Tag: Gov.Whitmer

MHA Monday Report March 2, 2026

Member News, Monday Report

Governor Whitmer Delivers Final State of the State Address

Gov. Whitmer delivered her final State of the State address Feb. 25 before a joint session of the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, outlining priorities for the remainder of her term, including healthcare affordability. …

MHA EventsUpcoming Events Focus on Workplace Violence

The MHA is hosting two upcoming events that provide resources and insights on workplace violence in healthcare. The MHA Keystone Center and MHA Endorsed Business Partner Tarian will host the webinar, The Four Myths of Workplace Violence …

Hospitals Help: Grant Drives Maternal Safety Innovation at MyMichigan Health

Simulation training helps care teams prepare for rare, high-risk events by allowing them to practice clinical decision-making and collaboration in a safe environment. Through an equipment grant distributed by the MHA Keystone Center with funding …

The MHA February Recap 

MHA Chief Medical Officer Expresses Support for AAP Immunization Schedule

The following statement can be attributed to Gary Roth, DO, MBA, FACOS, FCCM, FACS, chief medical officer of the MHA.  The MHA supports the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) evidence-based 2026 immunization schedule and the …

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 Service Corporation Welcomes New Board Member and Explores Innovations

The MHA Service Corporation (MHASC) board met Feb. 4 to advance and promote current and future business services of the MHASC and its Endorsed Business Partner (EBP) Program. The board also welcomed incoming board member …

MHA Keystone Board Reviews Strategic Priorities

The MHA Keystone Center Board of Directors met Feb. 4 to review strategic priorities and key initiatives aligned with the 2025-26 MHA Strategic Action Plan. The meeting opened with a discussion focused on workplace violence …

Building Excellence Without Barriers

Every February, Black History Month invites us to pause and reflect on the pioneers who have redefined what’s possible for communities across the country — often in systems that were not designed with them in mind. …

Keckley Report

Mission Health, Asheville: Up Close and Personal

“On December 10, I had quadruple bypass surgery at Mission Hospital (MH), the HCA Healthcare facility in Asheville NC. It was necessary due to significant blockage (95%) and counsel from my long-time primary care physician at Vanderbilt, Ben Womack. …

This experience has been enlightening. I kept copious notes and continue to add to that file. My journey spans 3 months, 2 ED visits, a 5-day inpatient stay, an outpatient post-op procedure to clear fluid build-up in my lungs, a follow-up visit with Dr. Russell and the first two weeks of the rehab regimen. Observations to date: …”

Paul Keckley, Feb. 22, 2026

MHA in the News

MHA Executive Vice President Laura Appel joined WJR’s Ryan Ermanni live broadcast Feb. 25 for the station’s annual coverage of the state’s legislative and policy priorities in alignment with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the …

Governor Whitmer Delivers Final State of the State Address

Member News

Gov. Whitmer delivered her final State of the State address Feb. 25 before a joint session of the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, outlining priorities for the remainder of her term, including healthcare affordability.

During the address, Whitmer called on Congress to renew enhanced premium tax credits for marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act. She also referenced upcoming changes to Medicaid resulting from recent federal law changes.

Additionally, Whitmer emphasized medical debt as an ongoing policy issue that should be addressed by the state legislature. Ideas shared during the speech included capping interest rates on Medicaid changes resulting from credit reporting, requiring hospitals to establish financial assistance programs and prohibiting liens or foreclosures on homes tied to unpaid medical bills.

Whitmer reflected on accomplishments during her administration, including expanding access to pre-K, providing free school meals for all, reducing crime and overdose deaths and continuing infrastructure improvements such as road repairs and the removal of lead pipes throughout the state.

She recognized the work of state departments, legislators and community leaders who helped shape policy efforts during her tenure and emphasized the importance of bipartisan collaboration to advance policies that support Michigan residents.

The MHA looks forward to working with state lawmakers on policies that support healthcare affordability and access to care for Michigan residents.

Members with questions may contact the MHA advocacy team.

Bipartisan State Budget Protects Healthcare

Issues in Healthcare, Top Issues - Healthcare, News Releases

The following statement can be attributed to Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association.

Michigan’s elected officials demonstrated today a strong, bipartisan commitment to protecting healthcare funding in the state budget. We thank all of those who worked together when it mattered most, especially Gov. Whitmer, Senate Majority Leader Brinks and Speaker of the House Hall for their leadership in agreeing to a budget that will continue to advance the health of individuals and communities throughout the state. Hospitals, healthcare workers and patients have secure state funding for another year, maintaining access to care and protecting important service lines.

Appel Joins WJR Live from Lansing Broadcast

Issues in Healthcare, MHA In The News, Top Issues - Healthcare
MHA EVP Laura Appel with WJR's Guy Gordon and Lloyd Jackson.
MHA EVP Laura Appel with WJR's Guy Gordon and Lloyd Jackson.
MHA EVP Laura Appel with WJR’s Guy Gordon and Lloyd Jackson.

MHA Executive Vice President Laura Appel appeared on Detroit’s WJR 760 AM’s ‘JR Morning with Guy Gordon, Llyod Jackson and Jamie Edmonds’s “Live from Lansing” broadcast Feb. 26 as part of the station’s annual coverage of legislative and policy issues facing the state the morning after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State address. The MHA sponsored the program, with the broadcast hosted at the Courtyard by Marriott Lansing Downtown.

As part of the program lineup, Appel spoke with Gordon and Jackson about the state of hospitals and the many changes they face, including the healthcare workforce, the 340B program and protecting Medicaid from federal funding cuts. Other notable interviewees during the event included Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Lawton) and Speaker of the House Matt Hall (R-Richland Township).

Relevant healthcare topics included in the State of the State address included expanded attention towards recruiting males to pursue post-secondary education opportunities and increased state support for forgiving patient medical debt.

Additional media stories published during the week of Feb. 24 included an article picked up by both Bridge and MIRS on the challenges of behavioral health transport services for providers in the Upper Peninsula. Lauren LaPine, senior director of Legislative & Public Policy, MHA, was quoted in the article discussing efforts with the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services to implement and fund behavioral health transportation services at hospitals across the state.

“We believe that a patient shouldn’t have to be transported via police transport for behavioral health needs,” said LaPine.

In addition, the MHA received mention in a Feb. 27 article from MIRS recapping a House Health Policy Committee hearing about the 340B program.

Members with questions should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

Executive Budget Recommendation Maintains Health of Michigan Hospitals

News Releases

The following statement can be attributed to Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association.

MHA CEO Brian PetersState funding is critical to the health and viability of Michigan hospitals and their patients. This budget presented by the Whitmer administration today maintains stability for healthcare providers across Michigan. We appreciate the continued protection of funding pools that preserve access to care for Michiganders, whether they require obstetrical services, care at rural and critical access hospitals or coverage from the Healthy Michigan Plan and Michigan’s Medicaid health plans. We are also encouraged to see continued attention towards issues that impact Michigan’s talent pipeline and remove barriers towards pursuing healthcare careers.

Healthcare touches us all, regardless of political affiliation, and we look forward to working with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle during the budget process to make sure Michiganders, their communities and healthcare providers receive the funding support they need.

Senate Committee Puts Patients Over PhRMA Profits

News Releases, Issues in Healthcare, Top Issues - Healthcare

The following statement can be attributed to Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association.
MHA CEO Brian Peters

Members of the Senate Oversight Committee put patients over pharmaceutical profits by reporting out Senate Bill 1179 to the full Senate, which adds state-level protections to the 340B drug pricing program and the affordable, community-based care it supports.

The 340B program is an essential safety net program that supports vulnerable patients and the providers that care for them. It allows eligible Michigan hospitals to stretch incredibly scarce resources to provide care for more patients in their communities, increasing access to care.

These protections prevent manufacturers from arbitrarily restricting program participation that threatens access to care by cutting program savings. Such harmful actions by these companies risk the closure of birthing units, nursing homes and even critical access hospitals.

We look forward to the full Senate passing this bill and will continue to work with our partners in the House to make sure this important piece of legislation reaches Gov. Whitmer’s desk before the end of the year.

Michigan Legislature Champions Healthcare Funding

Issues in Healthcare, Top Issues - Healthcare, News Releases

The following statement can be attributed to Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association.

MHA CEO Brian PetersThe Michigan Legislature passed a state budget that champions crucial healthcare funding and protects access to vital healthcare services across Michigan communities.

The fiscal year 2025 state budget and fiscal year 2024 supplemental proposals continue funding pools that support rural and critical access hospitals, obstetrical services, the Healthy Michigan Plan and Michigan’s Medicaid populations. Each of these pools help maintain access to care for underserved populations throughout the state.

The budget also includes new funding to support peer recovery coaches in hospitals to enhance substance use disorder services. These individuals are specifically trained to provide advanced peer recovery support services and are proven to help patients overcome obstacles in their substance use disorder recovery. Michigan joins the more than 38 other states in supporting this model of providing needed care.

We look forward to Gov. Whitmer signing this budget, which protects access to care and ensures hospitals can continue to advance the health of individuals and communities.

340B and Mackinac Policy Conference Media Coverage

Member News, Issues in Healthcare, MHA In The News, Top Issues - Healthcare

The MHA received media coverage the week of June 3 that includes coverage on the 340B drug pricing program and from the Mackinac Policy Conference on the healthcare workforce.

Michigan Advance published an article June 6 recapping the Michigan House Insurance and Financial Services Committee meeting June 5 on House Bill 5350, which would protect access to affordable prescription drugs and healthcare services through the 340B Prescription Drug Pricing Program. The article specifically references an infographic submitted to the committee by the MHA, which describes the value of the 340B program and how it supports vulnerable patients and the providers that care for them.

“[MHA] says the program allows hospitals flexibility to invest savings back into local healthcare needs through programs such as mobile health clinics, financial assistance programs for low-income patients, supporting high-cost lines of service needed within a community, or providing access to low-cost drugs.”

In addition, the article references the additional MHA-members who testified in support of the bill. MIRS and Gongwer also published stories on the testimony.

Ruthanne Sudderth, senior vice president and chief strategy officer, MHA.
Ruthanne Sudderth, senior vice president and chief strategy officer, MHA.

Ruthanne Sudderth, senior vice president and chief strategy officer, MHA, also appeared in two podcast episodes published the week of June 3 that were recorded at the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference.

Sudderth joined Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s A Healthier Michigan podcast to speak about the long-standing partnership between BCBSM and the MHA on a variety of issues, including the history of the MHA Keystone Center and addressing healthcare workforce needs.

Sudderth appeared on The Michigan Opportunity as well, a podcast produced by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, to discuss the healthcare workforce. Also appearing in the episode is Gov. Whitmer.

Members with any questions regarding media requests should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

House Advancing Medicaid Budget Highlights Legislative Work

Member News

The Michigan House of Representatives advanced its state fiscal year (FY) 2025 Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) budget recommendations during the week of May 5.

Importantly, the chamber’s budget recommendation 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 budget proposal includes funding to provide reimbursement for peer recovery coaches in the hospital setting to enhance substance use disorder services. The Senate is expected to advance its FY 25 MDHHS budget recommendation next week.

The House also gave final approval to two MHA supported bills. House Bill (HB) 5096, sponsored by Rep. Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids), makes important changes to the state’s Renaissance Zone Act. These changes allow for more local governments to take advantage of the benefits of a renaissance zone designation and increase flexibility around those designations. Renaissance zones support economic development opportunities and allow for important economic drivers, like hospitals, to thrive in a variety of circumstances. Without these alterations, hospitals who may benefit from their locality being designated as a renaissance zone would be unable to realize significant opportunity to maintain or increase access to care in vulnerable communities. The MHA supported this legislation because of the positive impact this could have on Michigan hospitals and health systems. HB 5096 passed the House and is on its way to Gov. Whitmer’s desk to be signed into law.

The House also gave final approval to Senate Bill (SB) 227, sponsored by Sen. Dan Lauwers (R-Brockway). SB 227 will update the state’s child caring institution licensing laws to align with emergency intervention language used in the Mental Health Code. Specifically, this legislation is important to any facility interested in becoming licensed as a Pediatric Residential Treatment Facility and creates additional alignment between the Mental Health Code and the licensing structure for child caring institutions. SB 227 is now headed to the governor’s desk for her signature.

Members with any questions may contact Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.