MHA Monday Report Oct. 6, 2025

Michigan Legislature Passes State Budget, Preserves Healthcare Funding

The Michigan House of Representatives and Michigan Senate passed a state budget protecting all existing healthcare funding on Oct. 3. House Bill 4706, sponsored by Rep. Ann Bollin (R-Brighton), passed by both chambers, includes …


CMS Shares Updates for Medicare Operations During Federal Shutdown

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently directed Medicare Administrative Contractors to hold Medicare fee-for-service claims for ten business days due to the expiration of several Medicare payment provisions and the Oct. …


Hospital Communicators Gather at MHA Communications Retreat

The 2025 MHA Communications Retreat brought together about 100 communications, marketing and public relations professionals from MHA-member facilities Oct. 1 to network and learn from peers across the state. The agenda featured sessions on reputation management …


CE Credits Available for Maternal Health Quality Improvement Modules

Continuing education (CE) credits are now available for obstetric teams that complete the Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (MI AIM) virtual modules. The approximately three-hour series consists of the following modules: MI AIM …


MDHHS Introduces New Provider Updates Under Michigan’s Mental Health Framework

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently introduced new requirements under the state’s Mental Health Framework to strengthen assessments, referrals and care coordination for Medicaid enrollees. These changes take effect beginning October …


MHA Rounds image of Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — Launching Collaboratives to Improve Community Health

In the healthcare community, we know that a person’s health is shaped outside the four walls of a hospital and our support must expand beyond acute care. The MHA recently launched community benefit collaboratives with …


Keckley Report

Who Owns the Public’s Health?

“September 2025 marks a significant shift in U.S. health policy, especially its approach to the public’s health. …

Public health is a vital part of the U.S. health system but a stepchild to its major players. In reality, the U.S. operates a dual system: one that serves those with insurance (public and private) and another for those without. Public health programs like SNAP, HeadStart, Federally Qualified Health Centers et. al., serve lower income and under-insured populations and integrate with local delivery systems emergency services and during mass-events like pandemics, mass-casualties and disease outbreaks. Funding for public health programs is 2-5% of total health spending shared between local, state and federal governments.

Studies show food, housing and income insecurity—areas targeted by public health– correlate to chronic disease prevalence and health costs. Unlike most developed systems of the world which operate at a lower cost and produce better population-health outcomes, our system perpetuates a structural divide between healthcare and public health. Integrating the two is a necessary strategy for system transformation, but a difficult task given entrenched animosity toward “the system” held by public health leaders and funding pressures.  The bridge between public health and the healthcare delivery systems is a two-lane road with lots of potholes at the federal level, and sometimes better in local communities. But funding seems to be an afterthought unless local communities deem it vital.”

Paul Keckley, Sept. 28, 2025


New to Know

News to Know

  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner (EBP) SunRx is hosting a 340B Regulatory Brief webinar Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. EDT with Bharath Krishnamurthy, health policy & analytics, American Hospital Association.
  • The American Hospital Association (AHA) is accepting applications for the AHA’s 2026 Dick Davidson NOVA Award.

 

News to Know – Aug. 18, 2025

New to Know
  • New to KnowRegistration is open for the 2025 MHA Communications Retreat from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1 at the Henry Center for Executive Development in Lansing. The daylong event offers hospital communicators a chance to connect with peers across the state and participate in sessions that provide valuable skills and insights for both emerging and experienced professionals. The registration fee is $35 per person. Breakfast, refreshments and lunch will be provided. Please register by Sept. 19 to attend the retreat. Members with questions regarding registration should contact Kennedy Walters at the MHA. Questions regarding the retreat should be directed to John Karasinski at the MHA.
  • In the latest episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, MHA CEO Brian Peters and MHA Board Chair Bill Manns, president and CEO of Bronson Healthcare, explore what’s top of mind in healthcare as the 2025-2026 program year kicks off. Manns shares more about his journey to healthcare leadership, current priorities at Bronson and what work lies ahead for hospital leaders given recent activity at the state and federal level. Over the course of the interview, Peters and Manns discuss the impact of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)” on hospitals and patient access to care given cuts to Medicaid funding. The episode is available to stream on Apple PodcastsSpotifySoundCloudand YouTube. Questions or idea submissions for future MiCare Champion Cast episodes can be sent to Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

News to Know – Aug. 4, 2025

New to Know
  • New to KnowRegistration is open for the 2025 MHA Communications Retreat from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1 at the Henry Center for Executive Development in Lansing. The daylong event offers hospital communicators a chance to connect with peers across the state and participate in sessions that provide valuable skills and insights for both emerging and experienced professionals. The registration fee is $35 per person. Breakfast, refreshments and lunch will be provided. Please register by Sept. 19 to attend the retreat. Members with questions regarding registration should contact Kennedy Walters at the MHA. Questions regarding the retreat should be directed to John Karasinski at the MHA.
  • The AHA is accepting applications through Sept. 9 for the Quest for Quality Prize, an annual award that honors hospitals and health systems committed to leadership and innovation in improving quality and advancing health. Applicants should provide access to exceptional quality, safe and patient- and family-centered care; partner with community organizations and agencies to improve the health status of their communities and develop new and innovative models of care. One winner and up to two finalists will be presented awards at the 2026 AHA Leadership Summit, July 12-14 in Denver. Members may learn more about the 2025 winners or contact the AHA with questions.

MHA Monday Report July 28, 2025

MHA Shares Recent Medicare and Medicaid Enrollment Analysis

The MHA recently updated its analysis of Medicaid and Medicare enrollment based on June 2025 data. The analysis includes program enrollment as a percentage of each county’s total population and the split between fee-for-service and …


Registration Open for 2025 Communications Retreat

Registration is open for the 2025 MHA Communications Retreat from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1 at the Henry Center for Executive Development in Lansing. The daylong event offers hospital communicators a …


New PwC Report Warns of Rising Hospital Costs and Mounting Financial Pressure on U.S. Healthcare System

The MHA is drawing attention to a new national report from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) that outlines the severe financial challenges facing hospitals across the country that could soon jeopardize patient care …


MI AIM Hosting Regional Quality Improvement Training Sessions in the Fall

The Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (MI AIM) is inviting inpatient clinicians from birthing units across Michigan to its fall regional training sessions. The half-day trainings will be facilitated by maternal health experts …


Keckley Report

Gut Punches for Healthcare and Hospitals: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the CMS Proposed Rule

“The healthcare industry is still licking its wounds from $1 trillion in federal funding cuts included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) signed into law July 4. Adding insult to injury, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid services issued a 913-page proposed rule last Tuesday that includes unwelcome changes especially troublesome for hospitals i.e. adoption of site neutral payments, expansion of hospital price transparency requirements, reduction of inpatient-only services, acceleration of hospital 340B discount repayment obligations and more. …

The antipathy toward the healthcare industry among the public  and in Congress played a key role in passage of the OBBBA and regulatory changes likely to follow. Polls show three-fourths of likely voters want to see transformational change to healthcare and two-thirds think the industry is more concerned with its profit over their care: these views lend to hostile regulatory changes. The public and the majority of elected officials think the industry prioritizes protection of the status quo over obligations to serve communities and the greater good. The result: winners and losers in each sector, lack of continuity and interoperability, runaway costs and poor outcomes. No sector in healthcare stands as the surrogate for the health and wellbeing of the population. There are well-intended players in each sector who seek the moral high ground for healthcare, but their boards and leaders put short-term sustainability above long-term systemness and purpose. That void needs to be filled.”

Paul Keckley, July 20, 2025


New to KnowNews to Know

  • Join MHA Endorsed Business Partner CyberForce|Q for the in-person Coffee & Collab for Cybersecurity Leaders Aug. 19 from 9:30 – 11 a.m. ET at the MHA headquarters in Okemos.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner CorroHealth recently hosted the webinar Price Transparency in 2025: What’s Required, What’s Coming, What to do Now and a recording is now available on the CorroHealth On-Demand platform along with additional resources.

 

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage during the week of July 21 that focused on setting the record straight about the impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on hospitals. The Detroit News published …

Registration Open for 2025 Communications Retreat

Registration is open for the 2025 MHA Communications Retreat from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1 at the Henry Center for Executive Development in Lansing.

The daylong event offers hospital communicators a chance to connect with peers across the state and participate in sessions that provide valuable skills and insights for both emerging and experienced professionals.

The event will explore topics including crisis communications, reputation management and professional development for communications leaders. Additionally, leaders at the MHA will provide an update on state and federal healthcare priorities.

This event is designed specifically for professionals working in public relations, communications, media relations, marketing and community relations within Michigan hospitals. Members of these professions are encouraged to register and participate.

The registration fee is $35 per person. Breakfast, refreshments and lunch will be provided. Please register by Sept. 19 to attend the retreat.

A room block at the Henry Center is available for members who need accommodations the night of Sept. 30. Please use code MHH to receive the discounted room block rate.

Members with questions regarding registration should contact Kennedy Walters at the MHA. Questions regarding the retreat should be directed to John Karasinski at the MHA.

Public Relations Professionals Gather at MHA Communications Retreat

MHA Events
Sue Tetzlaff, co-founder, Capstone Leadership Solutions; Emily R. Sexton, communications coordinator, Holland Hospital; Hannan Deep, director of strategic communications operations, Henry Ford Health; and Lauren Zakalik, director, public & media relations strategy, Henry Ford Health, during a panel discussion. 

The 2024 MHA Communications Retreat brought together nearly 100 communications, marketing and public relations professionals from MHA-member facilities May 7 to network and learn from peers across the state. Topics on the agenda included artificial intelligence (AI), behavioral health, the healthcare workforce and internal communications.

The event began with several speakers presenting on how they are using communications tools to assist in reacting to the behavioral health crisis. Speakers included Kara Gavin, lead public relations representative, Michigan Medicine; and research & policy media relations manager, U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation; Jim Rose, director of marketing and communications, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health services; Dallas Rau, executive director, Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership; and Tera Szeliga, director of marketing, communications and Institute for Leaders, Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance.

A panel discussion was conducted discussing communications strategies to address the healthcare workforce and the importance of engaging with government relations and advocacy efforts. Angela Minicuci, APR, partner, Martin Waymire, moderated the panel comprised of Laura Appel, executive vice president of government relations and public policy, MHA, and Megan Brown, chief marketing and communications officer, Munson Healthcare. MHA CEO Brian Peters followed the panel with an update on the MHA strategic action priorities.

AI industry experts Joshua Wilda, chief digital and information officer, University of Michigan Health – Regional Network; and Tony Lambert chief technology officer, TechSmith, presented on the AI trends in healthcare and hospitals and how its impacting communications and marketing.

The event concluded with a topic focused on internal communications strategies hospitals can implement to celebrate their workforce and tactics they can use to address employee morale, support recruiting and improve brand perception. Each speaker shared strategies for different sized hospitals. Those speakers included Sue Tetzlaff, co-founder, Capstone Leadership Solutions; Emily R. Sexton, communications coordinator, Holland Hospital; Hannan Deep, director of strategic communications operations, Henry Ford Health; and Lauren Zakalik, director, public & media relations strategy, Henry Ford Health.

The event was sponsored by Martin Waymire and MHA Data Services, who attended the event and provided resources about their products and services. Photos from the event are available on the MHA Facebook page. For more information and resources from the event, contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

Final Reminder: Register Now for the 2024 Communications Retreat

MHA Events

MHA EventsIt is not too late to register for the 2024 MHA Communications Retreat, scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 7 at the Henry Center for Executive Development in Lansing. Members are encouraged to register now to secure one of the few remaining seats.

This year’s retreat offers a chance to network, learn from peers across the state and hear from experts for a deep dive into valuable skills for seasoned and new professionals.

The lineup of presenters and topics for the 2024 Communications Retreat includes:

  • Laura Appel, executive vice president of government relations and public policy, MHA, will be joined by Megan Brown, chief marketing and communications officer, Munson Healthcare, to discuss communications strategies to address the healthcare workforce and the importance of engaging with government relations and advocacy efforts.
  • Joshua Wilda, regional chief digital information officer, University of Michigan Health-West and Tony Lambert, chief technology officer, TechSmith, will discuss AI trends in healthcare and hospitals, and how it’s impacting communications and marketing.
  • A panel of communications will share internal communications strategies hospitals can implement to celebrate their workforce and share tactics they’ve used to address employee morale, support recruiting and improve brand perception.
    • Sue Tetzlaff, co-founder, Capstone Leadership Solutions
    • Lauren Zakalik, director, public & media relations strategy, Henry Ford Health
    • Hannan Deep, director of strategic communications operations, Henry Ford Health
    • Emily R. Sexton, communications coordinator, Holland Hospital,
  • A collection of speakers will present on how they are using communications tools to assist in reacting to the behavioral health crisis.
    • Kara Gavin, research and policy media relations manager, Michigan Medicine
    • Jim Rose, director of marketing, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
    • Dallas Rau, executive director, Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership
    • Tera Szeliga, director of marketing and communications/institute for leaders, Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance.

The registration fee is $35 per person. Breakfast, refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Members with questions regarding registration should contact Kennedy Walters at the MHA. Questions regarding the retreat should be directed to John Karasinski at the MHA.

Register Today for 2024 Communications Retreat

There is still time to register for the 2024 MHA Communications Retreat scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, May 7, at the Henry Center for Executive Development in Lansing. Current registration includes representation from hospitals and health systems throughout the state.

The lineup of presenters and topics for the 2024 Communications Retreat is now finalized. They include:

  • Laura Appel, executive vice president of government relations and public policy, MHA, will be joined by Megan Brown, chief marketing and communications officer, Munson Healthcare, to discuss communications strategies to address the healthcare workforce and the importance of engaging with government relations and advocacy efforts.
  • J. Joshua Wilda, regional chief digital information officer, University of Michigan Health-West and Tony Lambert, chief technology officer, TechSmith, will discuss AI trends in healthcare and hospitals, and how it’s impacting communications and marketing.
  • A panel of communications will share internal communications strategies hospitals can implement to celebrate their workforce and share tactics they’ve used to address employee morale, support recruiting and improve brand perception.
    • Sue Tetzlaff, co-founder, Capstone Leadership Solutions
    • Lauren Zakalik, director, public & media relations strategy, Henry Ford Health
    • Hannan Deep, director of strategic communications operations, Henry Ford Health
    • Emily R. Sexton, communications coordinator, Holland Hospital,
  • A collection of speakers will present on how they are using communications tools to assist in reacting to the behavioral health crisis.
    • Kara Gavin, research and policy media relations manager, Michigan Medicine
    • Jim Rose, director of marketing, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
    • Dallas Rau, executive director, Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership
    • Tera Szeliga, director of marketing and communications/ institute for leaders, Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance

The daylong event is geared toward the specific needs of hospital communicators working in public relations, communications, media relations, marketing and community relations within Michigan hospitals. This year’s retreat offers a chance to network, learn from peers across the state and hear from experts for a deep dive into valuable skills for seasoned and new professionals.

Members are encouraged to register by April 25 to attend the retreat. The registration fee is $35 per person. Breakfast, refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Members with questions regarding registration should contact Kennedy Walters at the MHA. Questions regarding the retreat should be directed to John Karasinski at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report March 18, 2024

MHA Monday Report

Legislative Policy Panel Recommends Policy Positions

The MHA Legislative Policy Panel met virtually March 13 to develop recommendations for the MHA Board of Trustees on legislative initiatives impacting Michigan hospitals. The meeting began with an update from MHA CEO Brian Peters on the MHA strategic action plan. …


National Rural Health Association Funding Opportunities Available

The National Rural Health Association recently announced two new funding opportunities to support initiatives that will improve healthcare access in rural communities. The Rural Utilities Service, a Rural Development agency of the United States Department of Agriculture …


MHA Unemployment Compensation Program Receives National Recognition

The MHA Unemployment Compensation Program (UCP) was recognized by the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) March 14 for the MHA UCP’s commitment to utilizing the NASWA’s nationwide, web-based system SIDES …


Applications Open for Excellence in Governance Fellowship

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2024-2025 Excellence in Governance Fellowship, which will be held from October 2024 through June 2025. The MHA Excellence in Governance Fellowship is available to healthcare board members looking for innovative, …


Secure Your Spot: Register Now for the 2024 Communications Retreat

Registration remains open for the 2024 MHA Communications Retreat scheduled Tuesday, May 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Henry Center for Executive Development in Lansing. Current registration includes representation from hospitals and health systems throughout the state. The MHA Communications …


The Keckley Report

Has U.S. Healthcare reached its Tipping Point?

“I believe the U.S. health system as we know it has reached its tipping point. The big-name organizations in every sector see it and have nominal contingency plans in place; the smaller players are buying time until the shoe drops. But I am worried. …

It’s time to start an adult conversation about the future of the system. The starting point: acknowledging that it’s not about bad people; it’s about systemic flaws in its design and functioning. Fixing it requires balancing lag indicators about its use, costs and demand with assumptions about innovations that hold promise to shift its trajectory long-term. It requires employers to actively participate: in 2009-2010, Big Business mistakenly chose to sit out deliberations about the Affordable Care Act. And it requires independent, visionary facilitation free from bias and input beyond the DC talking heads that have dominated reform thought leadership for 6 decades. …”

Paul Keckley, March 11, 2024


News to Know

  • Members are encouraged to register for a free webinar from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. ET March 20 to learn why onsite risk assessments are important.
  • The MHA will host a webinar with ModusOne Health to help members maximize quality metrics and reimbursements from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET on March 27.