Tag: Keckley Report

MHA Monday Report Sept. 9, 2024

Monday Report

MHA Updates Medicaid and Medicare Enrollment Analysis

The MHA updated its analysis of Medicaid and Medicare enrollment to reflect July 2024 data. The analysis now includes program enrollment as a percentage of each county’s total population and the split between fee-for-service and …

Oct 10 Webinar to Explore Health Equity Regulatory Requirements

The MHA and the MHA Keystone Center is hosting an educational webinar from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Oct 10 about the current and future state of regulatory and accrediting health equity requirements from the Centers …

Deadline Extended for Michigan Reconnect Scholarship Program

The Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential extended its deadline to enroll in the Michigan Reconnect scholarship program. Those interested now have until Dec. 31, 2024 to apply. Michigan Reconnect is a program …

Learn More About Munson Healthcare’s Ask-A-Nurse Program

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast focused on Munson Healthcare’s innovative Ask-A-Nurse program. The free, 24/7 call center is staffed year-round by registered nurses and offers easy access to health-related …

MHA Rounds graphic of Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — Site-Neutral Payment Policies: The Latest Threat to Patient Access

Operating a hospital has never been more challenging than it is today. At the most fundamental level, hospitals are small towns that operate 24/7, year-round, built around expert clinicians, as well as a wide variety …

Keckley Report

The Four Questions Healthcare Boards must Answer

“In 63 days, Americans will know the composition of the 119th Congress and the new occupants of the White House and 11 Governor’s mansions. We’ll learn results of referenda in 10 states about abortion rights (AZ, CO, FL, MD, MO, MT, NE, NV, NY, SD) and see how insurance coverage for infertility (IVF therapy) fares as Californians vote on SB 729. But what we will not learn is the future of the U.S. health system at a critical time of uncertainty. …

For Boards of U.S. healthcare organizations, the imperative for transformational change is urgent: the future of the U.S. system is not a repeat of its past. But most Boards fail to analyze the future and construct future-state scenarios systematically. Lessons from other industries are instructive. …

Until and unless healthcare leaders recognize the imperative for transformational change, the system will calcify its victim-mindset and each sector will fend for itself with diminishing results. No sector—hospitals, insurers, drug companies, physicians—has all the answers and every sector faces enormous headwinds. Perhaps it’s time for a cross-sector coalition to step up with transformational change as the goal and the public’s well-being the moral compass.”

Paul Keckley, Sept. 3, 2024

 

MHA CEO Brian Peters

MHA in the News

Becker’s Hospital Review published an article Sept. 3 that provides responses from 87 healthcare executives sharing their ideas on ways to boost the patient experience. MHA CEO Brian Peters provided a response, mentioning the MHA …

MHA Monday Report Aug. 26, 2024

Monday Report

Register for MHA 2024-25 Strategic Action Plan Webinar

The MHA is hosting a virtual member forum 11 a.m. to noon Oct. 14 to outline the MHA 2024 – 2025 strategic action plan approved by the MHA Board of Trustees. The plan will include …

MHA Submits Comments on Proposed MDHHS Medicaid Behavioral Health Policies

The MHA submitted comments to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) regarding two Medicaid proposed policies Aug. 20 pertaining to the establishment of Intensive Care Coordination with Wraparound and the implementation …

Kelley Cawthorne Ad

 

Guide for Michigan’s Adult Guardianship Process Available Digitally

The MHA published a resource for hospital and healthcare teams to support patients and families navigating the guardianship process. A printable copy as well as digital version are now available. The Guide for Michigan’s Adult Guardianship …

MHA CEO Report — Adding Value for Hospitals

I discussed last month how the MHA continues to create highly successful and impactful outcomes for our members through our outstanding advocacy in the public policy arena, at both the state and federal levels. …

The Keckley Report

The Two Tipping Points prompting Outsider Demand for Health System Transformation

“As Democrats gather in Chicago and Epic users convene in Verona WI this week, the future of the healthcare system will be on the agenda for both gatherings, but with a different focus: …

In Chicago and Verona, opportunities to improve the U.S. system are readily acknowledged. Which flaws deserve attention first, how and how fast reflect contrasting views. But perhaps as never before, the direction of the system is impacted by two convergent realities …

As congregants assemble in Chicago and Verona this week, outsiders hope they’ll look beyond incrementalism and pursue transformational change. They’re tired of waiting. It’s reached its tipping point. …”

Paul Keckley, Aug. 19, 2024

News to Know

  • MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled Sept. 2 in honor of Labor Day.
  • Due to the holiday, Monday Report will not be published Sept. 2 and will resume its normal schedule Sept. 9.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner CorroHealth will host the webinar Investing Wisely in the Healthcare Continuum Aug. 28 to share strategic solutions for integrating utilization management, clinical documentation integrity and denials management into a unified revenue integrity framework.

MHA CEO Brian Peters

MHA in the News

MHA CEO Brian Peters joined The Common Bridge podcast for an episode published Aug. 18 to discuss various healthcare policy topics, particularly those impacting rural Michigan.  Areas of focus include the Affordable Care Act, the impact of Medicaid provider taxes …

MHA Monday Report Aug. 19, 2024

Monday Report

MHA Submits Comments on Speech-Language Pathologist Proposed Policy

The MHA recently provided comments to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) regarding a proposed policy change for Medicaid enrollment of speech-language pathologists. The MHA supports MDHHS’s efforts to align Michigan licensure …

Registration Open for Safe Table on Just Culture

The MHA Keystone Center Patient Safety Organization is hosting a Just Culture Safe Table from noon to 4 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 19 at the MHA headquarters in Okemos, MI. The peer-led discussion about Just …

Special Pathogen Preparedness and the Revised Infection Control Joint Commission Standards Webinar

The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training & Education Center, in collaboration with the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, are hosting the webinar Special Pathogen Preparedness and the Revised Infection Control Joint Commission Standards …

Kelley Cawthorne Ad

New CMS Requirements for Reporting of Hospital Respiratory Data

The MHA recently submitted formal comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the proposed updates to the Medicare Inpatient Prospective Payment System for fiscal year 2025. Updates to the hospital and …

MHA Provides Comment on Proposed Medicaid Reimbursement for Group Prenatal Care

The MHA submitted a comment letter to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services regarding the proposed Medicaid coverage of group prenatal care, set to begin in October 2024. The MHA expressed support for …

The Keckley Report

Healthcare’s Three Big Tents have Much in Common

“Arguably, three trade groups have emerged at the center of healthcare system transformation efforts in the U.S.: the American Hospital Association (AHA), America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). Others weigh in—the American Medical Association, AdvaMed, the American Public Health Association and others—but this trio is widely regarded as the Big Tents under which policy changes are pursued. …

The Boards of the Big Tent trio weigh in, but senior staff in each of the Big Tents drive the organization’s strategy. They’re experienced in advocacy, well-paid and often heavy-handed in dealing with critics.

Operationally, the 3 Big Tents have much in common. Strategically, they’re far apart and the gap appears to be widening. Each blames the other for medical inflation and unnecessary cost. Each alleges the others use unfair business practices to gain market advantages. And each thinks their vision for the future of the U.S. health system is accurate, complete and in the best interest of the public good.

And none of the three has put-forth a vision for the long-term future of the U.S. health system.  Protecting the immediate interests of their members against unwelcome regulatory changes is their focus.”

Paul Keckley, Aug. 12, 2024

News to Know

The MHA Keystone Center is partnering with the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan to host a two-part, virtual series about peer recovery services for substance and opioid use disorders from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sept. 17 and Sept. 23.

MHA CEO Brian Peters

MHA in the News

U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) issued a press release Aug. 8 highlighting her introduction of the American Made Pharmaceuticals Acts that included a quote of support from MHA CEO Brian Peters. The bipartisan bill, introduced with U.S. Rep. Don …

MHA Monday Report Aug. 12, 2024

Monday Report

MHA Shares State Impacts and Insights at Regional 340B Roundtable

MHA staff attended the Regional 340B Roundtable Aug. 7 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 …

MHA Keystone Center Offers Learning Collaboratives for Peer Recovery Services

The MHA Keystone Center is partnering with the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan to host a two-part, virtual series about peer recovery services for substance and opioid use disorders from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. …

CMS Releases FY 2025 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 federal fiscal year (FY) 2025. Key provisions …

Kelley Cawthorne Ad

MHA Webinar Tying Person and Family Engagement to Culture Performance Deadline Approaching

One week remains before the registration deadline for the MHA webinar Tying Person and Family Engagement to Culture and Performance. Scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. Aug. 20, the webinar provides an opportunity for hospitals to …

CMS Releases FY 2025 LTCH Prospective Payment System Final Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (C recently released a final rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service long-term care hospital (LTCH) prospective payment system for fiscal year 2025. Specifically, the final rule: Increases …

CMS Releases FY 2025 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System Final Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently released a final rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service hospital inpatient prospective payment system for fiscal year (FY) 2025. Highlights of the final rule include: …

The Keckley Report

Big Sky is Cloudy for Hospitals

“As state hospital association leaders assemble in Big Sky, Montana this week, the environment for hospital-friendly legislation is threatening at best:

The public’s trust in hospitals has eroded. Hospital financial performance is a mixed bag: some are profitable and many aren’t. Congress thinks hospitals need more regulation to increase price transparency, require ownership disclosure, verify community benefits that justify tax exemptions and impose restrictions on hospital private equity investments. And programs through which state and federal health policies are authorized—HHS, CMS, FTC, FDA, CMMI et al—are in limbo as a result of the June 28, 2024 Chevron ruling by the Supreme Court. …

For hospitals, effective advocacy is imperative: the reservoir of good will enjoyed for decades is evaporating. Advertising “we’re there for you” is timely as rural providers need a lifeline, and public castigation of “corporate insurers and billionaire critics” necessary to rally supporters. But beyond these, two things are clear:

  • The marketplace for “hospitals” is fundamentally different than the past requiring a clearer value proposition and fresh messaging.
  • And in states, hospitals will encounter unique opportunities and challenges in plotting strategies for their future. No two are alike.

Big Sky is a symbolic locale for this week’s meeting of state health executives: the Big Sky over hospitals is cloudy.”

Paul Keckley, Aug. 5, 2024

MHA Monday Report Aug. 5, 2024

Monday Report

Michigan Supreme Court Issues Ruling on Paid Sick Leave & Minimum Wage

The Michigan Supreme Court issued a ruling July 31 in Mothering Justice v. Attorney General that upholds voter initiative petitions on paid sick leave and minimum wage. Those laws, as originally enacted, will go into …

Michigan Medicaid Facility Rates Increased for Dental Procedures Under General Anesthesia

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued a final policy to increase Medicaid payment rates for dental services provided to patients under general anesthesia in ambulatory surgical centers and outpatient hospitals, …

MDHHS and Michigan 211 Launches New Website for Grief and Bereavement Support

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), in partnership with Michigan 211, recently launched a new website aimed to providing support services for families who have experienced loss of a mother or infant. …

Kelley Cawthorne Ad

CMS Releases FY 2025 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 federal fiscal year (FY) 2025. Key provisions …

Applications Open for MI Behavioral Health Internship Stipend Program

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has allocated $3.5 million for the Behavioral Health Internship Stipend Program. This program will offer up to $15,000 stipends to student interns enrolled in behavioral health …

CMS Releases FY 2025 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 federal fiscal year (FY) 2025. Key provisions …

The Keckley Report

The Five Characteristics of the Blame and Shame Game in Healthcare

“The Blame and Shame Game spikes in election cycles as candidates pit themselves against their opponents. Healthcare plays its own version: last week is indicative: …

As Congress heads home for their August recess this week and Campaign 2024 intensifies, there’s no doubt healthcare issues will be prominent in local, state and national news. It’s also likely much of that coverage will be negative due to mounting cynicism about the industry’s business, consolidation, and opaque pricing and intensifying blame and shame games between hospitals and insurers, primary care and specialty physicians, PBMs and drug manufacturers, public health and healthcare delivery and others.

Blame and shame rhetoric about these tensions is not new, but its intensity is higher than ever as are the stakes. Blame and Shame is Chapter Two in most organization’s playbooks. Chapter One, the organization’s mission, vision, purpose and strategic plan is often missing and frequently premised on false assumptions. Thus, the “strategy” defaults to calling out the wrongdoings/shortcoming of adversaries and critics and little more. And their rhetoric is laced with terms for which accountability is suspect i.e. community benefit, affordability, value, quality and others. …

Here’s too much at stake to expect any inside sector to do this on its own: Blame and Shame is easier.”

Paul Keckley, July 29, 2024

News to Know 

The Primary Election is Tuesday, Aug. 6. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Voters in line at 8 p.m. can still cast ballots. Those who missed the deadline to register online or by mail can do so in-person through Election Day with their local clerk. To check registration status, polling location or preview a ballot, visit the Michigan voter webpage.

MHA Monday Report July 29, 2024

Monday Report

Governor Signs FY 25 Budget and FY 24 Supplemental

 

Gov. Whitmer signed the fiscal year (FY) 2025 state budget on July 24. The budget proposal fully funds the Michigan Medicaid program, including significant increases to provider-funded Medicaid reimbursements in FY 24 and 25. The budget also …

 

Governor Signs Law Reducing Medical Waste

Gov. Whitmer signed Senate Bill 482, now Public Act (PA) 105 of 2024, on July 23, which extends the timeline for the disposal of sharps containers. Previously, state law mandated that sharps containers be removed …

 

 

June Medicaid and Medicare Enrollment in Michigan

 

The MHA updated its analysis of Medicaid and Medicare enrollment to reflect June 2024 data. The analysis now includes program enrollment as a percentage of each county’s total population and the split between fee-for-service and …

 

CMS Releases 2025 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule to update the physician fee schedule (PFS) payment system effective Jan. 1, 2025. The proposal would: Reduce the PFS conversion factor by …

 

Webinar Explores Connection Between Person and Family Engagement and Performance

The MHA is hosting the webinar Tying Person and Family Engagement (PFE) to Culture and Performance from noon to 1 p.m. Aug. 20. The webinar will provide examples of how peers at hospitals are creating a PFE …

 

Engaging Providers and Transforming Revenue and Quality Performance Simultaneously

The MHA’s Endorsed Business Partner (EBP) program promotes industry-leading firms and connects member hospitals to solutions that alleviate pain points. The MHA recently endorsed ModusOne Health, which is the only physician-founded and operated clinical diagnosis improvement company (CDxI®) …

MDHHS

MDHHS Seeks Feedback from Older Adults and Caregivers on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) is now surveying adults aged 60 and older and their caregivers about their experience with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The survey is scheduled to …

 

Expanding Peer Recovery Coach Services to Improve Patient Outcomes

The fiscal year (FY) 2025 budget includes critical funding to support the work of peer recovery coaches (PRCs) in Michigan hospitals. Kelsey Ostergren, director of health policy initiatives, MHA, and Michelle Norcross, senior director of safety & quality, MHA Keystone Center, share the impact these resources have on patients and communities …

 

Applications are Now Open for the Infection Prevention and Control Scholarship

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has opened applications for the 2025 Critical Access Hospital (CAH) Scholarship program …

The Keckley Report

Campaign 2024 and US Healthcare: 7 Things we Know for Sure

“Over the weekend, President Biden called it quits and Democrats seemingly coalesced around Vice President Harris as the Party’s candidate for the White House. While speculation about her running mate swirls, the stakes for healthcare just got higher. Here’s why: …

Healthcare, to the Democratic-leaning voters is a right, not a privilege. Its majority think it should be universally accessible, affordable, and comprehensive akin to Medicare. They believe the status quo isn’t working: the federal government should steward something better. …

Regardless of the election outcome November 5, the U.S. healthcare industry will be under intense scrutiny in 2025 and beyond. It’s unavoidable.

Discontent is palpable. No sector in U.S. healthcare can afford complacency. And every stakeholder in the system faces threats that require new solutions and fresh voices.”

Paul Keckley, July 22, 2024

News to Know 

  • July 22 was the deadline to register by mail or online to be eligible to vote in the Primary Election on Aug. 6.

 

 

MHA in the NewsMHA CEO Brian Peters

Becker’s Hospital Review published an article July 23 that includes MHA CEO Brian Peters as one of 76 healthcare executives sharing their focus for the second half of 2024. Peters covered the importance of the …

 

MHA Monday Report July 22, 2024

Monday Report

Introducing New Infection Prevention Education

The MHA Keystone Center, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, created a series of online learning modules for infection control and prevention education. The modules cater to the needs …

CMS Releases Medicare 2025 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, 2025. The proposed rule: Provides a net 2.3% increase …

MHA Webinar Reviews CMS Medication Administration and Management Requirement Updates

The MHA is hosting the webinar CMS Medication Administration and Management: IV Medication, Blood Administration and Safe Opioid Use from 10 a.m. to noon ET Aug. 27. Knowing medication is involved in 80% of treatment …

MHA Podcast Welcomes New Board Chair, Explores Healthcare Priorities in Michigan

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast kicking off the 2024-2025 program year discussing healthcare viability, public health, workforce, cybersecurity, the election and more. The episode, hosted by MHA CEO Brian Peters, features MHA Board Chair Julie Yaroch, DO …

The Keckley Report

Most Hospitals Fall Short on Affordability, Vision and Trust

“This weekend, the American Hospital Association kicks-off its annual Leadership Summit in San Diego. Its agenda is organized around 8 themes: Transforming Care Delivery and Payment, Patient Centricity Through Digital Transformation, Building a More Flexible and Sustainable Workforce, Financial and Operating Excellence, Igniting Innovation, Elevating Health Equity, Improving Behavioral Health and Governance Excellence. They’re important. …

Collectively, that’s welcome news for a nation that’s anxious and divided. The current state in U.S. healthcare is much the same. It needs its hospitals to step up.

Some Boards and their hospital leadership teams take affordability, vision and trust seriously. Some don’t.”

Paul Keckley, July 15, 2024

News to Know

  • July 22 is the deadline to register by mail or online to be eligible to vote in the Primary Election on Aug. 6.

MHA CEO Brian Peters

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of July 15 on healthcare priorities in Michigan, the state budget and the intersection between public health and healthcare. Hillsdale Hospital published an episode of the Rural Health …

 

MHA Monday Report July 15, 2024

Monday Report

MHA Service Corporation Board Highlights Solutions and Mission

The MHA Service Corporation board held its final meeting of the 2023-2024 program year June 26 focused on supporting the MHA Strategic Action Plan priorities of workforce support and innovation, viability, behavioral health and …

2025 Medicare Fee-for-Service Home Health Proposed Rule Released

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently released a proposed rule to update the home health prospective payment system for calendar year 2025. The rule includes updates to the Medicare …

What I Learned as a Provider Working in Public Policy

Carlie Austin, BSN, RN, shares her journey serving as the maternal infant health policy specialist at the MHA. As a clinician, what drew you to a role tied to public policy? If I had to …

MHA Webinar Tying Person and Family Engagement to Culture and Performance

The MHA is hosting the webinar Tying Person and Family Engagement to Culture and Performance from noon to 1 p.m. Aug. 20. The webinar will outline a process for structuring value-based employee competencies that …

MHA CEO Report — A Program Year in Review

I am pleased to share we just completed a successful MHA Annual Meeting, continuing a long-standing June tradition whereby we celebrate the conclusion of one MHA program year, and prepare for the next. Each program year is unique with the different challenges it presents. …

The Keckley Report

The Healthcare Workforce Crossroad: Incrementalism or Transformation

“Congress returns from its July 4 break today and its focus will be on the President: will he resign or tough it out through the election in 120 days. But not everyone is paying attention to this DC drama.  In fact, most are disgusted with the performance of the political system and looking for something better. Per Gallup, trust and confidence in the U.S. Congress is at an all-time low.

The same is true of the healthcare system: 69% think it’s fundamentally flawed and in need of systemic change vs. 7% who think otherwise (Keckley Poll). And 60% think it puts its profits above all else, laying the blame at all its major players—hospitals, insurers, physician, drug companies and their army of advisors and suppliers.

These feelings are strongly shared by its workforce, especially the caregivers and support personnel who service patient in hospital, clinic and long-term care facilities. Their ranks are growing, but their morale is sinking. Career satisfaction among clinical professionals (nurses, physicians, dentists, counselors) is at all time low and burnout is at an all-time high. …

It’s easier to talk about healthcare’s workforce issues but It’s harder to fix them. That’s why incrementalism is the rule and transformational change just noise.”

Paul Keckley, July 8, 2024

News to Know

  • July 22 is the deadline to register by mail or online to be eligible to vote in the Primary Election on Aug. 6.
  • The MHA recently submitted comments on the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affair’s Psychology proposed rules.

 

MHA Monday Report July 1, 2024

Monday Report

MHA Board of Trustees Holds Final Meeting of Program Year

The MHA Board of Trustees held its final meeting of the 2023-2024 program year on Mackinac Island in conjunction with the MHA Annual Membership Meeting. At the meeting, the board recognized the success of the …

2025 State Budget Supports Key Healthcare Priorities

The Michigan Legislature approved the fiscal year 2025 state budget the week of June 24 which the governor is expected to sign into law next month. The budget proposal fully funds the Michigan Medicaid …

Health & Hospital Association Elects 2024-2025 Officers and Board Members

Members of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) elected new officers and appointed board members during the association’s Annual Membership Meeting June 26. Officers of the 2024-2025 MHA Board of Trustees include Julie Yaroch, …

Sen. Anthony and Rep. Witwer

Healthcare Advocates Honored with MHA Special Recognition Award

The MHA announced two winners of its Special Recognition Award during the Annual Membership Meeting June 27, recognizing them for extensive contributions to healthcare. Each of the winners has uniquely influenced healthcare in Michigan. The …

Dr. Loren Hamel speaks at the 2018 MHA Annual Meeting.

MHA Meritorious Service Award Recognizes Dr. Hamel

The MHA announced the 2024 winner of its highest achievement award June 27 during the association’s Annual Membership Meeting. Receiving the award for his decades of healthcare leadership is Loren Hamel, MD, president, Corewell Health …

Hospital Executives Recognized for Outstanding Leadership

The MHA announced the winners of its 2024 Healthcare Leadership Award June 27 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 2024 Ludwig Community Benefit Award during the association’s Annual Membership Meeting June 27. The honorees include programs supported by Corewell Health William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak; Insight Surgical …

Ascension St. John Hospital Receives MHA Advancing Safe Care Award

The MHA announced the winner of its 2024 Advancing Safe Care Award June 27, honoring the dedicated team at Ascension St. John Hospital in Detroit. The award was announced during the association’s Annual Membership Meeting. …

Favorable Federal Court Ruling Allows Hospitals to Continue to Offer Unaltered Public Websites

A United States District Court Judge in Texas issued a ruling June 20 on recent Department of Health and Human Services bulletins that restrict healthcare providers from using standard third-party web technologies that partially …

The Keckley Report

The CBO Health Insurance Status Report: Four Reasons it’s Overly Optimistic

“A close reading of this report suggests its forecast might be overly optimistic. it paints a best-case picture of health insurance coverage that under-estimates the realities of household economics and marketplace trends and over-estimates the value proposition promoted by health insurers to their customers. My conclusion is based on four trends that suggest coverage might slip more than the report suggests …

Thus, no one knows for sure what coverage will be in 2034 as presented in the CBO report. Its analysis appropriately considers medical inflation, population growth and an incremental shift to value-based purchasing in healthcare, but it fails to accommodate highly relevant changes in the capital markets, corporate insurer shareholder interests and voter sentiment.”

Paul Keckley, June 24, 2024

News to Know

  • MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled July 4 and 5 in honor of Independence Day.
  • Due to the holiday, Monday Report will not be published July 8 and will resume its normal schedule July 15.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner ProCredEx will host a free 30-minute webinar for members on July 8 to discuss AI-Assisted Document Transform.

MHA CEO Brian Peters

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of June 24 that includes coverage on cybersecurity, market consolidation, 340B and the fiscal year 2025 state budget. MLive published an article June 26 looking at the reason healthcare is the top target for cyberattacks.  …

MHA Monday Report June 24, 2024

Monday Report

Help Protect 340B in Michigan: MHA Action Alert Available

Hospitals throughout Michigan rely on savings from the 340B Prescription Drug Pricing Program every day to spread scarce resources and care for those with limited or no access to healthcare. As manufacturers and other players at …

Registration Open for Workplace Violence Prevention Safe TableMHA Events

The MHA Keystone Center Patient Safety Organization (PSO) is hosting a Workplace Violence Prevention Safe Table from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Thursday, July 25 at the MHA Headquarters …

Update: Rural Cybersecurity Program

The White House held a briefing on June 14 with representatives from Google and Microsoft to elaborate on the cybersecurity program being offered to rural communities. These initiatives are designed to improve cybersecurity measures for rural hospitals across the United States …

Latest AHA Trustee Insights: Leadership at the System and Community Level

The June edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association, includes insights from four governing board chairs who respond to questions about the opportunities and challenges for the current and future state of health care and what inspires them as they chart the course ahead …

MHA Podcast Explores the Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast exploring AI ‘s role in healthcare today and what it will look like in the future. The episode features Bruce Brandes, president of Care.ai and Monica Holmes, a PhD candidate in bioinformatics at the University of Michigan and a current member of the MHA AI Task Force …

The Keckley Report

The Healthcare Economy: Three Key Takeaways that Frame Public and Private Sector Response

“The health economy is expanding above the overall rates of population growth, overall inflation and the U.S. economy’s GDP.  Its long-term sustainability is in question unless monetary policies enable other industries to grow proportionately and/or taxpayers agree to pay more for its services. These data confirm its unit costs and prices are problematic.

As Campaign 2024 heats up with the economy as its key issue, promises to contain health spending, impose price controls, limit consolidation and increase competition will be prominent. Public sector actions will likely feature state initiatives to lower cost and spend taxpayer money more effectively. Private sector actions will center on employer and insurer initiatives to increase out of pocket payments for enrollees and reduce their choices of providers.

Thus, these reports paint a cautionary picture for the health economy going forward. Each sector will feel cost-containment pressure and each will claim it is responding appropriately. Some actually will. …”

Paul Keckley, June 17, 2024

News to Know

  • The MHA is hosting office hours virtually from 2 to 3 p.m. every Thursday through June 27 to assist hospitals in completing an application for The Joint Commission’s Maternal Levels of Care Verification. Members with questions about office hours should contact Ewa Panetta.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner CorroHealth will host a free webinar for members on June 26.