Tag: Lauren LaPine

MHA Monday Report March 31, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

Healthcare Laws Set to Take Effect April 2025

More than 30 healthcare laws signed by Gov. Whitmer from last term are set to take effect on or after April 1. Some of these laws include state level Affordable Care Act codifications, increased …

Feedback Requested for Peer Recovery Coach Funding

The MHA was recently awarded $2.5 million to expand access to hospital-based peer recovery coach services. The funding was appropriated by the Michigan Legislature as part of the state fiscal year 2025 budget to …

MDHHS Seeks Committee Members for MMRC Program and Recommendations Workgroup

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Maternal Mortality Surveillance Program is seeking professionals and community members to join the Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC) and Recommendations Workgroup. These committees play a …

HHS Renews Ongoing Opioid Crisis PHE

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced March 18 the renewal of the public health emergency (PHE) declaration addressing the ongoing opioid crisis. This extension, which lasts for 90 days, allows continued federal …

MDHHS Launches New Public Health Dashboard

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently launched the Michigan Public Health Dashboard, a tool designed to improve access to key health data and support informed decision-making. This publicly accessible resource assists …

MHA Members Share Strategies for Advancing Person and Family Engagement

Members of the MHA Person & Family Engagement (PFE) Advisory Council will share how integrating the MHA Roadmap to Person and Family Engagement develops and strengthens PFE efforts in their organizations through two upcoming PFE …

How Policy Shapes the Patient Experience: Reflections from a Public Policy Fellow

The Institute for Healthcare Improvement Patient Safety Congress brought together voices from across the healthcare spectrum March 9 – 11, uniting leaders, learners and advocates in a shared goal of delivering safer care to …

Keckley Report

The Fundamental Flaw of the Affordable Care Act

Today marks the 15th anniversary of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). It is the most consequential and controversial health legislation in our country’s history since LBJ’s Social Security Amendments created Medicare and Medicaid in 1965.

When passed March 23, 2010, 41% of adults held a favorable view of the law vs. 44% who were unfavorable. Today, 64% have a favorable view vs. 36% unfavorable (KFF). The 900-page law sought expansion of insurance coverage, reduced health costs and improved quality of care. But its results to date are mixed: coverage increased from 84% to 92% but costs have grown unabated and quality improvements have been significant in some areas and negligible in others.

In retrospect, the ACA is fundamentally flawed because it failed to recognize changes in the healthcare marketplace upon which systemic improvements could be achieved …

The ACA defaulted to a focus on insurance coverage and neglected attention to cost containment and quality improvement. As its implementation unfolded from 2010-2013, insurance coverage drew the lion’s share of attention and political opposition grew. Key amendments i.e. the deletion of mandates (proposed by conservative think-tanks to stabilize risk pools) and the June 2012 Supreme Court decision that delegated Medicaid expansion to states neutered its impact. Would-be systemic reforms became incremental changes comfortable to insiders and non-responsive to outsiders.

The ACA is fundamentally flawed because its Beltway-based collaborators did not accurately assess the environment and assumed incremental improvement to the status quo was enough. They were wrong; the public’s demanding more.

The ACA is an important component in health policy today but its fundamental flaw should be acknowledged.”

Paul Keckley, March 23, 2025

News 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.
  • The American Hospital Association (AHA) is accepting applications for the annual 2026 AHA Foster G. McGaw Prize now through May 6, 2025.

Lauren LaPineMHA in the News

Lauren LaPine, senior director, legislative and public policy, MHA, appeared on the MIRS Monday podcast published March 24 to discuss the state behavioral health system. LaPine spoke about the challenges associated with patients boarding in …

MDHHS Seeks Committee Members for MMRC Program and Recommendations Workgroup

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The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Maternal Mortality Surveillance (MMMS) Program is seeking professionals and community members to join the Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC) and Recommendations Workgroup. These committees play a crucial role in identifying, reviewing and analyzing maternal deaths during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. The committee’s work informs strategies to improve maternal health outcomes and prevent future deaths in Michigan.

The MMRC is a group of subject matter experts in maternal health that virtually convenes bi-monthly from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to review cases and develop key prevention insights. The MMMS Recommendation Workgroup meets virtually from 10 a.m. – noon every quarter to act on prevention recommendations that address both medical and non-medical interventions, strengthening systems of care, social services and community support.

Members are encouraged to apply by Friday, April 4. Expertise is needed in various areas, including cardiology, child protective services, faith-based leadership, community health worker, mental and behavioral health specialists, doulas, emergency medicine, lived experience and more.

Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.

MDHHS Launches New Public Health Dashboard

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently launched the Michigan Public Health Dashboard, a tool designed to improve access to key health data and support informed decision-making. This publicly accessible resource assists lawmakers, local officials, advocacy groups and residents in identifying health challenges and allocating resources more effectively to improve health outcomes across Michigan.

The dashboard provides an overview of public health trends at the legislative district level, including data on health outcomes, behavior trends, social and economic factors, environmental influences and clinical care access. Users can compare each metric to the statewide average to see whether a district is performing better, worse or similarly.

By equipping policymakers and communities with clear, data-driven insights, the Michigan Public Health Dashboard serves as a vital tool for addressing health disparities and driving meaningful improvements across the state. As new data is added, it will continue to evolve, ensuring that decision-makers have the most up-to-date information to promote better health outcomes for all Michiganders.

Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.

HHS Renews Ongoing Opioid Crisis PHE

Member News

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced March 18 the renewal of the public health emergency (PHE) declaration addressing the ongoing opioid crisis. This extension, which lasts for 90 days, allows continued federal coordination efforts and preserves essential flexibilities to facilitate key actions in combating the opioid overdose crisis. Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to treating the crisis as a national security emergency.

The public health emergency declaration, initially made under the Trump administration in 2017, provides HHS with special authorities, enabling expedited treatment projects, voluntary information collections and research support for opioid use disorder treatments. These actions ensure efficient multi-sector collaboration to save lives.

Opioids, particularly fentanyl, continue to claim approximately 150 lives each day in the U.S., despite a 25.5% drop in overdose deaths. Opioid overdoses remain the number one cause of death among those aged 18-44. The continuation of the public health emergency supports ongoing efforts to combat substance use, prevent overdose fatalities and provide crucial assistance to individuals in recovery from substance use disorders.

Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.

LaPine Appears on MIRS Monday Podcast Discussing Behavioral Health

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

Lauren LaPineLauren LaPine, senior director, legislative and public policy, MHA, appeared on the MIRS Monday podcast published March 24 to discuss the state behavioral health system.

LaPine spoke about the challenges associated with patients boarding in the emergency department (ED) while they await placement for behavioral health services and the impact it has on all patients. She also discussed the current need for specialty psychiatric placements and the need to increase capacity for these beds in the state.

“When we have patients coming to the emergency department that are in a behavioral health crisis, that can cause a backlog and [increased] wait times for critical care,” said LaPine. “We learned that at any one point in time, there are 177 patients stuck in the emergency department waiting for either a behavioral health assessment to determine what kind of care they need, or they’re stuck in the ED waiting for an inpatient bed.”

The episode was hosted by Samantha Shriber from MIRS and joining LaPine during the interview was Constance O’Malley, RN, MSA, FACHE, regional chief operating officer, UM Health Regional Network; and Rep. Greg VanWoerkom (R-Norton Shores), chair of the House’s Medicaid and Behavioral Health appropriations subcommittee.

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

MDHHS Medicaid Provider Manual Available April 1

Member News

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 responsibilities among Medicaid Health Plans (MHPs), Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPs) and Medicaid Fee-for-Service (FFS) to improve service delivery and reduce confusion among providers and beneficiaries.

The update specifically addresses coverage responsibilities for psychological and neuropsychological evaluations, including:

  • MHPs will remain responsible for evaluations related to mild to moderate conditions, particularly when driven by medical necessity.
  • PIHPs will handle evaluations and treatment if a severe condition is suspected.
  • Medicaid FFS will cover behavioral health screenings, including psychological and neuropsychological evaluations, when performed by primary care providers or other qualified professionals for FFS beneficiaries. If a service is not included under the PIHP benefit or is provided by a non-PIHP enrolled provider, Medicaid FFS will assume coverage. However, if the beneficiary qualifies for PIHP services, the PIHP will take over coverage.

These clarifications will also be incorporated into the Beneficiary Eligibility subsection within the Behavioral Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disability Supports and Services section of the Medicaid Provider Manual. This update ensures that providers better understand their roles in delivering psychological and neuropsychological evaluations and that beneficiaries receive appropriate services based on their needs.

Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.

HHS Rescinds Richardson Waiver Policy on Public Participation

Member News

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 Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the repeal in a policy memo, emphasizing that this decision aligns the Department with the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). Effect immediately, the HHS will no longer apply additional notice and comment requirements beyond what the APA mandates.

The APA established procedures for federal rulemaking, requiring agencies to provide public notice and solicit feedback before implementing certain regulations. However, it also allows exemptions for certain areas, including public property, loans, grants, benefits and contracts. The Richardson Waiver voluntarily extended public participation to these areas within HHS, ensuring transparency and accountability in policymaking. By rescinding the waiver, HHS is removing these safeguards, making it easier to change policies without consulting the public or affected stakeholders.

While this repeal does not affect the Medicare payment rule processes, it may impact public participation in policymaking related to National Institutes of Health research funding and Medicaid regulations. Without a mandatory public comment period, HHS can now make sweeping changes with minimal oversight, potentially altering hospital reimbursement rates, research funding allocations and healthcare compliance regulations without input from medical professionals or patient advocacy groups.

The MHA encourages healthcare stakeholders to increase direct engagement with policymakers, strengthen advocacy efforts and collaborate with professional organizations to ensure their concerns are still represented. It will be more critical than ever for hospitals and advocacy groups to remain vigilant, track policy changes closely and actively seek alternative ways to impact healthcare regulations.

Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.

State of Michigan Launches $10 Million Employer-Assisted Housing Fund

Member News

The State of Michigan recently launched the $10 million Employer-Assisted Housing Fund to help address workforce housing shortages and improve employee retention across the state.

The pilot program, in partnership with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, the Small Business Association of Michigan and the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, provides funding for down payment or rental assistance, new housing development or property renovations. To ensure smaller employers can also benefit, $2 million is set aside specifically for businesses with 100 or fewer employees.

This initiative is particularly beneficial for hospitals facing challenges in recruiting and retaining staff due to a lack of affordable housing, especially in high-demand areas like Detroit and Grand Rapids. By encouraging collaboration with local developers, the program aims to ensure long-term affordability, requiring affordable housing to be maintained for five years for homeownership units and 10 years for rentals.

Building on its potential impact, the program could expand with an additional $25 million proposed in the state budget. State officials hope the initiative will strengthen workforce stability while supporting vibrant communities across Michigan.

Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.

Appel Joins WJR Live from Lansing Broadcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Members with questions should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

MDHHS SUD Mapping Tool Added to MI Bridges

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently introduced a new substance use disorder (SUD) mapping tool in 2024. The tool is now featured on MI Bridges, a platform that allows Michigan residents to apply for assistance and manage their benefits, to help individuals seeking SUD treatment services.

The mapping tool helps users locate treatment and recovery centers licensed by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs through a geographic search. Users can search ZIP code, city or county and filter providers based on the type of treatment they need – such as inpatient, outpatient or medication-assisted treatment. Additionally, the tool indicates whether a provider accepts Medicaid, making it easier for users to find appropriate care. Since its release, the tool gained significant traction, with over 6,700 views from 3,369 individuals.

Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.