Tag: Keckley Report

MHA Monday Report Aug. 25, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

CMS Releases FY 2026 Final Rule for Skilled Nursing Facilities

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a final rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system for skilled nursing facilities for fiscal year (FY) 2026. Key provisions include: Increasing the per-diem federal rate …

MHA Community Benefits Survey for FY 2024 Now Open

The MHA is now accepting submissions for the fiscal year (FY) 2024 Community Benefits Survey. Member hospitals are encouraged to participate, as the survey results are vital to demonstrating the value of hospital community benefit …

Trustee Webinar Outlines the OBBBA Impact

The MHA will host the webinar Understanding the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and Board Planning for the Impact from 8 to 9 a.m. Sept. 24. The session is designed for trustees and hospital leaders and will highlight considerations …

MHA EBP care.ai Shares Case Study on Virtual Care Expansion

MHA Endorsed Business Partner (EBP) care.ai recently shared an insightful case study on how a 22-bed virtual care pilot with Henry Ford Health is expanding across 13-acute care hospitals, including a chief nursing informatics …

Keckley Report

The Medical Profession at a Crossroad

“When I was a grad student at Ohio State in the ‘70’s, one of the most challenging courses I took was “Primary Research Methods in Analyzing Public Data” –an elective. …

The data show the majority of physicians are unhappy and uncertain about the future of the profession. The data show they’re working harder and doing more with less. The data show they’re concerned about the future of the health system and think it’s heading in the wrong direction. The data show employed physicians are increasingly dissatisfied in their hospital and private equity relationships. The data show that physicians share of the growing health spending pie is shrinking: from 21.1% in 2000, to 20.1% in 2023 and projected to 19.9% in 2025 and 19.5% in 2033. And data show the profession, along with nurses and pharmacists, enjoys the public’s trust to figure things out. …

Might defining a vision for a transformed ‘U.S. System of Health’ be the focus for the medical profession? There’s plenty of data to digest to deliberate objectively. Its willingness and ability to set aside its factionalism for the greater good is the biggest question facing the profession. And the widely-recognized dysfunction of the current U.S. health system presents the urgent opportunity for the profession to step forward. That’s the cross facing the profession.”

Paul Keckley, August 17, 2025

New to KnowNews to Know

The MHA is developing its 2025-2026 events and education calendar, featuring professional development opportunities, networking events and timely, relevant offerings for members.

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage during the week of Aug. 18 that continued to focus on the impact the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will have on Medicaid as well as comments related to …

MHA Monday Report Aug. 18, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

CMS Releases FY 2026 LTCH Prospective Payment System Final Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a final rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service long-term care hospital (LTCH) prospective payment system for fiscal year (FY) 2026. Specifically, the …

MHA Keystone Center and MI AIM Announce Recipients of Maternal Health Education Grant

The MHA Keystone Center, in collaboration with the Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (MI AIM), recently announced a partnership with UnitedHealthcare to offer $25,000 grants to birthing hospitals in Michigan to purchase equipment …

CMS Releases FY 2026 Final Rule for Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a final rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system for inpatient rehabilitation facilities for fiscal year (FY) 2026. Key provisions include: …

Keckley Report

Health Industry Notoriety is a Two-Edged Sword: Four Considerations as the Mid-Term Elections Near

“Keeping track of all things healthcare is a formidable task.  Last week’s news is no exception: …

These events and actions illustrate the administration’s “flood the zone” strategy and its propensity to dictate news cycles in media coverage. They also reflect the ubiquitous role played by healthcare in our society as an employer and economic engine.

Collectively, they appear to cast the industry in a negative light reinforcing populist’ suspicions about affordability, price transparency, corporatization and cost-containment. And they lend to growing disfavor among lawmakers, employers and critics. …”

Paul Keckley, Aug. 10, 2025

New to KnowNews to Know

  • 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.
  • In the latest episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, MHA CEO Brian Peters and MHA Board Chair Bill Manns, president and CEO, Bronson Healthcare, explore what’s top of mind in healthcare as the 2025-2026 program year kicks off.

MHA Monday Report Aug. 11, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

MHA Trustee Webinar Outlines Information and Planning for the OBBBA

The MHA will host the webinar Understanding the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and Board Planning for the Impact from 8 to 9 a.m. ET Sept. 24. The session will explore how the OBBBA …

CMS Releases FY 2026 Final Rule for Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a final rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system for inpatient psychiatric facilities for fiscal year (FY) 2026. Key provisions …

CMS Releases FY 2026 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System Final Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a final rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service inpatient prospective payment system for fiscal year (FY) 2026. Highlights of the final rule include: …

MHA Podcast Explores Healthcare Priorities with 2025-2026 Board Chair Bill Manns

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast exploring what’s top of mind in healthcare as the 2025-2026 program year kicks off. The episode, hosted by MHA CEO Brian Peters, features MHA …

Keckley Report

July 2025 Actions are the Turning Point for U.S. Healthcare

“July 2025 will be the month U.S. healthcare leaders recognize as the industry’s modern turning point. Consider…

Collectively, these actions reflect rejection of the health industry by the GOP-led Congress. It follows 15 years of support vis a vis the Affordable Care Act (2010) and pandemic recovery emergency funding (2020-2021). In that 15-year period, the bigger players got bigger in each sector, investment of private equity in each sector became more prevalent, costs increased, affordability for consumers and employers decreased, and the public’s overall satisfaction with the health system declined precipitously. …

The landscape for U.S. healthcare is fundamentally changed as a result of the July actions noted above. It is compounded by public anxiety about the economy at home and global tensions abroad.

These July actions were a turning point for the industry: responding appropriately will require fresh ideas and statesmanship. Transparency about prices, costs, incentives and performance is table stakes. Leaders dedicated to the greater good will be the difference.”

Paul Keckley, Aug. 3, 2025

New to KnowNews to Know

MHA Endorsed Business Partner Vault Verify is hosting a live webinar on HR’s Growing Role in Data Protection from 1 to 2 p.m. ET Aug. 13.

Lauren LaPineMHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of Aug. 4 on hospital cost pressures, behavioral health partnerships and the impact of Medicaid cuts. Gongwer published a story Aug. 4 about a PricewaterhouseCoopers report that reviews …

MHA Monday Report Aug. 4, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

HRSA Announces 340B Rebate Pilot; President Trump Pens Letter on Most Favored Nation Pricing

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) issued guidance July 31 on a proposal to shift a portion of the 340B drug pricing program away from an upfront discount model to a rebate model. HRSA …

MDHHS to Discuss 2026 Draft Rates for MichiCANS and LOCUS Assessments

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) invites qualified mental health providers to attend a MichiCANS Screener and Level of Care Utilization System (LOCUS) All Provider Draft Rate meeting scheduled from 1 – 2 p.m. …

CMS Releases CY 26 PFS Proposed Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule to update the physician fee schedule (PFS) for calendar year (CY) 2026. Highlights of the proposal include: Implementing the one-time 2.5% statutory …

MHA Rounds graphic of Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — Hospitals Are Focused on Saving Both Lives and Costs

Hospitals exist to save lives and improve health. Every day, across every ZIP code in Michigan, our community hospitals are the place where babies are born, cancer is fought, lives are saved and families turn in their most vulnerable moments for hope, help and healing. …

Keckley Report

Medicare Report Card on its 60th Birthday: Incomplete

“Wednesday marks the 60th anniversary of Medicare. On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Social Security Act (HR 6675) at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library in Independence, MO issuing the first Medicare card to “Give ‘em hell Harry” who had proposed universal coverage in 1945 against fierce opposition from the American Medical Association who labelled it socialized medicine.

The program began in January 1966 enrolling 19 million in its Part A (hospital) and Part B (ambulatory, physicians) programs. The country was divided over the contentious war in Vietnam and civil rights at home. In the six decades since, the Medicare program has expanded to become the industry’s most important program and society’s most valued safety net. …

So, on Medicare’s 60th birthday, its legacy is a mixed bag: it has provided needed health services to three generations of seniors, but its costs and failure to hardwire an appropriate balance between preventive, chronic and acute and long-term care services remain work not completed.”

Paul Keckley, July 27, 2025

New to KnowNews to Know

  • 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 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.

Laura AppelMHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage during the week of July 28 that continued to focus on the impact the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) will have on Medicaid. WZZM 13 published a story July …

MHA Monday Report July 28, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

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 …

MHA Monday Report July 21, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

CMS Releases Medicare 2026 Outpatient Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service outpatient prospective payment system effective Jan. 1, 2026. The proposed rule: Provides a net 0.9% increase …

On Demand Webinar: Balancing the Complexities of the Healthcare Workforce in Rural Markets

MHA Endorsed Business Partner AMN Healthcare recently hosted the webinar Balancing the Complexities of the Healthcare Workforce in Rural Markets. Speakers  John Higgins, vice president of talent management, Essentia Health, …

Vaccination Resources Available for Healthcare Providers

The MHA remains committed to supporting vaccination efforts across the state by providing healthcare professionals with timely resources, updated guidance and tools to strengthen public health outreach. The state of Michigan has reported 18 measles …

MDHHS Proposes Policy Changes to Streamline Mental Health Assessments for Youth

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently released a proposed policy to revise the Michigan Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (MichiCANS) screening tool for individuals under age 21. The policy aims …

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Examines The Boards Role in Workforce Strategy

The July edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), highlights board-level strategies for advancing leadership development, governance structure, care transformation and the use of AI in healthcare data analysis. …

Keckley Report

AMA, AHA Board Meetings this week: Shared Concerns, Divergent Positioning

“This week, two boards with much on the line in U.S. healthcare will convene:

  • The American Medical Association (AMA) Board of Trustees will meet in San Diego.
  • The American Hospital Association (AHA) Board of Trustees will meet in Nashville.

Media scrutiny: Media attention to physicians and hospitals is significant and increasing. Winning the hearts and minds of populations is complicated and expensive. Polling suggests the public trusts physicians, nurses and pharmacists more than hospitals, insurers and drug companies but concerns about affordability and institutional mistrust are mounting for all.”

Paul Keckley, July 13, 2025

MHA in the News

The MHA continued to receive media coverage during the week of July 14 about the impacts of the federal budget reconciliation bill, officially referred to as the One Big Beautiful Big Act (OBBBA). Coverage includes …

MHA Monday Report July 14, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

Medical Debt Legislation Introduced, Maternal and Behavioral Health Bills Clear Senate

Legislation addressing medical debt was introduced in the Michigan State Senate June 26. The bipartisan three-bill package, Senate Bills 449, 450 and 451, codify the existence of hospital financial assistance programs, create new …

MHA Service Corporation Highlights Security Technology Solutions and Action Plan Priorities

The MHA Service Corporation board held its final meeting of the 2024-2025 program year focused on supporting the MHA Strategic Action Plan priorities of protecting access, workforce support, strengthening cybercrime and cybersecurity policy, mental …

CMS Releases Home Health PPS Proposed Rule

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule updating the home health prospective payment system (PPS) for calendar year 2026. Highlights of the proposed rule include: A 6% …

Deadline Approaching to Qualify for MDHHS Maternal Health Quality Payments

Birthing hospitals pursuing the 2025 Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Maternal Health Quality Payments must meet all requirements by July 31 to receive payments. Eligibility requirements include full participation in the Michigan …

Free Substance Use Disorder Technical Assistance Available

The Michigan Opioid Partnership is offering free, tailored technical assistance to help Michigan hospitals and healthcare providers improve care for patients with substance use disorders, whether they are implementing new protocols or strengthening existing …

Virtual Maternal Health Quality Improvement Courses Available

The Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (MI AIM) is offering virtual modules to support maternal health quality improvement efforts. All obstetric team members at MI AIM participating birthing hospitals are encouraged to complete …

MHA Shares State Impacts and Insights at Regional 340B Roundtable

MHA staff attended the Regional 340B Roundtable July 8 in Florence, IN to join colleagues from the Indiana Hospital Association, Ohio Hospital Association, Kentucky Hospital Association and endorsed business partner, SunRx, to share best practices for successful 340B administration and …

MHA Releases Executive Summary of Final LARA Rules for Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery

The MHA recently released an executive summary regarding administrative rules finalized by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), updating licensing and practice standards for osteopathic medicine and surgery in Michigan. The rules, …

MHA Rounds image of Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — A Year of Progress and Purpose

With another program year behind us, the MHA Annual Meeting served as a powerful reminder of our shared mission to advance the health and well-being of Michigan’s patients and communities. Despite an evolving political landscape, we’ve made meaningful progress and are moving …

Keckley Report

Special Edition: Lessons from the ACA applicable to the Big Beautiful Bill

“One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) passed both houses of Congress by the thinnest of margins and was signed into law by President Trump last Thursday. It is the most significant legislation for U.S. healthcare since the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) signed into law by President Obama March 23, 2010. …

It’s too soon to know what the results will be for OBBBA. Many fear it will cause irreparable damage to the safety net—public health programs, rural and safety net hospitals, nursing homes and others that serve lower-income and disabled populations. Some see it as a necessary reset asserting waste, fraud and abuse in healthcare has been allowed to fester, harming those in bona-fide need and keeping resources in healthcare better used elsewhere.

What’s known for sure is that opinions about the OBBBA will change as it’s implemented over the next four years. How states address work requirements and implementation will be central to its success.  And executive orders, administrative actions, court decisions and market conditions will alter its trajectory—especially economic conditions at home.”

Paul Keckley, July 6, 2025

New to KnowNews to Know

MHA Endorsed Business Partner CorroHealth, is hosting the webinar Price Transparency in 2025: What’s Required, What’s Coming, What to do Now, for MHA members from 2 to 3 p.m. ET July 16.

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage during the weeks of June 30 and July 7 on Medicaid cuts included in the federal budget reconciliation bill. MHA CEO Brian Peters and MHA Executive Vice President Laura Appel …

MHA Monday Report April 28, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

MHA Testifies on Nurse Licensure Compact Bills, Senate Passes Prescription Drug Affordability Board and Momnibus Legislation

The House Health Policy heard testimony from the MHA in support of creating a nurse licensure compact and the Senate voted to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in the state of Michigan during the …

GME Capitol Day Approaches May 21

The MHA is hosting the 2025 MHA Graduate Medical Education (GME) Capitol Day from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 21 in Lansing. The event is an opportunity for Michigan’s physician residents from teaching hospitals and academic …

CMS Releases FY 2026 Proposed Rule for Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system for inpatient psychiatric facilities for fiscal year (FY) 2026. Key provisions of the proposed rule include: Increasing the …

MHA Unemployment Compensation Program Receives Award for Outstanding Performance

The MHA Unemployment Compensation Program (UCP) was recognized by the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) April 24 for the MHA UCP’s commitment to utilizing the NASWA’s nationwide, web-based system SIDES for receiving new claims and responding to …

CMS Releases FY 2026 Proposed Rule for Skilled Nursing Facilities

The CMS recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system for skilled nursing facilities for fiscal year (FY) 2026. Key provisions of the proposed rule include: Increasing the per-diem …

Celebrate Patient Experience Week with Upcoming Webinars

The MHA is offering ways for hospital staff to engage during Patient Experience Week (April 28-May 2), to support and amplify patient-centered care. The upcoming Patient and Family Engagement Improvement Sprint webinar series, hosted …

CMS Releases FY 2026 Proposed Rule for Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities

The CMS recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system for inpatient rehabilitation facilities for fiscal year (FY) 2026. Key provisions of the proposed rule include: Increasing the …

MHA Virtual Member Forum Focuses on Cyberattack Response

The MHA, in conjunction with its statewide Health Information Technology Strategy Committee, is hosting a cybersecurity and cyberattack response virtual member forum from 9:30 to 11 a.m. May 9. This free, members-only event features six …

The Power of Patient-Centered Care

It’s no secret that patient experience within hospitals and health systems has evolved over the years – especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. With Patient Experience Week (PX Week) around the corner, it’s a good time to recognize the …

Keckley Report

Tax Exempt Status for Not-for-Profit Hospitals: The Debate Ahead

“Tax exemptions for hospitals are not a new topic inside healthcare, but lately they’ve drawn outside attention from regulators and in media. They seem to be asking ‘Do not-for-profit hospitals deserve their tax breaks?’ …

Hospitals face a headwind, especially those that are tax-exempt. Every U.S. hospital is reeling from the uncertainty surrounding the Kennedy (HHS)-Oz (CMS)-Makary (FDA) trifecta that will regulate hospital affairs in the next few months. Every hospital is feeling heat from disgruntled physicians and worn-out frontline caregivers. Every hospital is worried about how tariffs will impact supply chain costs and all are taking a cautious approach to major capital projects. And all face increased pushback from state legislators who think price controls on hospitals might be the answer.

For Rick Pollack and team at the American Hospital Association, it’s not business as usual. The hospital big tent is under duress. And NFP tax exempt hospitals might be where it’s hottest. Large employers have targeted large NFP systems for cost reduction and Congress appears poised to impose restrictions on NFPs intended to rein-in what some consider excesses under the protection of tax-exempt status. …

Spending in healthcare at current levels is not sustainable. NFP system say the health of the communities they serve is their highest priority, though many limit their attention to lucrative services while neglecting others that might pay longer-term dividends in public health.

Utopian? Yes, but necessary. Actions not taken by NFP systems to demonstrate they deserve their tax exemptions is risky. And lack of will to adopt minimal standards will ultimately mean exemptions are linked to charity-care only.

In 2025 and beyond, tax exemptions for not-for-profit hospitals will garner attention. They’re not guaranteed and they’re under attack.”

Paul Keckley, April 21, 2025

New to KnowNews to Know

  • The MHA is issuing a request for proposal for a $2.5 million competitive grant program for Michigan healthcare entities to expand access to hospital-based peer recovery coach services.
  • Registration is now open for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting June 25 through 27 at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Members are encouraged to register by May 23 to attend this memorable event. 

Jim Lee speaks with Mid-Michigan NOW about AI.

MHA in the News

Jim Lee, senior vice president, data policy & analytics, MHA, appeared in a story about artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare aired by Mid-Michigan NOW on April 23. Lee discussed how AI is being used by …

MHA Monday Report April 21, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

MHA Member Provides Testimony to House Health Policy Committee; Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact Bills Clear Committee

The House Health Policy Committee heard testimony from stakeholders on legislation to establish a Physician Assistant Licensure Compact in the state and Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact bills were voted to the House floor …

MHA CEO Brian Peters Joins 2025 State of Reform Health Policy Panel

The 2025 Michigan State of Reform Health Policy Conference convened April 17 in East Lansing, MI. The morning session began with a panel moderated by Farah Hanley, managing principal, Health Management Associates alongside MHA CEO …

MHA Keystone Center Receives Harry L. McKinley Workplace Safety Leadership Award

The MHA Keystone Center was honored April 15 at the Michigan Workplace Safety Conference for providing essential workplace safety resources to Michigan healthcare organizations and their staff. The Harry L. McKinley Workplace Safety Leadership Award …

CMS Releases FY 2026 LTCH Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service long-term care hospital (LTCH) prospective payment system for fiscal year (FY) 2026. Specifically, the rule proposes …

RFP Available for Hospital-Based Peer Recovery Coach Services

The MHA is issuing a request for proposal (RFP) for a $2.5 million competitive grant program for Michigan healthcare entities to expand access to hospital-based peer recovery coach services. The funding was appropriated by …

Updated Hospital Medicaid Communications Toolkit Available

The MHA recently updated 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 …

CMS Releases FY 2026 Hospital IPPS Proposed Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) for fiscal year (FY) 2026. The rule proposes to: Increase the standard …

MW-TEC to Host Informational Webinar on Social Work Apprenticeship Opportunities

The Michigan Workforce Training & Education Collaborative (MW-TEC) will host an informational webinar at 10 a.m. April 23 discussing social work apprenticeship opportunities. With a growing demand for behavioral health workers, apprenticeship programs can serve …

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Outlines the Value of Nursing Board Leadership and Compliance Duties

The April edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), highlights the podcasts, videos, webinar and other resources available on today’s most pressing healthcare issues. National Nurses Week honors the …

Keckley Report

For U.S. Healthcare, Public Reaction to Tariffs is Instructive

“Last week, new cycles paid close attention to the economy with news mixed: The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index hit a five year low of 50.80. But the Consumer Price Index showed a slight decline (2.4% in March) as gas prices continued to drop. And speculation about a recession drew coverage as Goldman, BlackRock, JP Morgan and others raised their estimates of its likelihood. …

While tariffs and trade policy are not understood by the vast majority of the U.S. population, most of the population feels the complicated issues around trade policy, tariffs and the economy beyond their control. The same can be said for views about U.S. healthcare.  Most don’t understand the system and how it operates. They think it’s complicated and expensive and believe corporate interests are playing a larger role.  What they do understand is what they spend and how unpredictable those expenses are. Like tariffs, they’re anxious and concerned. …

As Congress debates Budget Reconciliation aka ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ this week and the IRS’ Income Tax deadline hits taxpayers tomorrow, what’s spent on healthcare by the government and by taxpayers will not escape notice. The majority of Americans and lawmakers think the system is underperforming and unnecessarily expensive. And acrimony between insurers, hospitals, physicians and drug companies will deepen old wounds and lend to public confusion.

The Trump administration’s first 3 months is getting mixed reviews largely because tariffs are not understood. The same is true for the health system. Its prices and their underlying costs are largely hidden and the public’s tired of excuses.

Tariffs might be a good thing for the economy or something else. Like healthcare, the public’s anxious about the future of the U.S. economy and unsure about what’s next.”

Paul Keckley, April 14, 2025

New to KnowNews to Know

In the latest episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, Laura Appel, executive vice president of government relations & public policy at the MHA, explores how proposed reductions to Medicaid could disrupt access to care and harm Michigan hospitals, patients and communities.

MHA in the News

MHA CEO Brian Peters was quoted in a Crain’s Grand Rapids article pushing back against the release of a Lown Institute report about Michigan nonprofit hospital community benefit spending. The report intentionally omits IRS Form …

MHA Monday Report April 14, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

U.S. House Advances Budget Resolution, Sets Up Potential Medicaid Cuts

The United States House of Representatives advanced a Senate budget resolution April 10 that calls for a minimum of $1.5 trillion in federal spending reductions. A separate budget resolution previously passed by the House in …

Registration Now Open for MHA Annual Membership Meeting

Registration is now open for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting June 25 through 27 at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. The annual meeting will feature an outstanding lineup of speakers, including Geeta Nayyar, MD, …

AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack Addresses MHA Board

The MHA Board of Trustees welcomed AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack to its April 9 meeting at the MHA’s Capitol Advocacy Center in downtown Lansing. The board meeting primarily focused on how to effectively …

MHA to Host GME Capitol Day May 21

The MHA is hosting the 2025 MHA Graduate Medical Education (GME) Capitol Day from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. May 21 in Lansing. The event is an opportunity for Michigan’s physician residents from teaching hospitals …

MI AIM Spring Regional Training Approaching

The Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (MI AIM) 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 …

MHA Virtual Member Forum on Cybersecurity and Cyberattack Response

The MHA, in conjunction with its statewide Health Information Technology Strategy Committee, is hosting the virtual member forum Cybersecurity and Cyberattack Response from 9:30 to 11 a.m. May 9 as an ongoing effort to strengthen …

MHA Shares Medicare and Medicaid Enrollment Analysis

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

Excellence in Governance Fellowship Offers Meaningful Dialogue Among Trustees and Experts

Applications are now being accepted for the 2025-2026 the MHA Excellence in Governance Fellowship. Launched more than 20 years ago, is a rigorous and comprehensive program delivering tools and knowledge in effective governance, improving quality …

The Power of Patient-Centered Care

It’s no secret that patient experience within hospitals and health systems has evolved over the years – especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. With Patient Experience Week (PX Week) around the corner, it’s a good time to recognize the …

Keckley Report

The 5 Emergent Issues for Boards in Trump-DOGE Healthcare

“This was a week for healthcare that’s unprecedented in modern history …

None of these is a surprise. Since the Trump inauguration January 20, a shake-up in federal government has been promised and last week’s actions show it’s serious.  Polls show a majority of Americans distrust the federal government, Congress, the media and the health system, so disruption is expected. But the nation’s divided about solutions, and healthcare is no exception.  …

The events of last week portend more pressure on healthcare Boards and management to execute. In these 5 areas, each organization should revisit current policies and strategies and refresh where appropriate. And each organization should evaluate current relationships with trade groups with whom advocacy efforts are coordinated to assure they’re responsive to the realities of healthcare in the Trump-DOGE era.”

Paul Keckley, April 6, 2024

New to KnowNews to Know

  • Kara Heck, MHA, BSN, RN-BC, CCRN, chair of the MHA Safety & Quality Committee, shares a testimonial encouraging healthcare leaders to attend the MHA Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium, taking place April 28–29, 2025, at the Kellogg Conference Center & Hotel in East Lansing.
  • The American Hospital Association (AHA) is accepting applications for the annual 2026 AHA Foster G. McGaw Prize now through May 6, 2025.

Laura Appel speaks with 9&10 News.

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of April 7 on potential Medicaid funding cuts, pediatric behavioral health and healthcare costs. 9& 10 News aired a story April 9 on potential federal Medicaid funding cuts. MHA …