workforce. And today, 45% of physicians report burnout—double the rate pre-pandemic.”

Paul Keckley, August 8, 2022

News to Know

Members are reminded to review their preliminary wage and occupational mix data released May 23 by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and submit any requests for changes to their Medicare Administrative Contractor by Sept. 2 since no new requests for changes will be accepted after that date.

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage on a variety of topics during the weeks of Aug. 1 and Aug. 8. Areas of focus included health insurance tax credits from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), healthcare benefits in the Inflation Reduction Act, growing demand for healthcare careers and more.

MHA Monday Report Aug. 1, 2022

August 1, 2022July 28, 2022 Monday Report

Healthcare Community Urged to Vote in Aug. 2 Primary Election

The MHA encourages its staff, members and other stakeholders in the healthcare community to vote in the state’s primary election Aug. 2. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sample ballots are …

Fiscal Year 2023 State Budget Signed

Gov. Whitmer signed July 20 the fiscal year 2023 state budget. Included in the 2023 budget agreement is $625 million in new investments for behavioral health funding and the healthcare workforce. This includes: $50 million …

Register Now for MHA Rural Advocacy Day

Registration is currently open for Rural Advocacy Day as the MHA facilitates connections between rural hospital leaders throughout Michigan with legislators to discuss the vital role these hospitals and organizations play in their communities. The …

Proposal Released to Update Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) effective Jan. 1, 2023. The CMS notes that the agency did not …

CMS Wage Data Revisions Due Sept. 2

Hospitals are encouraged to review their preliminary wage and occupational mix data released May 23 by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and submit any requests for changes to their Medicare Administrative Contractor …

U.S. House Passes Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act

The U.S. House of Representatives passed July 27 the Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID–19 Act to expand telehealth services by extending several telehealth flexibilities under Medicare that were initially authorized during the public health emergency relating …

Implicit Bias Trainings Available to Meet LARA Requirement

The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) revised Public Health Code Rules requiring implicit bias training for all professions licensed or registered under the Public Health Code took effect in June. Implicit Bias trainings …

CMS Seeks Comment on Rural Emergency Hospital Proposed Rule

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule to obtain comment on potential Conditions of Participation (CoPs) for critical access hospitals (CAHs) and certain rural hospitals seeking to convert from …

Online Nurse Preceptor Academy Helps Acclimate New Nurses

Approximately 100 hospitals and ambulatory care providers in Michigan have explored the features of the MHA and the Michigan Health Council’s standardized, validated nurse preceptor toolkit – the Nurse Preceptor Academy (NPA). The academy is …

MHA CEO Report — Benefits of the State Budget

We have rightfully spent a lot of time in the past two years thanking the heroes who work in our hospitals and other healthcare settings for the incredible work they have done in the face of extreme challenge. I want to take a moment …

The Keckley Report

The U.S. Economy at the 2022 Mid-point: Three Immediate Implications for Healthcare

“The labor market is tight. Inflation is at a 40-year high. Consumers are worried but still spending. And this week, 5 key indicators of the economy’s strength/vulnerability will be reported. … Collectively, these indicators are likely to show an economy in stress. … So, what’s that mean for healthcare?”

Paul Keckley, July 25, 2022

News to Know

For the remainder of the summer, the Monday Report will be published every other week.

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage since July 15 from Crain’s Detroit Business on new investments for behavioral health funding and the healthcare workforce in the fiscal year 2023 state budget. Crain’s first published an article …

MHA Monday Report Feb. 7, 2022

February 7, 2022February 24, 2022 Monday Report

Combating the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19): Week of Jan. 31

The number of hospitalizations in Michigan due to confirmed and suspected cases of COVID-19 was the lowest since early November during the week of Jan. 31. However, with 2,882 adults and 70 children hospitalized Feb. 4 with confirmed and suspected COVID-19, some facilities in the state continue to be …

Medicare to Cover Over-the-counter COVID-19 Tests for Beneficiaries

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is developing an initiative that will provide free access to eight over-the-counter COVID-19 tests per month for Medicare beneficiaries. The initiative will apply to individuals enrolled in both traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. The new initiative …

MHA Breakthrough Converting to Virtual Format

The MHA had hoped for an in-person Breakthrough event Feb. 17 and 18 but, based on the current environment, the event will be offered in a virtual format from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 17 on the Zoom platform. …

Webinar to Outline Housing Options to Improve Population Health

Access to affordable, safe, stable housing is well documented as a strong factor in health. The critical shortage of affordable housing directly affects communities and patients, contributing to repeat emergency room visits and hospital admissions. These patients also tend to have limited resources for …

Ludwig Community Benefit Award Nominations Due Feb. 18

The 2021 winners of the MHA’s Ludwig Community Benefit Award showcase the wide range of programs Michigan hospitals provide to benefit those in their local areas and beyond. The award is presented annually to recognize MHA-member healthcare organizations that demonstrate …

MHA CEO Report — The Time is Now for Health Equity

MHA CEO Brian Peters reviews efforts to eliminate unconscious bias and to address the social determinants of health.

Webinar to Cover Changes in Digital Marketing for Healthcare

The COVID-19 pandemic and the rapidly changing competitive environment are making the consumer digital experience a higher priority for healthcare marketers than ever before. With budgets rebounding and marketers accelerating efforts in personalization, healthcare marketers must invest in new …

The Keckley Report

The Resilience of the Health System: Not Enough

“The healthcare industry is resilient—’the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.’ It responds well to immediate problems like the pandemic and health emergencies. It enjoys well-deserved accolades for its selfless workforce and acts of heroism. But long-term solutions to the widely recognized systemic flaws in our system escape its attention …”

Paul Keckley, Jan. 31, 2022

News to Know

Due to weather-related cancellations, the Michigan Legislature did not meet Feb. 2 and 3 and no action was taken on healthcare-related bills.
Myers and Stauffer LC, Michigan’s contractor for the federally mandated Medicaid disproportionate share hospital audits, will host an educational webinar at 10:30 a.m. EST Feb. 15 to assist members with the upcoming 2019 Medicaid DSH audits.
As part of a series from the MHA Endorsed Business Partner program, the webinar Manufacturer Mandates and Claims Capture will be hosted with SUNRx from 2 to 3 p.m. EST Feb. 15.

MHA in the News

The MHA responded to several media requests the week of Jan. 31 that focused on the history of hospital mergers and acquisitions in Michigan and the current outlook for hospitals regarding COVID-19.