Tag: MDHHS

MHA Launches Rural Health Transformation Program Webpage

Member News

The MHA has launched a new webpage dedicated to the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), providing members with a centralized source of information on Michigan’s participation in the program. The webpage includes an overview of the state’s award, key focus areas, implementation timelines and details on how the program is expected to support long-term changes in rural healthcare delivery.

Members may use the webpage as a resource to better understand the scope of the RHTP and what to expect from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services as additional guidance and funding opportunities are released. The MHA will continue to update the webpage as new information becomes available.

Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine-Ray at the MHA.

Legislative Policy Panel Hears Legislative Updates

Member News

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 Group. Wendy Block, senior vice president of business advocacy, Michigan Chamber of Commerce, provided an overview on the Money Out of Politics ballot proposal. Laura Bozell, principal, Cornerstone Group, delivered a federal update on current activity in Congress.

John Karasinski, vice president, communications, MHA, presented on the MHA’s communications and marketing strategy supporting the program year’s Strategic Action Plan.

Jim Lee, senior vice president, data policy & analytics, MHA, shared next steps for the Rural Health Transformation Program, following Michigan’s $173 million award from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for fiscal year 2026, which will be administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) through grant programming identified in the state’s application. The MHA remains engaged and will continue advocacy with MDHHS on behalf of rural hospitals as next steps are shared.

The MHA advocacy and health finance teams shared a state legislative update, including a recap on hospital financial assistance policies, medical debt and affordability.

For more information on the MHA Legislative Policy Panel, contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Jan. 19, 2026

Member News, Monday Report

Michigan Legislature Resumes Session, International Medical Graduate Bills Clear House Rules

The 103rd Michigan Legislature resumed session for the 2025-26 term during the week of Jan. 12, with the MHA continuing to work with lawmakers on initiatives that prioritize patients, providers, and hospitals and improve the health of …

MHA EventsRegistration is Now Open for the 2026 MHA Human Resources Conference

Registration is now open for the upcoming MHA Human Resources Conference scheduled from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. March 24 at the Crowne Plaza, Lansing, a must-attend event for HR leaders, talent professionals and executives …

MDHHS Opens Applications for RHT Advisory Council

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is accepting applications to serve on the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Advisory Council, which will support implementation of Michigan’s RHT Program to improve rural health. The …

HHS Updates Childhood Immunization Schedule

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. directed Jan. 5 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to revise the U.S. child and adolescent immunization schedule, reducing the number of universally recommended …

MDHHS Seeks Proposals for Children Trust Michigan Primary Prevention Program Grants

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently released a grant funding opportunity to prevent child abuse and neglect. This funding opportunity aims to prevent child abuse and neglect by developing protective factors that promote healthier and resilient …

Speaking Health Care™: A Guide to Understanding Healthcare Language

Orienting new trustees extends far beyond a single session. New members usually require months to get fully up-to-speed on strategic priorities and the basic expectations for trustees. A daunting challenge is interpreting language about operations, …

Michigan State Loan Repayment Program 2026 Application Period Opens March 2

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently announced an updated application period for the 2026 Michigan State Loan Repayment Program (MSLRP), which will be open from March 2 through April 30, 2026. …

Hospitals Help: MyMichigan Clinics Improve Access to Timely Care

MyMichigan Health established the Continuing Care Clinics in 2023 to serve residents across its 26-county service region who lack timely access to primary care physicians. These clinics are pivotal during critical health transitions, offering responsive …

Keckley Report

JPM Health Conference 2026: The Trump Effect

“This week, 8000 healthcare operators and investors will head west to the 44th Annual JP Morgan Health Conference in San Francisco. Per JPM: “The (invitation-only) conference serves as a vital platform for networking, deal-making, and discussing the latest innovations in healthcare, attracting global industry leaders, emerging companies, and members of the investment community.” Daily media coverage will be provided by Modern Healthcare and STAT and most of the agenda will be at the St. Francis Hotel at Union Square. …

It’s populism vs. corporatization. Healthcare’s proclivity for self-praise, addiction to “Best of…” recognition, celebrity CEOs and handsome executive compensation have postured it as “Big Business” in the eyes of most. Business practices associated with corporatization are fair game to the administration’s corrective agenda: hearings in the House Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce and Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) committees will showcase the administration’s populist grievances. The administration will lavish advantages on private organizations that demonstrate support for its policies. …

The health system’s role in making matters better or worse for consumers will be front and center alongside housing and costs of living. That context will be key to discussions between health investors and companies seeking their funds, though subordinate to term sheets.

In 2026, the Trump effect on dealmaking in healthcare will be significant.”

Paul Keckley, Jan. 11, 2026

New to KnowNews to Know

MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled Jan. 19, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

MHA in the News

MHA CEO Brian Peters joined the Michigan Association of State Universities Jan. 13 in a media roundtable to discuss the economic impact of Michigan’s public universities, which generate nearly $45 billion in net new economic …

MHA Monday Report Dec. 22, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

Healthcare Bills Advance During Final State Legislative Session Week of 2025

Enforcement of hospital price transparency measures, removal of mental health questions on health professionals’ license applications, and the creation of a palliative care advisory task force were among the healthcare-related bills that advanced in the …

State’s Chief Medical Executive Shares Standing Recommendation Regarding Children’s Vaccines

Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive Natasha Bagdasarian, MD, issued a standing recommendation Dec. 18, encouraging healthcare providers to follow the children’s immunization schedules developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics or the American Academy of …

CMS Announces MAHA ELEVATE Model

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is inviting healthcare organizations nationwide to apply for the Make America Healthy Again: Enhancing Lifestyle and Evaluating Value-Based Approaches Through Evidence (MAHA ELEVATE) model, a new initiative scheduled …

AHA Releases 2025 National Governance Report

The American Hospital Association (AHA) has released its 2025 National Governance Report. The report, based on data collected from August to December 2024, continues to develop a comprehensive picture of the state of healthcare…

Hospitals Help: Aspire Rural Health System Offers Lifeline to Families in the Thumb

Transitions, offered through Aspire Rural Health System, is a free community-based program dedicated to supporting individuals with chronic or life-limiting illnesses, as well as their families, across Michigan’s thumb region. The program provides a compassionate …

Mid-Program Year Highlights: Resources & Reports

Below is a compilation of resources shared during the first half of the 2025-26 program year to provide members with relevant tools, updates and insights.

Michigan Hospital Collaboratives Launch to Improve Community Health

More than 50 Michigan hospitals are coming together to improve outcomes in maternal health, behavioral health and chronic disease across the state through new community benefit collaboratives launched by the Michigan Health & Hospital Association …

MHA Keystone Center Annual Report Highlights Safety and Quality Initiatives

The MHA Keystone Center recently released its 2024-25 annual report, which demonstrates Michigan hospitals’ commitment to improving outcomes and advancing care. The report highlights MHA Keystone Center-led safety and quality initiatives, including: A five-year collaboration with …

Report: Access, Affordability & Community Health Improved by Hospital Programming, Investments

The MHA released its 2025 Community Impact Report highlighting community programming and investments from Michigan hospitals that are improving access to care, addressing affordability and advancing the health of …

New MHA Infographic Showcases Rural Michigan Healthcare Impact

The MHA recently released the infographic Healthcare Impact in Rural Michigan, which highlights how critical access hospitals, sole community hospitals, rural emergency hospitals and birthing hospitals support communities across the state. The infographic highlights the …

2025 Michigan Caregiver Navigation Toolkit Available

In alignment with National Caregiver Month, the MHA Keystone Center recently created the 2025 Michigan Caregiver Navigation Toolkit to support hospitals in their efforts to initiate and enhance caregiver support programming across the state. …

News to Know

  • The MHA will offer the Healthcare Leadership Academy in 2026, with cohorts meeting Feb. 25–27 and May 7–8 at the MHA Headquarters in Okemos.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner CyberForce|Q is hosting the Proactive Cyber Risk Measures Webinar on Jan. 29 with speakers from Trinity Health, the Michigan State Cyber Command Center and other organizations.
  • The MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled Dec. 24, 2025–Jan. 1, 2026.
  • Due to the holidays, Monday Report will not be published Dec. 29 and Jan. 5 and will resume its normal schedule Jan. 12.

State’s Chief Medical Executive Shares Standing Recommendation Regarding Children’s Vaccines

Member News

Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive Natasha Bagdasarian, MD, issued a Standing Recommendation  Dec. 18 encouraging healthcare providers to follow the children’s immunization schedules developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) or the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

Dr. Bagdasarian noted that the AAP and AAFP vaccine schedules are evidence-based and support the prevention of infectious diseases. Historically, Michigan providers have referred to vaccine schedules issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee (ACIP) on Immunization Practices for both children and adults. However, recent changes to ACIP membership and recommendations that are not evidence-based, such as discontinuing the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine, prompted the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to recommend alternative guidance.

MDHHS emphasized that following AAP or AAFP vaccine schedules will help ensure the safety and wellbeing of children across the state.

Clinical leaders from the Michigan Children’s Hospital Collaborative and the Michigan chapter of the AAP expressed strong support for the recommendation. The Children’s Hospital Collaborative stated that vaccine-preventable diseases can have devastating effects on infants and young children and underscored the importance of guidance rooted in rigorous, up-to-date scientific evidence. Clinical leaders noted that adherence to the AAP’s child and adolescent immunization schedule will allow Michigan providers to confidently administer safe and effective vaccines, reduce preventable hospitalizations and protect children.

Vaccines remain a primary tool for the prevention and control of infectious diseases, and the MHA supports Dr. Bagdasarian’s standing recommendation to follow the AAP and AAFP immunization schedules as evidence-based guidance that promotes the health and wellbeing of children across Michigan. More information is available on the MDHHS Immunization Recommendations for Michigan webpage.

Members with questions should contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Dec. 15, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

Unemployment Benefit Waiver Bill Clears Senate; International Physician Legislation Advances

Legislation to waive the collection of improper unemployment benefits cleared the Michigan Senate in a unanimous vote, while bills creating a new pathway for internationally educated physicians advanced in the House during the week of …

2026 MHA Healthcare Leadership Academy Registration Now Open

The MHA is pleased to offer its popular Healthcare Leadership Academy in 2026. In partnership with Executive Core, two power-packed modules in February and May will feature leadership 360 feedback with personalized executive coaching, the …

Survey Seeks Insights on Rural Veterans’ Healthcare Needs

A needs assessment survey supported by the Michigan Center for Rural Health, the Improving Veterans Access to Healthcare and the Frontier Veterans program is seeking to identify the needs of veterans and their providers in …

MDHHS Launches 2025 Customer Satisfaction Survey for Public Health Laboratory Partners

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Bureau of Laboratories is inviting public health partners to complete the 2025 Customer Satisfaction Survey by Dec. 31, 2025, to gather feedback that will help improve statewide …

Building Trust and Access to Key Services Addressed by MHA Health Access & Community Impact Council

The MHA Health Access & Community Impact Council held its second meeting of the program year Dec. 4, diving into priority areas outlined in the 2025-26 MHA Strategic Action Plan. Guided by co-chairs Jeremy Cannon, …

Members of the Henry Ford Health Doula Program team.

Hospitals Help: Henry Ford Health’s Hospital-Based Doula Program

To help address the alarming rate of maternal and infant mortality, Detroit-based Henry Ford Health established a hospital-based doula program in 2024 that makes a trained professional available to provide emotional, physical and educational support …

Keckley Report

Health system transformation: why outsiders want it and insiders resist

“Key Takeaways:

  • A challenging economic climate means continuing health industry profitability is unlikely.  
  • The majority of Americans want systemic changes the system’s insiders resist.
  • Longterm, inattention to structural flaws will result in an inadequate public utility that serves all but a few that can afford more. …

As a result, the health industry’s become an enemy to the population it’s pledged to serve. Institutional distrust for government, organized religion and big business now includes the health system, especially among young Americans. …”

Paul Keckley, Dec. 7, 2025

News to Know

MHA Endorsed Business Partner CorroHealth is offering an opportunity to help members get ahead of 2026 budget pressures in coding and clinical documentation improvement.

MHA in the News

Common Ground published a story Dec. 9 on the behavioral health collaborative that the MHA has launched to address postpartum depression and perinatal mood disorders. Lauren LaPine-Ray, vice president, policy and rural health, MHA, is …

MDHHS Launches 2025 Customer Satisfaction Survey for Public Health Laboratory Partners

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Bureau of Laboratories (BOL) is inviting public health partners to complete the 2025 Customer Satisfaction Survey by Dec. 31, 2025, to gather feedback that will help improve statewide laboratory services.

The invitation is open to all individuals who work with or rely on laboratory services. Multiple responses from each organization are encouraged, as individual perspectives help MDHHS BOL better understand the needs and experiences of public health partners.

Members with any questions may contact the MHA policy team.

MHA Monday Report Dec. 8, 2025

Monday Report, Member News

Stop the Bleed Legislation Advances, Preadmission Screening Bill Introduced

Legislation protecting good Samaritans who apply bleeding-control techniques passed the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, while a bill modifying timeline requirements for preadmission screening assessments of Medicaid patients was introduced during the …

CMS Releases 2026 Home Health PPS Final Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a final rule updating the home health prospective payment system (PPS) for calendar year 2026. Highlights of the rule include: An updated 30-day …

MDHHS Launches RHTP Listserv to Share Program Updates

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently launched a Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) listserv to provide timely updates, announcements and resources related to the state’s implementation of the program. Hospitals, health …

Health Access & Community Impact Office Hours Launch

The MHA Health Access & Community Impact Office Hours series kicked off Nov. 24 with a session highlighting 211 and its role in addressing food access amid ongoing challenges related to food insecurity. Sarah Kile, …

Nominations Open for 2026 Michigan Hometown Health Hero Awards

The Michigan Public Health Week Partnership, a coalition of 13 statewide organizations that include the MHA, is seeking nominations by Friday, Dec. 19, for individuals and organizations that have contributed to improving the health and …

MHA Rounds graphic of Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — Dedicated to Care Every Day of the Year

During the holiday season, we look forward to annual traditions and time spent with loved ones. While many of us gather around our tables this season, we are all aware of individuals who sacrifice this special time …

Centering Lived Experiences to Improve Maternal Care: Reflections from the Birth Experience Project

Over the past year, I supported the Birth Experience Project, a mixed-methods study examining how Black women across Michigan experience pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. As part of this effort, I assisted in analyzing …

Keckley Report

The 10 Healthcare Headlines you Might See in 2026

“2026 is a mid-term election year. In 2016 (Trump 45 Year One), Republicans controlled 31 governorships and 68 legislative chambers. This January, the GOP will control 26 governorships and 57 legislative chambers– a 15% reduction on both. Politics is divided, affordability matters most to voters and healthcare is a high-profile target for campaigns so humility, thoughtful messaging backed by demonstrable actions will be an imperative for every healthcare organization.

2026 is a HUGE year for U.S. healthcare. The outcome is unknown.”

Paul Keckley, Nov. 23, 2025

MDHHS Launches RHTP Listserv to Share Program Updates

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently launched a Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) listserv to provide timely updates, announcements and resources related to the state’s implementation of the program. Hospitals, health systems and rural partners are encouraged to subscribe to receive the latest information as the program develops.

The listserv will serve as the primary communication channel for MDHHS to share guidance, timelines, application materials, technical assistance and other program updates. Participation will be essential for organizations planning to engage in the RHTP, as well as for those tracking policy and funding developments that may affect rural care delivery.

Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine-Ray at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Nov. 24, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

MHA Submits Comments on Proposed Medicaid Mental Health Assessment Policy

The MHA recently submitted comments to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on proposed policy 2545-BH, which sets new mental health assessment requirements for Medicaid Health Plan providers caring for Comprehensive Health Care Program enrollees. Although …

2025 Michigan Caregiver Navigation Toolkit Available

In alignment with National Caregiver Month, the MHA Keystone Center recently created the 2025 Michigan Caregiver Navigation Toolkit to support hospitals in their efforts to initiate and enhance caregiver support programming across the state. The …

Report: Access, Affordability & Community Health Improved by Hospital Programming, Investments

The Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) released its 2025 Community Impact Report Nov. 17 highlighting community programming and investments from Michigan hospitals that are improving access to care, addressing affordability and advancing the health of …

MHA Keystone Center PSO Hosts Virtual Care Safe Table

Registration is open for the MHA Keystone Center Patient Safety Organization (PSO) Virtual Care Safe Table in partnership with Henry Ford Health. The event will take place from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Dec. 3 at …

MDHHS Seeks Volunteers to Support Development of New EMS Credentialing Exams

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is developing a Paramedic Exam and an Instructor Coordinator Exam and is seeking volunteers to support the process. Individuals across the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and …

MHA Keystone Board Reviews Workplace Violence Prevention and Maternal Health Efforts

The MHA Keystone Board of Directors met Nov. 12 to review ongoing work to improve safety and quality across member organizations. The meeting opened with a connect-to-purpose story shared by Keystone Board Chair Doug Dascenzo, …

Caring For Those Who Provide Care

November is National Family Caregiver Month, which recognizes the 63+ million individuals across the United States who support loved ones with health needs every day.  I am one of the 63 million and provide care for both of my parents. …

Keckley Report

For Health Insurers, the Big Questions need Answers

“The federal shutdown ended Wednesday. Congress passed and the President signed a continuing resolution (CR) that extends funding and delays changes to several health programs until January 30, 2026 including community health centers, the National Health Service Corps, teaching health centers, the Acute Hospital-at-Home initiative, telehealth, disproportionate share hospital payment cuts and many others. But extension of the ACA tax credits used by 24 million to purchase coverage at a discount was not included in the deal. The Congressional Budget Office estimates more than 4 million people will lose insurance if the subsidies are not renewed at the end of the year. …

The majority of voters think the political system is not working, lending to hyper-partisanship by establishment players and lack of trust in the status quo. Misinformation is weaponized and ‘blame and shame’ tactics deployed. That’s where U.S. politics is. …

In the peer reviewed literature, health insurance coverage is strongly correlated with better health outcomes, including lower mortality, improved chronic disease management, and increased use of preventive care. But its affordability is increasingly in question.

Tax credits will be in the news until the end of the year and prominent in Campaign 2026 politics but the value proposition on which the industry has operated will be the focus beyond. Like every sector in healthcare, increased scrutiny is certain.”

Paul Keckley, Nov. 16, 2025

New to KnowNews to Know

  • The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently announced 2026 premiums, deductibles and coinsurance amounts for Medicare Parts A and B.
  • The MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled Nov. 27 and 28 in honor of Thanksgiving.
  • Due to the holiday, Monday Report will not be published Dec. 1 and will resume its normal schedule Dec. 8.
  • The American Hospital Association released the first three chapter of its 2025 National Governance Report.

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage during the week of Nov. 17 covering the Rural Health Transformation Program, the MHA’s Community Impact Report and medical debt. Bridge published a story Nov. 19 on the Rural Health …