Tag: IMLC

MHA Monday Report Jan. 26, 2026

Monday Report, Member News

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.

 

House Appropriations Committee Hears RHTP Testimony, IMLC Bill Advances

Member News

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

Several key healthcare stakeholders testified before the House Appropriations Committee, including Michigan hospitals, regarding funding allocated to the state under the RHTP. The state was awarded $173 million in RHTP funds in December 2025 to better serve rural communities and address critical access-to-care issues. Ben Frederick, associate vice president of advocacy, government relations and business development, Memorial Healthcare, testified during the committee hearing Jan. 20.  

Frederick shared the operational challenges faced by rural hospitals, the opportunities presented by the RHTP funding and the role of the legislature in supporting long-term rural hospital sustainability. He highlighted the economic stability that rural hospitals provide to their communities and regions, including serving as major employers, supporting small and independent businesses, and maintaining local supply chains. Frederick further discussed challenges related to workforce development, technology limitations and capital improvement needs. 

Separately, the House Rules Committee voted Jan. 22 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 areas, by allowing physicians to practice across state lines. The MHA continues to engage with lawmakers and advocate for the timely passage of the legislation to support physician participation in the compact. The legislation now heads to the full House chamber for further consideration.  

Members with questions may contact the MHA advocacy team.  

MHA Monday Report June 30, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

MHA Board of Trustees Holds Final Meeting of Program Year

The MHA Board of Trustees held its final meeting of the 2024-2025 program year on Mackinac Island June 25 in conjunction with the MHA Annual Membership Meeting. The meeting began with a welcome by the …

Opioid Legislation, IMLC and Compact Bills Advance in Senate, House

The Senate Health Policy Committee voted in support of legislation related to treating patients with opioid use disorder, while the House Health Policy advanced the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) bill during the week of …

Health & Hospital Association Elects 2025-2026 Officers and Board Members

Members of the MHA elected new officers and appointed board members during the association’s Annual Membership Meeting June 25. Officers of the 2025-2026 MHA Board of Trustees include Bill Manns, …

Hospital Executives Recognized for Outstanding Leadership

The MHA announced the winners of its 2025 Healthcare Leadership Award June 26 during its Annual Membership Meeting. Each year, the MHA recognizes outstanding individuals who have provided exceptional leadership to healthcare organizations and to …

Ludwig Community Benefit Award Honors Hospital Programs

The MHA announced the winners of its 2025 Ludwig Community Benefit Award during the association’s Annual Membership Meeting June 26. The honorees include programs supported by Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals St. Joseph Hospital; Lake Huron …

MHA Meritorious Service Award Recognizes Bob Riney

The MHA announced the 2025 winner of its highest achievement award June 26 during the association’s Annual Membership Meeting. Receiving the award for his decades of healthcare leadership is Bob Riney, president and CEO, Henry …

Healthcare Advocates Honored with MHA Special Recognition Award

The MHA announced four winners of its Special Recognition Award during the Annual Membership Meeting June 26, recognizing them for extensive contributions to healthcare. Each of the winners has uniquely influenced healthcare in Michigan. The …

Keckley Report

The U.S. Anxiety Pandemic

“The U.S. bombing of Iran’s nuclear capability is unsettling: whether MAGA or not, hawk or dove, young or old, conservative or liberal, rich or poor—it matters. Stability at home and abroad is utopian to some but desired by all. Pandemics, mass violence, natural disasters and even election results contribute to instability and lend to insecurity. Operation Midnight Hammer might contribute to the nation’s anxiety—time will tell. …

Nothing could be more timely and necessary to the Commission’s work than addressing mass anxiety and mental health as a national priority. And nothing is more urgently needed in communities than mainstreaming anxiety and mental health into the systems of health that accept full risk for whole person health.”

Paul Keckley, June 23, 2025

New to KnowNews to Know

  • MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled July 4 in honor of Independence Day.
  • Due to the holiday, Monday Report will not be published July 7 and will resume its normal schedule July 14. Member alerts and MHA newsroom articles will continue to be published during that time to provide relevant updates to the MHA membership, as necessary.

 

Opioid Legislation, IMLC and Compact Bills Advance in Senate, House

Member News

The Senate Health Policy Committee voted in support of legislation related to treating patients with opioid use disorder, while the House Health Policy advanced the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) bill during the week of June 23.

Senate Bills (SB) 397–405 were voted out of the Senate Health Policy Committee with recommendation to the full Senate chamber. Collectively, these bills make numerous changes to improve coverage and access for Michiganders to receive treatment for opioid use disorders.

Additionally, the Senate Health Policy Committee heard testimony on House Bills (HB) 4103–4104, sponsored by Reps. Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) and Doug Wozniak (R-Shelby Township), which would add Michigan into the occupational therapist licensure compact agreement. HBs 4101 and 4380, sponsored by Rep. Matthew Bierlein (R-Vassar), was also considered by the committee and would add Michigan into the physical therapist licensure compact. Also, the committee advanced SBs 414–415, sponsored by Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) and Sen. Ruth Johnson (R-Groveland Township), which would require insurer and Medicaid coverage of group prenatal services. The MHA supports HBs 4103-4104, 4101, 4380, and SBs 414-415.

SB 303, sponsored by Sen. Roger Hauck (R-Mount Pleasant), renews Michigan’s agreement in the interstate medical licensure compact was unanimously voted through by the House Health Policy Committee. The bill now moves to the House Rules Committee for further consideration. The committee also heard testimony on HB 4509, sponsored by Rep. Luke Meerman (R-Coopersville), which adds Michigan to the audiologist and speech-language pathologist licensure compact. HB 4591, sponsored by Rep. Karl Bohnak (R-Deerton), similarly adds Michigan to the professional counselor licensure compact. The MHA also supports SB 303, HB 4509 and HB 4591, and looks forward to their continued movement in the legislature.

Members with additional questions should contact the MHA Advocacy Team.

MHA Monday Report June 16, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

Nurse Licensure Compact Legislation Clears House, Next of Kin Bills Advance

Legislation on the Nurse Licensure Compact and next of kin designations advanced in the Michigan House during the week of June 9. House Bill 4246, sponsored by Rep. Phil Green (R-Millington), passed the full …

MHA Testifies on Hospital Cost Drivers in House Insurance Committee

The MHA testified before the Michigan House Insurance Committee June 11 on healthcare cost issues affecting hospitals and communities across the state. Laura Appel, executive vice president, government relations & public policy, MHA and Elizabeth …

MHA Testifies on IMLC in House Health Policy

The MHA testified in support of Senate Bill 303 during a hearing in the Michigan Senate Health Policy Committee June 11. The legislation would reinstate Michigan’s participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC). …

MDHHS Launches New Mental Health Framework

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is launching a new approach to mental healthcare under Medicaid as part of its MIHealthyLife initiative. The “Mental Health Framework” is designed to make care …

MHA Keystone Center to Support CMS’ Quality Improvement Program

Superior Health Quality Alliance (Superior Health) has been selected as the Great Lakes Region’s Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) to support the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) 13th Scope of Work. As a member …

MiHIN in Negotiations to Sell Velatura Stake, Refocus Efforts on Michigan

The Michigan Health Information Network Shared Services (MiHIN), the state’s health information exchange, recently announced it is in negotiations to sell its interest in Velatura Public Benefit Corporation to Capernaum Investments. Velatura was established by MiHIN …

HHS Replaces ACIP Members, Future Vaccine Policy Unclear

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced June 9 the removal of all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This independent body is comprised …

MHA Keystone Center PSO Hosts Cybersecurity and Regulatory Inspection Safe Table Events

The MHA Keystone Center Patient Safety Organization (PSO) hosted a safe table focused on Adapting Clinical Risk Management for Cybersecurity June 4 at the MHA Headquarters in Okemos. In partnership with MHA Endorsed Business Partner CyberForce|Q, the …

MHA Cybersecurity Communications Toolkit Available

A new MHA-member cybersecurity communications toolkit is now available to assist hospitals and health systems in preparing for and responding to a cyber incident. The available resources are focused on providing guidance in communicating with …

Keckley Report

The Hourly Workforce in Healthcare Deserves Attention

“Two government reports this week point to a familiar theme: healthcare employment is the backbone of the U.S. civilian workforce …

Arguably, their questions aren’t unique to hourly workers in healthcare: lower- and low-middle income employee cohorts in other industries feel the same. What’s unique to healthcare is the context: new technologies, new regulations, new transparency requirements, new ways of staffing and constant pressure to do more with less. Tension between workers and leaders in provider organizations is palpable—arguably more widespread than other industries in the economy. And human resource functions in these settings are understaffed and underfunded despite the mounting urgency of workforce issues since the pandemic. …

The hourly workforce in healthcare is important to its future. But most are worried about how to pay their bills at home and do a job with an uncertain future. These issues deserve attention.”

Paul Keckley, June 9, 2025

News to Know

MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled June 19 in honor of Juneteenth.

MHA in the News

The MHA received news coverage during the week of June 9 that included local TV news stories on the Michigan House of Representatives passing a bill that would have the state join the National Nurse …

MHA Monday Report March 17, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

Legislative Policy Panel Acts on Opioid Treatment Policies

The MHA Legislative Policy Panel met virtually March 12 to develop recommendations on legislative and policy issues impacting Michigan hospitals. The MHA advocacy team provided important updates to the panel on healthcare activities at both …

MHA Member Supply Chain Leaders Share Insights and Resources

MHA staff recently attended the Navigating Supply Chain Challenges in the Current Healthcare Environment event hosted March 4 by the Great Lakes Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives. This participation represents the MHA’s …

MHA Upcoming PFE Webinars Focus on Advancing Patient-Centered Care

The MHA, in conjunction with its statewide Person & Family Engagement (PFE) Advisory Council, is excited to offer the PFE Improvement Sprints, a webinar series designed to help hospitals and health systems amplify PFE efforts. …

Applications Open for 2025-2026 Excellence in Governance Fellowship

Applications for the 2025-2026 Excellence in Governance Fellowship are now open for healthcare board members seeking innovative and effective ways to lead their organizations as hospitals and health systems navigate financial strain and labor challenges. …

Balancing the Complexities of the Healthcare Workforce in Rural Markets

MHA Endorsed Business Partner AMN Healthcare will host the webinar Balancing the Complexities of the Healthcare Workforce in Rural Markets from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET April 10. Speakers John Higgins, vice president of Essentia Health, a …

Keckley Report

DOGE Healthcare Targets prompt Uncomfortable Questions

In the President’s 99-minute address to Congress last Tuesday, not a mention of healthcare. None. Nada. Go figure.

It’s not surprising but totally regrettable. Politicians on both sides of the aisle know it’s a vital industry to the population’s well-being and the economy’s overall stability. It accounts for a fourth of all job gains in monthly Bureau of Labor jobs reports. It also represents 28% of total federal spending (includes HHS + Veterans Health) with the CBO forecasting 5.5% annual growth through 2032. Thus, it’s not surprising it’s a target of ongoing DOGE federal spending cuts and prominent in this week’s budget reconciliation vote by Congress to avoid a shut down.

Two programs are initial targets: Medicaid and Veterans Affairs. Each is big and serves unique populations …

The impact of proposed Medicaid and VA cuts will draw attention to the overall health system, prompting its critics to argue its wastefulness and its defenders to blame inadequate funding or unfair regulation.”

Paul Keckley, March 10, 2025

New to KnowNews to Know

  • Registration is open for the highly anticipated MHA Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium, scheduled for April 28 and 29, 2025, at the Kellogg Conference Center & Hotel, East Lansing.
  • Lenise Freeman, a current Government Relations and Public Policy Fellow, was recently selected to participate in The Center for Health and Research Transformation (CHRT) at the University of Michigan Health Policy Fellowship.

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of March 10 on the 340B program and potential federal Medicaid funding cuts with outlets including MichMash, Crain’s Grand Rapids Business and 9&10 News. MHA CEO Brian Peters appeared on the March 14 episode …

MHA Monday Report March 10, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

Senate Passes 340B Hospital Protections & IMLC Clears House

The Michigan Senate passed legislation that protects 340B hospitals with bipartisan support while the Michigan House of Representations voted through legislation that removes the sunset on the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) during the week …

Hospital Medicaid Communications Toolkit Available

The MHA recently released a toolkit of communications resources to support hospitals in advocating against potential Medicaid funding cuts in their local communities. The toolkit includes: Talking points Template letter-to-the-editor Template press release Social media …

HHS Rescinds Richardson Waiver Policy on Public Participation

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced the rescinding of the Public Participation in Rule Making (Richardson Waiver), which invited public participation in rulemaking related to federal rules and regulations. HHS Secretary …

MDHHS Medicaid Provider Manual Available April 1

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently completed the April 2025 update to the MDHHS Medicaid Provider Manual, which will be available online April 1, 2025. This update aims to clarify coverage …

MHA Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium Approved for CE Credits

Registration is open for the highly anticipated MHA Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium, scheduled for April 28 & 29, 2025, at the Kellogg Conference Center & Hotel, East Lansing. The symposium, offering continuing education …

Regional Training April 23 for Maternal Health Providers on Hypertension Safety

The Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health is offering regional training sessions for inpatient maternal health providers focused on implementing the hypertension safety bundle and addressing common challenges with implementation. The one-hour …

Keckley Report

The Four Unwritten Rules for Engaging the Nashville Healthcare Industry

“This year, the Nashville Heath Care Council is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Its 900 members employ 333,000 and contribute $68 billion to the local economy. It hosts global conferences (VIVE, Sessions) among its 80+ events annually and promotes Nashville as the healthcare innovation hub of the planet. It is dominated by publicly traded health services companies and the armies of advisors, lawyers, accountants and analysts they employ. …

The Nashville healthcare community will not attempt to transform the industry: that’s for others. It will engage on industry challenges that require technology-enabled solutions, private capital and experienced operators. It is not paralyzed by regulation, industry norms, trade association affiliations or tradition. It is prone to think of healthcare as a opportunistic market, celebrate its profitability and leave systemic issues for others to fix.

The Nashville healthcare community is a fast follower: the bleeding edge is for others.  But in following fast, it has emerged as a key influencer in Trump healthcare policies and their execution.”

Paul Keckley, March 3, 2025

New to KnowNews to Know

  • The MHA Human Resources Conference is quickly approaching on March 25, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Lansing.
  • In order to continue sharing with key stakeholders the important impact hospitals make to their communities, the MHA invites members to share examples of strong community impact programming through a brief survey.

Elizabeth KutterMHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of March 3 on the Michigan Senate passing legislation that protects the 340B program, the potential impact of tariffs on hospitals and healthcare costs, as well as a …

Senate Passes 340B Hospital Protections & IMLC Clears House

Member News

The Michigan Senate passed legislation that protects 340B hospitals with bipartisan support while the Michigan House of Representations voted through legislation that removes the sunset on the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) during the week of March 3.

Following successful reporting from the Senate Oversight Committee, the full Senate took swift action on Senate Bill (SB) 94, sponsored by Sen. Sam Singh (D-East Lansing). The MHA-supported legislation passed the Senate 33-3, with overwhelming bipartisan support, on March 6, reflecting the Senate’s commitment to protecting access to care and the 340B program. The Senate paired this legislation with SB 95, sponsored by Sen. Jonathan Lindsey (R-Allen), which requires hospital compliance with federal cost transparency laws.

SB 94 safeguards the 340B program in Michigan, ensuring cost savings and preserving access to affordable healthcare services in both urban and rural Michigan communities. Further, this legislation adds first of its kind pharmaceutical manufacturer transparency requirements, making Michigan’s legislation the strongest in the nation.

The legislation will now be sent to the House of Representatives for further action. The MHA continues to advocate for the 340B program and support Michigan hospitals’ efforts to expand access to quality, community-based care. Members are encouraged to use the MHA 340B Action Alert to contact their lawmakers in support of this legislation.

In addition, House Bill (HB) 4032, sponsored by Rep. Rylee Linting (R-Grosse Ile), passed the full House 106-1 on March 6. The legislation eliminates the sunset on the interstate medical licensure compact, which streamlines the licensing process and allows physicians licensed in one state to practice in multiple, participating states.

By removing additional licensing requirements for physicians seeking to practice across state lines, patients experience increased access to care, especially in rural and underserved areas, by physicians included in the compact. States involved in the compact can share disciplinary and investigative information through the state medical board to strengthen public protection for patients and the program. Michigan’s participation in the compact is currently set to expire March 28, 2025. The MHA supports this legislation and is working quickly with lawmakers to move it through the legislative process before the compact’s current expiration date.

Members with questions may contact Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.

Senate Introduces 340B Hospital Protections; MHA Testifies on IMLC

Member News

The Senate introduced MHA-driven legislation protecting the 340B program and the House Health Policy Committee heard testimony on the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) legislation during the week of Feb. 17.

The Senate introduced Senate Bill (SB) 94, sponsored by Sen. Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), on Feb. 20. This legislation ensures protections from drug manufacturer overreach for hospitals and community health clinics participating in the 340B program in Michigan. The bill is vital for hospitals that serve vulnerable populations, helping them stretch scarce resources to care for more patients. SB 94 safeguards the program, ensuring cost savings and preserving access to affordable healthcare services in both urban and rural Michigan communities. Further, this legislation adds first-of-its-kind pharmaceutical manufacturer transparency requirements, making Michigan’s legislation the strongest in the nation.

The Senate paired SB 94 with SB 95, sponsored by Sen. Jonathan Lindsey (R-Allen), which requires hospital compliance with federal cost transparency laws. The MHA continues to advocate for the 340B program and support Michigan hospitals’ efforts to expand access to quality, community-based care. Members are encouraged to contact their lawmakers in support of this legislation.

In addition, the House Health Policy Committee heard testimony on House Bill (HB) 4032, introduced by Rep. Rylee Linting (R-Grosse Ile), during the committee’s first meeting of the new session. Adam Carlson, senior vice president, Advocacy, MHA, testified in support of the legislation to eliminate the sunset on the interstate medical licensure compact, which streamlines the licensing process and allows physicians licensed in one state to practice in multiple, participating states.

By removing additional licensing requirements for physicians seeking to practice across state lines, patients experience increased access to care, especially in rural and underserved areas, by physicians included in the compact. States involved in the compact can share disciplinary and investigative information through the state medical board to strengthen public protection for patients and the program. Michigan’s participation in the compact is currently set to expire March 28, 2025. The MHA supports this legislation and is working quickly with legislators to move it through the legislative process before the compact’s current expiration date.

Members with questions may contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Feb. 10, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

IMLC Moves Through Committee & Executive Budget Recommendation Presented

Several noteworthy healthcare issues saw attention the week of Feb. 3 by state lawmakers and policymakers, including the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) moving through the Senate Health Policy Committee, a reintroduction of the Momnibus …

The Joint Commission President and CEO Addresses MHA Board

The MHA Board of Trustees welcomed The Joint Commission President and CEO Jonathan B. Perlin, MD, PhD to its Feb. 3 meeting. In his guest presentation, Dr. Perlin shared The Joint Commission’s mission to work …

Workforce Support and Growth Addressed by MHASC Board and HR Council

The MHA Service Corporation (MHASC) board focused its Feb. 5 meeting on supporting the MHA Strategic Action Plan priorities to address workforce support, protecting access, mental and behavioral health, creating healthy communities, strengthening cybercrime/cybersecurity policy …

speak upCorewell Health Trenton Hospital Nurse Honored with Q4 MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award

The MHA Keystone Center celebrates Courtney Baumann, RN at Corewell Health Trenton Hospital, as its quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award recipient for February. The Speak-up! Award celebrates individuals or …

MHA Keystone Center Launches Infection Control Quality Improvement Cohort

The MHA Keystone Center is launching an infection control quality improvement cohort, providing high-touch technical assistance to ten long-term care facilities. The Strengthening Long-term Care Infection Prevention and Control Practices to Address Emerging Pathogens …

MHA Rounds image of Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — The Realities of the Earned Sick Time Act

Healthcare continues to be the leading private-sector employer in Michigan. Our latest Economic Impact of Healthcare in Michigan report shows healthcare provided nearly 572,000 direct jobs in Michigan in 2022, with roughly 217,000 of those jobs in hospitals. …

Keckley Report

Is health insurance reform the key to affordability and lower costs?

“For most Americans, having health insurance is still considered a hedge against unexpected or otherwise unaffordable medical bills.

For most elected officials in Congress and state legislatures, Medicare and Medicaid are insurance programs that consume a large and growing piece of public funding, squeezing out other areas of need.

For virtually all hospitals, physicians, ancillary and long-term care providers, insurance is still the unwelcome front door through which all must go to get paid but their administrative hassles and low reimbursement rates are ruining the system for everyone.

And large majorities in each of these groups are unhappy with insurers for a myriad of reasons well-documented in trade publications and polling. …

The blame and shame game to which insiders in healthcare are addicted is a zero-sum game: blaming any single sector for the cumulative deficiencies in affordability and costs is misleading and does not serve the greater good.

Is health insurance reform the key to health system affordability and lower costs? It plays a role but not alone.”

Paul Keckley, Feb. 3, 2025

News to Know

In order to continue sharing with key stakeholders the important impact hospitals make to their communities, the MHA invites members to share examples of strong community impact programming through a brief survey.

MHA CEO Brian Peters

MHA in the News

A MHA media statement published Feb. 5 was included in stories by Michigan news outlets covering the fiscal year 2026 executive budget recommendation. The statement, attributed to MHA CEO Brian Peters, was mentioned by WLNS-TV …