Tag: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Executive Budget Supports Healthcare, Other Legislative Action

Member News
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capitol buildingGovernor Whitmer and Budget Director Jen Flood released the executive budget recommendation Feb. 7 for fiscal year 2025. The MHA is pleased to see that the Governor’s budget continues vital funding for Medicaid, rural and critical access hospitals, obstetrical services and the Healthy Michigan Plan. Supporting Michigan’s Medicaid program will help maintain access to care for underserved populations throughout Michigan. Additionally, the MHA looks forward to seeing proposals to increase funding for behavioral health services and continued resources dedicated to maternal and infant health.

Hospitals and health systems continue to face significant workforce shortages and  Gov. Whitmer’s proposed budget for next fiscal year will assist with workforce shortages through investments for tuition-free community college pathways for Michiganders and continued funding for the Michigan Reconnect program, which provides tuition-free programs in high-demand healthcare credentials.

MHA CEO Brian Peters released a statement in support of the executive budget recommendation, applauding Gov. Whitmer’s commitment to being a healthcare champion.

While the Governor’s budget recommendation was by far and above the highlight of the week, the state legislature also moved forward several MHA supported bills. The House Health Policy Committee voted on a package of bills, House Bills (HBs) 4532, 5368 and 5369, to address childhood lead exposure. The MHA supported HB 5368, sponsored by Representative Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo), which alters the definition of elevated blood level to reflect significantly lower blood lead level concentrations. Lowering the concentration in state law allows for earlier intervention and triggering of support and services for kids who are exposed to lead.

The Senate Health Policy committee took testimony on MHA supported legislation regarding telehealth access. HBs 4579, 4580, 4131, and 4213, sponsored by Reps. Natalie Price (D-Berkley) Felicia Brabec (D-Ann Arbor), Tullio Liberati (D-Allen Park) and Christine Morse (D-Kalamazoo), All aim to ensure that telehealth access continues to be robust and reimbursed, especially now that pandemic era flexibilities are rolling back. Access to care across multiple platforms helps patients meet their healthcare needs. The MHA supports maintaining robust access to telehealth services and reimbursement for services rendered.

In addition, the House Insurance Committee took testimony on House Bill 4015 sponsored by Rep. Jennifer Conlin (D-Ann Arbor). HB 4015 limits the co-pay for prescription insulin. The MHA joined other stakeholders, including the American Diabetes Association, to support this legislation, which will positively impact the affordability of insulin for Michiganders.

Members with questions may contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.

Healthcare Worker Safety Bills Signed into Law

Member News
Gov. Whitmer signed House Bills 4520 and 4521 that increase the penalties for assaulting a healthcare worker or volunteer.

Gov. Whitmer signed into law Dec. 6 House Bills 4520 and 4521, which increase the penalties for assaulting a healthcare worker or volunteer. Now referred to as Public Acts 271 and 272 of 2023, the financial fines are doubled for those found guilty of assault towards a healthcare worker or volunteer.

The bills were signed as part of a ceremony held at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. The MHA joined a variety of healthcare organizations in attendance to celebrate this positive step in ensuring violence against healthcare workers is not tolerated.

The new laws also require the posting of signage at hospitals to inform individuals they may be subject to higher financial penalties if they assault a healthcare worker or volunteer. The MHA has new, updated signage available for MHA members to order at no cost. Hospitals will need to post compliant, updated signage in a conspicuous location by March 4, 2024. Hospitals may create and use their own signage but must ensure any updated signs meet the requirements of the new laws.

A press release was published by the Executive Office of the Governor, which includes a quote of support from MHA CEO Brian Peters.

While celebrating this accomplishment, the MHA will continue to work on more opportunities to protect the healthcare workforce from violence in the workplace and to improve the recruitment, retention and training of healthcare workers.

Members with questions on any of the bills should contact Adam Carlson or Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.

Governor Signs New Budget Including Investments in Hospitals

Member News
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capitol buildingGov. Whitmer signed the fiscal year 2024 state budget Aug. 1, which includes $92 million in new investments directly to hospitals. It specifically provides $59 million to support increased Medicaid reimbursement rates at Level I and II trauma centers and $33 million to support an increase in Medicaid inpatient psychiatric reimbursement rates. The signed budget will go into effect Oct. 1.

In addition to the ongoing and targeted new investments, the agreement provides necessary resources to assist hospitals and health systems in advancing the health of individuals and communities throughout Michigan. It maintains funding for the Healthy Michigan Plan, Medicaid, graduate medical education, disproportionate share hospitals and the rural access and obstetrical stabilization pools.

The MHA is also pleased with new investments in workforce by lowering the age for Michigan Reconnect from 25 years to 21 years of age and investing $2.5 million to support recruitment and retention programs for behavioral health professionals. The budget also increases ongoing funding for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which provides significantly reduced tuition for many students at public universities.

Consistent with the strategic action plan of the MHA, the budget places a new emphasis on health equity and reducing disparities for maternal health care with specific, targeted new investments. Funding is included for the Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health and $49.5 million for community health programs, healthy community zones, IT improvements and mobile health units to address racial disparities in health. Additionally, the budget further expands the Medicaid program by eliminating the five-year waiting period for pregnant and new mothers who are legally residing in Michigan.

Members with questions on the state budget may contact Adam Carlson.

Governor Signs MHA Supported Legislation and Announces Round of GoingPro Awards

Member News
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capitol buildingGov. Whitmer signed several MHA-supported bills during the week of July 17 related to the Healthy Michigan Plan (HMP), organ donation and vaccine distribution. Those bills include:

  • House Bills 4495–4496 (Public Acts (PAs) 98-99 of 2023), sponsored by Reps. Will Snyder (D-Muskegon) and Graham Filler (R-DeWitt), make important updates to the HMP, Michigan’s expanded Medicaid. The program will no longer include cost sharing requirements that have proved to be exceedingly burdensome. Further, the statute no longer includes language allowing for the program to be summarily abandoned if state costs exceeded state savings. The HMP has allowed for increased access to healthcare throughout the state, providing coverage for over a million Michiganders.
  • House Bills 4362, 4363 and 4364 (PAs 100-102 of 2023), sponsored by Reps. Felicia Brabec (D-Ann Arbor), Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint) and Natalie Price (D-Berkley), include the option for individuals to denote their organ donor status when filing state income taxes. Over 103,000 individuals nationwide are waiting for organ donations, including approximately 2,300 Michiganders. These policies will increase opportunities for residents of the state to opt-in to organ donation. Increasing the number of people on the organ donation list benefits those in need while also supporting long term organ availability.
  • Senate Bill 219 (PA 97 of 2023), sponsored by Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit), allows pharmacists to order and administer qualifying vaccines and lab tests independently. Michigan continues to seek ways to increase vaccination rates. State solutions like SB 219 allow Michigan to support additional access points. The law allows a pharmacist to order and administer vaccines and lab tests in certain circumstances without the supervision of a physician, following completion of approved training.

In addition to signing important healthcare legislation, Gov. Whitmer announced $13.5 million in GoingPro awards, with several MHA members receiving funds to support upskilling and retooling team members. GoingPro launched in 2014 and allows employers to apply for grant funding to support their employees in earning industry-recognized credentials. Over 8,500 employees across the state have benefited from the program and this recent round of grant awards included nearly $750,000 for hospitals. The MHA continues to support Gov. Whitmer’s recognition of hospital workforce needs and her dedication to growing the state’s talent pipeline.

Members with questions about state legislative action may contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.

Governor Creates New Department to Support Workforce and Talent Development

Member News
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capitol buildingThe Michigan Legislature may be on summer recess but work in the state capitol continues. The governor made headlines the week of July 10 with the creation of a new state department, the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP). MiLEAP brings together key partners in state government with the goal of supporting and growing the state’s knowledge economy.

MiLEAP contains three distinct entities: the Office of Early Childhood Education, the Office of Higher Education and the Office of Education Partnerships. All three offices will be under one single director who will officially join the governor’s cabinet. MiLEAP will be tasked with collaborating with the Michigan Department of Education and state Board of Education, among other stakeholders.

Michigan hospitals and health systems rely on the state’s knowledge economy and a focus on supporting talent development within the state recognizes the significant need for skilled individuals across multiple healthcare fields. Gov. Whitmer has emphasized her desire to see 60% of the state’s residents with a credential or degree by 2030 and MiLEAP is another tangible demonstration of her commitment to addressing the state’s talent needs. Building long term supports, including a dedicated member in her cabinet, and recognizing that building a pipeline of education opportunity supports the success of employers in the state is a great step towards tangible gains in the workforce crisis.

The MHA will continue to partner with the governor and her administration on workforce and talent development, with MiLEAP being a new strategic opportunity for cross collaboration in support of healthcare careers.

Gov. Whitmer also signed several important pieces of legislation, including the remaining sexual assault prevention bills. Senate Bills 69 through 72, requiring medical record retention and an additional adult presence for certain medical exams, were officially signed into law. These bills pair with earlier signed legislation, House Bills 4120, 4121 and 4122, which require license revocation for individuals convicted of sexual contact under the pretext of medical treatment and require employers of mandatory reporters to distribute training materials.

Members with questions about state legislative action may contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.

Fiscal Year 2024 Executive Budget Recommendation Released

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capitol buildingGov. Whitmer released her executive budget recommendation Feb. 8 for fiscal year 2024. The proposed budget fully protects traditional hospital line items for Medicaid and the Healthy Michigan program, continues targeted rate increases from recent budget cycles and includes new investments in workforce training and development. None of the line items important to MHA members were recommended for reductions in the recommendation.

The MHA will share additional information on the new initiatives in the coming weeks, but below are a few key pieces for MHA members.

  • New or expanded funding items:
    • Healthy Moms and Healthy Babies – $62 million.
    • Implementing recommendations from the Racial Disparities Task Force – $58 million.
    • Increased rates for laboratory services, traumatic brain injury services and other related professional services – $120 million.
    • Expanding eligibility for the Michigan Reconnect scholarship program – $140 million.
    • Building capacity for insulin production in Michigan – $150 million.
    • Discretionary mental health supports for K-12 students – $300 million.
  • Items receiving continued, full funding:
    • The Healthy Michigan Plan (Medicaid expansion).
    • Hospital Quality Assurance Assessment Program.
    • Rural and obstetrical stabilization pools.
    • Hospital outpatient rate increase.
    • Critical access hospital rate increase.

MHA CEO Brian Peters released a statement in support of the executive budget recommendation, thanking Gov. Whitmer for her continued commitment to protecting hospitals and supporting healthcare workers.

Members with questions about the budget or any other state legislation impacting hospitals should contact the MHA advocacy team.

Recapping 2022 Midterm Election Results

Member News
MI Vote Matters logo

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.

Below is a snapshot of some of the key election results:

  • Top of the ticket Democrats won safely. Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Attorney General Dana Nessel all swept the top of the ticket by 8+ points.
  • Supreme court incumbents will return as well, with Justices Richard Bernstein and Brian Zahra winning reelection. Democratic-nominated justices will maintain a 4-3 advantage on the court.
  • Democrats flip a congressional seat to win a 7-6 edge on Michigan’s congressional delegation. Hilary Scholten (D-Grand Rapids) was able to defeat opponent Republican John Gibbs (R-Grand Rapids), while Elissa Slotkin (D-Lansing) was able to hold off a challenge from Tom Barrett (R-Potterville).
  • Democrats win majority in the Michigan House of Representatives for the first time since 2010. The new majority will be led by Michigan’s first Black speaker, Rep. Joe Tate of Detroit.
  • Democrats win majority in the Michigan Senate for the first time since 1984. The new majority will be led by Michigan’s first female Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Winnie Brinks of Grand Rapids.
  • All three of the ballot proposals succeeded handily. Michigan’s constitution will be amended to include term limit adjustments, expanded voting rights and reproductive freedom.

Overall, the legislative election results look positive for the hospital and healthcare community looking into 2023 given the stability within the executive administration and the existing relationships the MHA has established during their tenure in office. Democrats have not had a dual-chamber legislative majority in nearly 40 years, so it is expected that they will have no shortage of legislative priorities to work on.

The MHA is excited to begin working with the new leadership to address the lingering issues hospitals continue to face post-pandemic as well as having the opportunity to collaborate with legislators on new priorities. With 59 first-time legislators this year, the MHA will be working hard to build relationships with the new lawmakers in the coming days and months and encourage members to do the same.

Members with questions or needing assistance identifying their legislator should contact Sean Sorenson-Abbott at the MHA.

News to Know – Week of Oct. 24

Member News
  • The last day to register online to vote in the Nov. 8 election is Oct. 24. Registration can be completed through the Michigan Voter Information Center of the Michigan Secretary of State website. Voters can still register to vote in person at a clerk’s office until 8 p.m. of Election Day.
  • The second gubernatorial debate is this Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. on the Oakland University campus between Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Republican candidate Tudor Dixon. Representatives from WXYZ Channel 7 Detroit, WXMI FOX 17 Grand Rapids and WSYM FOX 47 Lansing will moderate.
  • Early in person voting by absentee ballot at a clerk’s office remains available. Absentee ballots can be dropped off at a designated drop box or local clerk’s office between now and 8 p.m. Nov. 8.
  • Complimentary MI Vote Matters informational posters and the 2022 Candidate Guide are still available for MHA members. An online order form is available to request the guide and/or various sizes of laminated posters. In addition, the MI Vote Matters webpage contains up-to-date election information and social media conversations using the hashtag #MIVoteMatters afford additional insight and opportunities to discuss how the 2022 election affects healthcare. Questions regarding the election should be directed to Laura Appel at the MHA.

Primary Election Sets Field for November

Member News
MI Vote Matters logo

MI Vote Matters logoMichigan’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 this year. Based on the primary results, the top of the ticket will include Democratic incumbent Gov. Gretchen Whitmer against Republican nominee Tudor Dixon in the gubernatorial race, followed by attorney general, secretary of state, all 13 U.S. House of Representative seats, all seats in both the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives, two Supreme Court seats and local races.

Due to redistricting, several incumbent lawmakers in both Congress and the state legislature faced competitive primaries. Two congressional race outcomes of note include Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Waterford Township) defeating Rep. Andy Levin (D-Bloomfield Township) in the 11th district; and incumbent Rep. Peter Meijer (R-Grand Rapids) losing to John Gibbs (R-Grand Rapids) in the 3rd district. Two districts that will not feature incumbents in November are the 10th district where John James (R-Farmington Hills) will run against Carl Marlinga (D-Sterling Heights) and the 13th district where state representative Shri Thander’s (D-Detroit) victory in the primary has him positioned as the presumed favorite in a heavily Democratic leaning district.

A handful of state legislative incumbents also lost in the primary. Redistricting had Rep. Andrew Beeler (R-Port Huron) facing Rep. Gary Eisen (R-St. Clair) in the 83rd district, with Rep. Beeler winning the Republication nomination. The same situation occurred in the Senate with Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) defeating Sen. Marshall Bullock (D-Detroit). Other incumbents who lost were Rep. Rodney Wakeman (R-Frankenmuth), Rep. Terrence Mekoski (R-Shelby Township), Rep. Richard Steenland (D-Roseville) and Sen. Kim LaSata (R-Niles).

One race that remains to be officially decided is the 34th House District Republican primary. Sen. Dale Zorn (R-Ida) received 4,774 votes, seven more than the second place candidate Ryan Rank. However, Rank has requested a recount.

A candidate listing is currently available on the MHA’s 2022 Election page online.

The MHA will also be preparing and distributing nonpartisan election resources and tools for members following the conclusion of the nominating conventions. These materials are designed to encourage voter education and participation at the local level and will be available on the MHA 2022 Election webpage. The MHA will also feature regular election updates on its Facebook and Twitter feeds using #MIVoteMatters.

For more information about the 2022 primary and general election, visit the Michigan Voter Information Center or contact Sean Sorenson-Abbott at the MHA.

Combating the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19): Week of July 11

Member News, Issues in Healthcare
MHA Covid-19 update

Michigan’s COVID-19 case numbers and hospitalizations have increased since early July with the onset of omicron variant BA.5. Here are the latest key statistics:

  • 875 hospitalizations with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, a 20% increase since July 1.
  • 23 pediatric hospitalizations with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.
  • 67.6% of all residents have at least one dose of vaccine.
  • 29.2% of kids aged 5-11 have now initiated vaccination.
  • Roughly 2% of kids aged 6 months-5 years have initiated vaccination since approval was granted in mid-June.

The MHA continues to keep members apprised of pandemic-related developments affecting hospitals through email updates and the MHA Coronavirus webpage. Important updates are outlined below.

Governor Signs COVID-19 Liability Legislation

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently signed several COVID-19 liability-related bills:

  • House Bill 5244 (Public Act 138 of 2022) amends Public Act 238 of 2020, which prohibits an employer from taking certain actions against an employee who does not report to work under circumstances related to COVID-19, to specify that the Act would not apply to a claim or cause of action that accrued after July 1, 2022. In addition, the bill will repeal PA 238 of 2020 effective July 1, 2023. HB 5244 was sponsored by Rep. Andrew Fink (R-Hillsdale).
  • House Bill 6128 (Public Act 140 of 2022) amends Section 85 of the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act to specify that certain conditions establishing immunity for employers whose employees were exposed to COVID-19 would not apply to an exposure that occurred after July 1, 2022. In addition, the bill would repeal Section 85 and Section 85a, which defines COVID-19 under the Act, effective July 1, 2023. HB 6128 was sponsored by Rep. Yousef Rabhi (D-Ann Arbor).
  • House Bill 6215 (Public Act 139 of 2022) amends the COVID-19 Response and Reopening Liability Assurance Act to specify that the Act, which provides immunity to a person that acts in compliance with certain federal, state and local orders related to COVID-19, would not apply to a claim or cause of action that accrued after July 1, 2022. In addition, the bill would repeal the Act effective July 1, 2023. House Bill 6215 was sponsored by Rep. Graham Filler (R-DeWitt).

Novavax Vaccine Gets FDA Authorization

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted emergency use authorization to Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine July 13. The vaccine is a two-dose series administered three weeks apart and uses a different, older vaccine technology than is used in the messenger RNA vaccines and Johnson & Johnson shot.

Novavax’s vaccine is authorized for people ages 18 and older as a primary series. It may be appealing to those adults who were hesitant to receive another brand of vaccine due to the components or development process.

In a trial of more than 26,000 adults, two doses of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine were more than 90 percent effective at preventing symptomatic disease. For adults 65 and older, effectiveness was more than 78 percent. There were no serious side effects or safety concerns.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will next decide whether it will endorse the vaccine. The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will meet July 19, though an agenda is not yet available.

The Biden administration recently announced that it had purchased 3.2 million doses of the Novavax vaccine. If the vaccine is recommended by the CDC, it will be made available at no cost to states, jurisdictions, federal pharmacy partners and federally qualified health centers. The MHA will keep members apprised of vaccine availability and ordering processes at the appropriate time. Members with questions may contact Ruthanne Sudderth at the MHA.

Additional information on the COVID-19 pandemic is available to members on the MHA Community Site and the MHA COVID-19 webpage. Questions on COVID-19 and infectious disease response strategies may be directed to the MDHHS Community Health Emergency Coordination Center (CHECC).