MHA Monday Report April 6, 2026

MHA EventsHospital HR Professionals Gather at MHA Human Resources Conference

The MHA welcomed human resources leaders from across the state for the 2026 MHA Human Resources Conference March 24 in Lansing. Attendees gathered for a day of learning, networking and discussions focused on the workforce …


CMS Issues Guidance on Updated Federal Dietary Guidelines

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a Quality & Safety Special Alert Memo reminding critical access hospital providers of their responsibilities for patient food and nutrition services under existing …


MHA Annual Membership Meeting Strengthens Statewide Collaboration

The MHA Annual Membership Meeting will be held June 24-26 on Mackinac Island. It will include education sessions that deliver tactics and perspectives to shape the future, recognition of prestigious individuals leading transformation and numerous …


Excellence in Governance Fellowship Offers Meaningful Dialogue Among Trustees and Experts

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026-27 cohort of the MHA Excellence in Governance Fellowship, a rigorous and comprehensive program delivering tools and knowledge in effective governance. Hospital and health system governing board members …


Hospitals Help: Kalkaska Memorial Walks Beside Patients at Discharge

Patients often feel most vulnerable during the transition from hospital to home – especially if questions linger, follow-up care is extensive or there’s any risk of complications. Knowing this, hospitals are finding ways to ensure …


MHA Rounds image of Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — Violence Is Not Part of the Job

Healthcare workers accept extraordinary responsibility in their role as caregivers for their community, but fearing for their own safety is never something they should have to accept as part of the job. …


March Recap

March was marked by a strong focus on National Nutrition Month, highlighting how hospitals are advancing Food as Medicine efforts across Michigan. The following articles recap key conversations and initiatives supporting improved health outcomes through nutrition.

Food as Medicine: How Trinity Health Is Advancing Health Through Nutrition

Food is Medicine. Health by Food. ProduceRx. The integration of healthy food into healthcare is gaining attention under many names, but the message remains the same: access to healthy foods as a part of care. …


Health Access & Community Impact Council Focuses on Food as Medicine

The MHA Health Access & Community Impact Council convened virtually March 5 to discuss strategies to improve health outcomes through stronger integration of social and clinical care. In recognition of National Nutrition Month, members also explored …


Hospitals Expand Food Access Through Community Benefit Collaboratives

As many observe National Nutrition Month, hospitals across the state are implementing programs to address chronic disease through nutrition education and expanded food access. This work is being done through the MHA Community Benefit Collaboratives, which support efforts to improve Michiganders’ health outcomes in …


Keckley Report

Reality Check: the New Healthcare Advisory Committee

“Last week, Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert Kennedy and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Director Mehmet Oz announced appointments to the new Healthcare Advisory Committee (HAC).

Its 18 members were selected from 400 nominees and will serve two-year terms. The group includes 4 health system executives, 5 physician leaders, 4 policy analysts, 3 ‘others’ (including motivational speaker Tony Robbins) and 2 Ex Officio (Non‑Voting) Members (Kimberly Brandt, JD — CMS Deputy Administrator & COO Stephanie Carlton, CMS Chief of Staff). …

The U.S. health system is in chaos. Its long-term destination is unknown. It’s near-term is mired in political brinksmanship and discontent about its costs and affordability. It is unhealthy. Majorities in both parties, and independent voters think the system is broken but few know what a viable alternative might be. Lost but making record time!!!”

Paul Keckley, March 29, 2026


New to KnowNews to Know

  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner i2G Systems is hosting the webinar Pathway to Prevention April 22 from 11 a.m. to noon ET.
  • The American Hospital Association (AHA) is accepting applications for the 2027 AHA Foster G. McGaw Prize.

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage during the week of March 30 following Executive Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy Laura Appel’s participation in two panels focused on key healthcare challenges and opportunities. WZMQ …

CMS Issues Guidance on Updated Federal Dietary Guidelines

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a Quality & Safety Special Alert Memo reminding hospitals and critical access hospital providers of their responsibilities for patient food and nutrition services under existing Medicare Conditions of Participation.

The memo follows the release of the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and directs hospitals to review and update their menus and nutrition practices to better align with current federal recommendations.

Medicare already requires hospitals to provide meals that meet patient nutritional needs under the oversight of a qualified dietitian.

The updated guidelines emphasize diet quality, including limiting highly processed food, sugary drinks and refined carbohydrates, while encouraging whole and minimally processed foods.

This update does not create new requirements but reinforces existing expectations. Hospitals that do not meet current standards may still face enforcement actions under existing rules. The Cornerstone Group, the MHA’s Washington, D.C.-based government affairs representation, provided an additional analysis on the requirements.

Hospitals are encouraged to evaluate their current nutrition practices and make updates as appropriate while continuing to meet the needs of individual patients.

Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Feb. 9, 2026

IMLC Legislation Clears House, Continuing Education and Credentialing Bills Advance

The Michigan House of Representatives voted in support of House Bill 5455, sponsored by Rep. Rylee Linting (R-Grosse Ile Township), which would restore Michigan to the IMLC. The compact supports access to care, particularly in rural …


Former U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow Addresses MHA Board

The MHA Board of Trustees’ Feb. 4 meeting featured a discussion with former U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, who is now a senior policy advisor with DC-based Liberty Partners Group, a bipartisan strategic consulting firm. Stabenow …


MHA Releases FAQ on Rural Health Transformation Program Funding

The MHA recently released a new frequently asked questions (FAQ) document to help members better understand allowable uses, limitations and compliance requirements related to Michigan’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The FAQ clarifies that RHTP …


CMS Releases 2025 Occupational Mix Survey for Hospitals

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released the 2025 occupational mix survey to collect data from hospitals paid under the Medicare inpatient prospective payment system. Survey results will be used to adjust …

 


MHA Reinforces Evidence-Based Vaccination Guidelines

The MHA is strengthening its commitment to evidence-based immunization practices under the guidance of the MHA Healthcare and Public Health Integration Council and chief medical and nursing leaders. Efforts include distributing educational resources, reaffirming alignment …


Initiative Seeks to Expand Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Services in Michigan

Providers who serve pregnant people, infants and families are encouraged to complete a brief survey to help build Michigan’s first statewide Perinatal and Infant Early Childhood Mental Health (PIECMH) Provider Directory. The initiative is led …


HHS Announces $100M Investment in Substance Use and Mental Health Treatment

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a $100 million investment to expand substance use disorder treatment, mental health services and housing-related supports under the administration’s Great American Recovery initiative. …

 


MDHHS Withdraws PIHP Procurement

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has withdrawn its request for proposals (RFP) to competitively procure Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPs), ending the planned rebid process. The decision follows a Jan. 8 …


Hospitals Help: Youth Safety Event Teaches UP Students Emergency Preparedness

Camp 911 is a hands-on, youth-focused safety event supported by Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson hospital that is designed to teach school-aged children essential emergency response skills. The camp brings together professionals from various fields to demonstrate …


News to Know

  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner Wakely is hosting the webinar Summary and Impacts of the 2027 Medicare Advantage Advance Notice Feb. 12 from 1 – 2 p.m. ET.
  • The 2026 MHA Human Resources Conference, scheduled for March 24 at the Crowne Plaza Lansing, will convene human resources leaders and professionals who are shaping the future of the healthcare workforce.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner CyberForce |Q is hosting an in-person Coffee & Collab for Cybersecurity Leaders Feb. 10 from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. ET at CyberForce|Q headquarters in Plymouth, MI.

MHA in the News

The Mining Journal published a statement from the MHA chief medical officer following the distribution of guidance to

Michigan families departing from established standards. Dr. Roth emphasizes the efficacy of vaccines and urges families to seek medical guidance from their providers. “Vaccines remain …

MHA Releases FAQ on Rural Health Transformation Program Funding

The MHA recently released a new frequently asked questions (FAQ) document to help members better understand allowable uses, limitations and compliance requirements related to Michigan’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).

The FAQ clarifies that RHTP funding is temporary and intended to support specific care transformation activities. Funds cannot be used to cover routine operating costs, financial losses or to replace existing funding. Repayment may be required if funds are used for purposes not approved or if required documentation and reporting are not completed.

The document also addresses common questions raised by hospitals, including the use of RHTP funds for provider payments, health information technology investments, electronic medical record upgrades and limited facility improvements. In all cases, expenses must be directly connected to transformation activities approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Additional RHTP information and resources are available on the MHA’s Rural Health Transformation Program webpage. The MHA will continue to update both the FAQ and the webpage as more guidance becomes available from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and CMS.

Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine-Ray at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Jan. 26, 2026

House Appropriations Committee Hears RHTP Testimony, IMLC Bill Advances

The Michigan House Appropriations Committee heard testimony on federal funding awarded through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), and legislation to add Michigan back into the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) advanced during the week of Jan. 19.  The House Appropriations Committee heard …


Legislative Policy Panel Hears Legislative Updates

The MHA Legislative Policy Panel met virtually Jan. 21 to develop recommendations on legislative and policy issues impacting Michigan hospitals. The meeting began with guest speakers from the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and The Cornerstone …


CMS Implements New Online Form for Medicare Advantage Complaints

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently implemented a new online form for providers to submit complaints related to Medicare Advantage plans. A CMS memorandum announced the implementation of the form, which is …


MHA Launches Rural Health Transformation Program Webpage

The MHA has launched a new webpage dedicated to the Rural Health Transformation Program, providing members with a centralized source of information on Michigan’s participation in the program. The webpage includes an overview of …


Updates to Michigan’s Reporter Protocols for Infants Born Exposed to Substances

Michigan has updated its mandated reporter guidance for infants born exposed to substances, establishing distinct reporting requirements for exposure to non-medically prescribed substances and exposure related to prescribed treatment. The updates are intended to clarify …


Webinar Explores Strategies to Strengthen Revenue Integrity

The MHA and MHA Endorsed Business Partner AMN Healthcare Revenue Cycle Solutions will host A Tale of Three Health Systems: Their Mid-Revenue Cycle Insights and Road to Revenue Integrity webinar from 11 to 11:50 …


Hospitals Help: Corewell Health Program Addresses Youth Vaping Prevention, Cessation

Rural schools in Newaygo County, like so many across Michigan, were seeing an increase in the number of students caught vaping. To address this community-wide concern, Corewell Health Gerber Hospital established the Corewell Health Gerber …


Keckley Report

CMS’ 2024 Health Spending Report: Key Insights

“As media attention focused on Minneapolis, Greenland and Venezuela last week, the Center for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS) released its 2024 Health Expenditures report Thursday: the headline was “Health care spending in the US reached $5.3 trillion and increased 7.2% in 2024, similar to growth of 7.4% in 2023, as increased demand for health care influenced this two-year trend. “…

The current environment for the healthcare economy is increasingly hostile to the status quo. Voters think the system is wasteful, needlessly complicated and profitable. Lawmakers think it’s no man’s land for substantive change, defaulting to price transparency, increased competition and state regulation in response. Private employers, who’ve bear the brunt of the system’s ineffectiveness, are timid and reformers are impractical about the role of private capital in the health economy’s financing.

The healthcare economy will be an issue in Campaign 2026 not because aggregate spending increased 7-8% in 2025 per CMS, but because it’s no longer justifiable to a majority of Americans for whom it’s simply not affordable. Regrettably, as noted in Corporate Board Member’s director surveys, only one in five healthcare Boards is doing scenario planning with this possibility in mind.

Paul Keckley, Jan. 18, 2026


New to KnowNews to Know

  • The MHA Person & Family Engagement Advisory Council met virtually Jan. 15 to identify ways to support the MHA strategic action plan.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner CyberForce|Q is hosting the webinar Proactive Cyber Risk Measures from 11 a.m. to noon ET on Jan. 29.
  • The enrollment deadline for the MHA Healthcare Leadership Academy is Feb. 6. The cohort meets Feb. 25–27 and May 7–8 at the MHA headquarters in Okemos.

 

MHA Launches Rural Health Transformation Program Webpage

The MHA has launched a new webpage dedicated to the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), providing members with a centralized source of information on Michigan’s participation in the program. The webpage includes an overview of the state’s award, key focus areas, implementation timelines and details on how the program is expected to support long-term changes in rural healthcare delivery.

Members may use the webpage as a resource to better understand the scope of the RHTP and what to expect from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services as additional guidance and funding opportunities are released. The MHA will continue to update the webpage as new information becomes available.

Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine-Ray at the MHA.

CMS Implements New Online Form for Medicare Advantage Complaints

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently implemented a new online form for providers to submit complaints related Medicare Advantage (MA) plans.

A CMS memorandum announced the implementation of the form, which is now live and available to providers. The online form collects information about the complainant, beneficiary, provider and the MA plan involved. Providers are also prompted to submit a complaint summary, with optional fields for service dates and claim numbers.

Once a complaint has been submitted via the online form, it will be placed in a queue in the Health Plan Management System Complaints Tracking Module for review and triage. CMS will continue to serve as an arbitrator, working to facilitate resolution between the MA plan and the provider.

The MHA encourages members to use this form when experiencing issues related to MA claims.

Members with questions may contact Megan Blue at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Dec. 22, 2025

Healthcare Bills Advance During Final State Legislative Session Week of 2025

Enforcement of hospital price transparency measures, removal of mental health questions on health professionals’ license applications, and the creation of a palliative care advisory task force were among the healthcare-related bills that advanced in the …


State’s Chief Medical Executive Shares Standing Recommendation Regarding Children’s Vaccines

Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive Natasha Bagdasarian, MD, issued a standing recommendation Dec. 18, encouraging healthcare providers to follow the children’s immunization schedules developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics or the American Academy of …


CMS Announces MAHA ELEVATE Model

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is inviting healthcare organizations nationwide to apply for the Make America Healthy Again: Enhancing Lifestyle and Evaluating Value-Based Approaches Through Evidence (MAHA ELEVATE) model, a new initiative scheduled …


AHA Releases 2025 National Governance Report

The American Hospital Association (AHA) has released its 2025 National Governance Report. The report, based on data collected from August to December 2024, continues to develop a comprehensive picture of the state of healthcare…


Hospitals Help: Aspire Rural Health System Offers Lifeline to Families in the Thumb

Transitions, offered through Aspire Rural Health System, is a free community-based program dedicated to supporting individuals with chronic or life-limiting illnesses, as well as their families, across Michigan’s thumb region. The program provides a compassionate …


Mid-Program Year Highlights: Resources & Reports

Below is a compilation of resources shared during the first half of the 2025-26 program year to provide members with relevant tools, updates and insights.

Michigan Hospital Collaboratives Launch to Improve Community Health

More than 50 Michigan hospitals are coming together to improve outcomes in maternal health, behavioral health and chronic disease across the state through new community benefit collaboratives launched by the Michigan Health & Hospital Association …


MHA Keystone Center Annual Report Highlights Safety and Quality Initiatives

The MHA Keystone Center recently released its 2024-25 annual report, which demonstrates Michigan hospitals’ commitment to improving outcomes and advancing care. The report highlights MHA Keystone Center-led safety and quality initiatives, including: A five-year collaboration with …


Report: Access, Affordability & Community Health Improved by Hospital Programming, Investments

The MHA released its 2025 Community Impact Report highlighting community programming and investments from Michigan hospitals that are improving access to care, addressing affordability and advancing the health of …


New MHA Infographic Showcases Rural Michigan Healthcare Impact

The MHA recently released the infographic Healthcare Impact in Rural Michigan, which highlights how critical access hospitals, sole community hospitals, rural emergency hospitals and birthing hospitals support communities across the state. The infographic highlights the …


2025 Michigan Caregiver Navigation Toolkit Available

In alignment with National Caregiver Month, the MHA Keystone Center recently created the 2025 Michigan Caregiver Navigation Toolkit to support hospitals in their efforts to initiate and enhance caregiver support programming across the state. …


News to Know

  • The MHA will offer the Healthcare Leadership Academy in 2026, with cohorts meeting Feb. 25–27 and May 7–8 at the MHA Headquarters in Okemos.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner CyberForce|Q is hosting the Proactive Cyber Risk Measures Webinar on Jan. 29 with speakers from Trinity Health, the Michigan State Cyber Command Center and other organizations.
  • The MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled Dec. 24, 2025–Jan. 1, 2026.
  • Due to the holidays, Monday Report will not be published Dec. 29 and Jan. 5 and will resume its normal schedule Jan. 12.

CMS Announces MAHA ELEVATE Model

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is inviting healthcare organizations nationwide to apply for the Make America Healthy Again: Enhancing Lifestyle and Evaluating Value-Based Approaches Through Evidence (MAHA ELEVATE) model, a new initiative scheduled to launch in 2026.

MAHA ELEVATE will support the implementation of evidence-based lifestyle and chronic disease prevention programs aimed at improving outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries. The model will focus on interventions that address risk factors such as poor nutrition, physical inactivity, obesity, hypertension and diabetes, and will test whether preventive, lifestyle-oriented strategies can improve outcomes and reduce long-term healthcare costs when implemented at scale.

CMS will release a Notice of Funding Opportunity in early 2026 for the first cohort, and the voluntary model will launch Sept. 1, 2026. Funding will be awarded to organizations that propose interventions supported by strong evidence and demonstrate the ability to measure outcomes, report data and sustain program delivery over time. Proposals will be competitively reviewed based on evidence strength, implementation readiness and potential impact on Medicare populations.

Members interested in applying can find additional details, application materials and timelines on the CMS Innovation Center website.

Members with questions may contact the MHA policy team.

MHA Monday Report Dec. 8, 2025

Stop the Bleed Legislation Advances, Preadmission Screening Bill Introduced

Legislation protecting good Samaritans who apply bleeding-control techniques passed the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, while a bill modifying timeline requirements for preadmission screening assessments of Medicaid patients was introduced during the …


CMS Releases 2026 Home Health PPS Final Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a final rule updating the home health prospective payment system (PPS) for calendar year 2026. Highlights of the rule include: An updated 30-day …


MDHHS Launches RHTP Listserv to Share Program Updates

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently launched a Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) listserv to provide timely updates, announcements and resources related to the state’s implementation of the program. Hospitals, health …


Health Access & Community Impact Office Hours Launch

The MHA Health Access & Community Impact Office Hours series kicked off Nov. 24 with a session highlighting 211 and its role in addressing food access amid ongoing challenges related to food insecurity. Sarah Kile, …


Nominations Open for 2026 Michigan Hometown Health Hero Awards

The Michigan Public Health Week Partnership, a coalition of 13 statewide organizations that include the MHA, is seeking nominations by Friday, Dec. 19, for individuals and organizations that have contributed to improving the health and …


MHA Rounds graphic of Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — Dedicated to Care Every Day of the Year

During the holiday season, we look forward to annual traditions and time spent with loved ones. While many of us gather around our tables this season, we are all aware of individuals who sacrifice this special time …


Centering Lived Experiences to Improve Maternal Care: Reflections from the Birth Experience Project

Over the past year, I supported the Birth Experience Project, a mixed-methods study examining how Black women across Michigan experience pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. As part of this effort, I assisted in analyzing …


Keckley Report

The 10 Healthcare Headlines you Might See in 2026

“2026 is a mid-term election year. In 2016 (Trump 45 Year One), Republicans controlled 31 governorships and 68 legislative chambers. This January, the GOP will control 26 governorships and 57 legislative chambers– a 15% reduction on both. Politics is divided, affordability matters most to voters and healthcare is a high-profile target for campaigns so humility, thoughtful messaging backed by demonstrable actions will be an imperative for every healthcare organization.

2026 is a HUGE year for U.S. healthcare. The outcome is unknown.”

Paul Keckley, Nov. 23, 2025