Midterm election results are in, bringing new leadership to the Michigan Legislature and a returning administration at the top of the ticket. Election 2022 will bring significant change to Lansing, as Democrats will now control the Governor’s office and both chambers of the state legislature for the first time since 1984 …
The legislature returned during the week of Nov. 7 to vote on legislative leadership and kickoff the 2022 lame-duck session. Only a handful of MHA-tracked bills saw action, including legislation to implement the new federal Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) designation …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released the 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) final rule, effective Jan. 1, 2023. The rule reduces the PFS conversion factor by $1.55 (4.7%) to $33.06 in a calendar year (CY) 2023 from $34.61 in CY 2022 …
Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollment in Michigan totaled approximately 1.22 million in October, an increase of 17,000 beneficiaries since July. The October enrollment is spread across 48 MA plans that are currently operating in the state …
Through a partnership with the Duke Center for Healthcare Safety and Quality, the MHA Keystone Center is pleased to offer the second iteration of its WELL-B webinar series geared to support healthcare workers experiencing burnout …
The Keckley Report
The Physician Pay Rule in Context: Profession “Heal Thyself”
“Last Tuesday, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published its 2023 payment schedule for physicians along with changes in the Medicare shared savings program, outpatient, behavioral and home health services…
Healthcare is at a crossroad. Physicians are caught in the crossfire of policies to lower health costs and capital necessary to transform the system from specialty care and volume-based incentives to value and wellbeing.”
The MHA received media coverage on the continued surge of RSV cases across Michigan’s pediatric hospitals that is stressing hospital capacity during the week of Nov. 6. Laura Appel, executive vice president …
The MHA Board of Trustees began their Nov. 2 meeting with a review of key communication strategies to assist hospitals and health systems to “tell their stories” about the unprecedented financial and workforce challenges they currently face and how they are adapting to meet the critical healthcare and economic development needs of their communities …
The MHA encourages its staff, members and other stakeholders in the healthcare community to vote in the state’s general election Nov. 8.- Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. …
Michigan children’s hospitals and pediatric healthcare leaders are raising awareness about a pediatric hospital bed shortage and urging the public to help prevent respiratory illnesses, which are rapidly spreading in the form of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza …
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a final rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) effective Jan. 1, 2023 …
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued MMP 22-38 COVID-19 Response: Termination of Bulletin MSA 20-28, which reinstates provider enrollment requirements …
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a final rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service home health (HH) prospective payment system (PPS) effective Jan. 1, 2023 …
The MHA, along with stakeholders across diverse fields, supported record state investment in Michigan’s future workforce. On October 11th, the Governor signed Public Act 212 of 2022 establishing the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, and applications starting with students in the high school class of 2023 will now be eligible for increased state financial aid …
The webinar Dispelling Misinformation About Unionization and Legal Guidelines 8:30 – 10 a.m. ET Nov. 11 has been approved by HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®) for 1.5 hours …
At the MHA, we often say that politics is not a spectator sport. It requires continual engagement and relationship building so that when you are in a crisis and need assistance, you have trusted friends you can turn to …
The Keckley Report
The Three Blind Spots in Hospital Strategic Plans
“For 40 years, I have facilitated Board Retreats for hospitals, health systems, insurance plans and medical groups. At no time has the level of uncertainty about the future for hospitals been as intense nor the importance of a forward-looking strategic vision and planning been as necessary as now. The issues are complicated: lag indicators about demand, clinical innovations, reimbursement, costs et al are a foreboding backdrop for these discussions. And three issues have surfaced as blind spots in the environmental assessments and deliberations preceding the plan …”
Many Michigan hospitals are underway with their Michigan Harvest Gathering campaign which runs through Nov. 18. Online donations by hospital employees and community members to the Michigan Harvest Gathering program can be made through the Food Bank Council of Michigan’s website …
The MHA received media coverage on the surge of RSV cases across Michigan’s pediatric hospitals during the week of Oct. 31. The coverage included several comments provided to news outlets and the distribution of a press release Nov. 4 to statewide media …
The MHA released another episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, which features interviews with healthcare policy experts in Michigan on key issues that impact healthcare and the health of communities.
On this episode, MHA CEO Brian Peters is joined by T. Anthony Denton, J.D., MHSA, senior vice president and CEO of University of Michigan Health – Michigan Medicine, and 2022-2023 Chair of the MHA Board of Trustees. The two explore priorities for the new program year along with efforts underway to address workforce challenges, improve health equity and support sustainability.
Denton has a vast history working in healthcare – from human resources to administrative operations. He has worked on master program and facility planning, capital investments, workforce planning and execution, environmental sustainability, social determinants of health and programs that create positive community impact. He also serves on state, national and community boards and was recently chair of the MHA political action committee – also known as Health PAC – that raised more than $400,000 toward advocating for communities and healthcare organizations.
Part of the episode’s discussion focuses on The Pavilion at University of Michigan Health, a 12-story hospital breaking ground on their Ann Arbor campus. Denton shares insight on what led to the project, along with some key sustainability considerations as construction continues. The new adult inpatient facility is scheduled to open for patient care in the fall of 2025.
This podcast is part of the statewide #MiCareMatters campaign, launched in 2017, which aims to build a network of citizens — “MiCare Champions” — who will be called upon to engage in advocacy efforts to protect access to affordable healthcare services in Michigan. It is currently available via Spotify, iTunes and SoundCloud.
For more information, visit micarematters.org. Members with questions or who would like to submit ideas for future podcasts should contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.
The Michigan Legislature was back in session the week of Sept. 26 to finish voting on a multitude of bills as committees and the full body met for the last time before the Nov. 8 election …
Based on requirements in legislative boilerplate, the MHA created and distributed to the Michigan Legislature Sept. 28 a report on the results of the state healthcare workforce grant, which brought $225 million to Michigan hospitals for workforce recruitment, retention and training …
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) released a proposed policy to update existing policy for the attending provider field on institutional hospital inpatient and outpatient claims …
Registration is now open for the Michigan Health Equity Summit that will take place in-person at Lansing Community College West Campus and virtually from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET on Nov. 3.
The MHA will host a Trustee Member Forum from noon to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at the MHA Headquarters in Okemos for trustees from MHA member organizations to explore the MHA’s 2022-2023 program year’s strategic action plan, which the MHA Board of Trustees approved in August …
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently released a second proposed policy to establish coverage for doula services effective Jan. 1, 2023. The MHA supports this proposal and agrees with the MDHHS statement that the policy will improve birth outcomes …
Now is the time to maximize board resources to design healthcare that is affordable, equitable and focused on your community’s needs. To effectively create strategies, an organization’s leadership must agree on the approach, terminology and …
The MHA’s Race of the Week series highlights the most pivotal statewide races and ballot questions for Election 2022. The series will provide hospitals and healthcare advocates with the resources they need to make informed decisions on Election Day, including candidates’ views and background …
Fall is officially upon us. At the MHA, that means a new program year is well underway, we have a new Strategic Action Plan in place and are preparing for the November election which is now just weeks away…
The Keckley Report
The Winners and Losers in US Healthcare Thru 2025: What to Expect
“With 6 weeks to the mid-term election, one thing is certain: healthcare issues will be prominent in campaign rhetoric but the reality is not much will change until after 2024. Economic conditions, Congressional dysfunction and effective advocacy efforts by trade groups representing hospitals, drug and device manufacturers, and health insurers will limit major reforms… ”
As Election Day nears, the Citizens Research Council of Michigan is hosting a free webinar from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 5 on the three proposed constitutional amendments that will appear on the Nov. 8 ballot.
The Michigan Health & Hospital Association released the Healthy Futures, Healthy Communities report that demonstrates a nearly $4.2 billion investment in community-based partnerships …
The Legislature returned the week of Sept.19 to continue work on several pieces of legislation that the MHA is currently monitoring. Committees met in both the House and Senate, taking up legislation that included several new bills supported by the MHA in the areas of behavioral …
The MHA participated in several advocacy events in September, providing opportunities for MHA members to share their experiences with both current and future decision-makers. Several MHA staff helped lead a virtual advocacy event Sept. 9 for the Michigan Organization of Nurse Leaders …
The MHA and the American Association for Physician Leadership (AAPL) announced a partnership Sept. 22 that will provide leadership education and training to MHA physician members. The announcement expands the range of benefits offered through …
The MHA and fellow healthcare leaders joined a virtual panel discussion on clinical genomics Sept. 22 hosted by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health …
Now is the time to maximize board resources to design healthcare that is affordable, equitable and focused on your community’s needs. To effectively create strategies, an organization’s leadership must agree on the approach, terminology and …
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and an opportunity to be reminded of the many resources available to support emotional well-being. The September edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American Hospital …
The Keckley Report
The two changes most likely in the value agenda of the U.S health system
“This week, the celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s life will take center stage leading up to her funeral September 19. The 96-year old’s longevity, the mystique of the monarchy and Britain’s oversized role in Western culture will be table talk. …
The structure of the UK and US health systems are different. Per the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the health system in the US is more expensive, more fragmented and less effective in optimizing the population’s health than the [National Health Service] and many other developed systems. Several factors explain the difference: social determinants, violence, unit prices paid for drugs, specialty care and hospitals in the U.S. and others.”
As Election Day nears, the MHA continues to offer complimentary MI Vote Matters informational posters and the 2022 Candidate Guide for members’ use in encouraging their communities to vote.
The MHA received media coverage on several topics during the week of Sept. 12. Areas of focus included the Economic Impact of Healthcare in Michigan report and the new national rural emergency hospital (REH) designation. …
The upcoming general election will set the stage for critical healthcare decisions for Michigan and the nation in the years ahead. In November, Michigan voters will help elect the next governor, attorney general and secretary …
New legislation to regulate supplemental nursing service agencies was introduced Sept. 7 in the Michigan House of Representatives. Rep. Sarah Lightner (R-Springport) introduced House Bill (HB) 6364, which would establish a licensure process for those …
Developing and executing strategy requires an organization’s top leadership to agree on the approach, terminology and philosophy surrounding goal setting. The Difference Between Strategic Planning and Having Strategic Focus webinar will explain how the board, …
The Keckley Report
Health System Distrust Contributes to Poor Health and Avoidable Cost
“This week, the celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s life will take center stage leading up to her funeral September 19. The 96-year old’s longevity, the mystique of the monarchy and Britain’s oversized role in Western culture will be table talk. …
The structure of the UK and US health systems are different. Per the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the health system in the US is more expensive, more fragmented and less effective in optimizing the population’s health than the [National Health Service] and many other developed systems. Several factors explain the difference: social determinants, violence, unit prices paid for drugs, specialty care and hospitals in the U.S. and others.”
The MHA received media coverage on several topics during the week of Sept. 12. Areas of focus included the Economic Impact of Healthcare in Michigan report and the new national rural emergency hospital (REH) designation. …
The Partnership for Michigan’s Health reports healthcare directly employed nearly 572,000 Michigan residents in 2020, demonstrating that healthcare continues to be the largest private-sector employer in the state despite staffing losses attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2022 release …
The MHA hosted Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II Sept. 7 at the Capitol Advocacy Center to connect with hospital affiliated legislative officers and MHA staff on current priorities of the administration. The meeting provided an opportunity for MHA members to share priorities and concerns and allowed for an incredible exchange of information, …
The MHA has drafted comments in response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) for calendar year 2023. The MHA submitted …
The role of case management is central to many healthcare structures, including value-based reimbursement, bundled payments, care transitions and accountable care organizations. Case management is at the center of it all! The MHA Health Foundation …
The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) revised Public Health Code Rules requiring implicit bias training for all professions licensed or registered under the Public Health Code took effect in June. Implicit Bias trainings …
The role that boards, executive and medical staff members play in developing and executing organizational strategy represents some of their most nuanced and significant work in healthcare. While many approaches, terminology and philosophies exist around …
By using resources that prevent or alleviate transitional hardship and enhance new nurses’ clinical reasoning, preceptors can help improve new graduate nurse retention and patient outcomes. The MHA and the Michigan Health Council’s standardized, validated …
“The world-altering powers that technology has delivered into our hands now require a degree of consideration and foresight that has never before been asked of us.” ― Carl Sagan A long-held practice utilized by businesses of …
The latest edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), is now available. The June issue includes an article written by leading governance expert Jamie Orlikoff, who discusses the …
The Keckley Report
In Campaign 2022, Healthcare Voters Will Matter More
“Today begins the countdown to election day November 8: in 63 days, voters will elect 36 Governors, 30 State Attorneys General, 27 Secretaries of State, 35 US Senators, 435 US House of Representatives and State Legislators in 46 states. It’s a consequential election for the country and for its healthcare industry…
Campaigns will avoid healthcare issues other than abortion. Conceding that healthcare is expensive and access uneven, most midterm campaigns will default to partisan themes…”
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently released a final rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service inpatient prospective payment system for fiscal year 2023, which begins Oct. 1, 2022.
The deadline to provide contact information in preparation for the state’s anticipated grant program to implement an Emergency Department Medication for Opioid Use Disorder program has been extended to Sept. 23.
The MHA responded to several media requests the weeks of Aug. 28 and Sept. 5 which focused on the public release of the Economic Impact of Healthcare in Michigan report and other workforce issues. …
New legislation to make changes to the screening process for potential admission to inpatient psychiatric care for behavioral and mental health patients was introduced Aug. 17 in the Michigan House of Representatives. Rep. Graham Filler …
The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 in favor of providers to declare that statutorily set reimbursement rates for auto accident no-fault claims could not be applied retroactively. The new reimbursements went into effect in …
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a final rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system (PPS) for skilled nursing facilities for fiscal year (FY) 2023. Key updates …
Hospitals are encouraged to review their preliminary wage and occupational mix data released May 23 by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and submit any requests for changes to their Medicare Administrative Contractor …
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently released a proposed policy to update Medicaid coverage of telemedicine services after the conclusion of the federal COVID-19 public health emergency. The policy outlines …
The Keckley Report
Game On: FTC Takes on Hospital Consolidation via COPA Dismantling
“The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a scathing 20-page report last Monday criticizing hospital Certificate of Public Advantage (COPA) agreements and urging state lawmakers to suspend their use. …
The FTC has its sights on hospital consolidation: it’s high on the list of industries where its activist’ muscle is likely to be flexed more frequently and effectively. … Like strong bipartisan support for the Hospital Price Transparency Rule, it reflects the FTC’s rejection of hospital claims about inadequate reimbursement by payers including Medicare and Medicaid, price gauging by device, drug and technology suppliers and unfair competition from insurers and niche providers often funded by private investment to optimize profits at the expense of hospitals.
And it offers a solution that’s strong on populist appeal but weak on practical implementation in the current hospital environment: competition vs. consolidation. Regulatory Constraints on hospitals like EMTALA and others are not applied to insurers and retailers who offer a widening range of care management services in direct competition with hospitals. The playing field is increasingly tilted against hospitals.
Registration is now available for the Michigan Health Policy Forum. The event will be at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing from 1 – 4:30 p.m. Oct. 3.
The MHA responded to several media requests the weeks of Aug. 15 and Aug. 22 which focused on different aspects of healthcare workforce sustainability, ranging from emergency department wait times to efforts to address the …
The MHA encourages its staff, members and other stakeholders in the healthcare community to vote in the state’s primary election Aug. 2. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sample ballots are …
Gov. Whitmer signed July 20 the fiscal year 2023 state budget. Included in the 2023 budget agreement is $625 million in new investments for behavioral health funding and the healthcare workforce. This includes: $50 million …
Registration is currently open for Rural Advocacy Day as the MHA facilitates connections between rural hospital leaders throughout Michigan with legislators to discuss the vital role these hospitals and organizations play in their communities. The …
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) effective Jan. 1, 2023. The CMS notes that the agency did not …
Hospitals are encouraged to review their preliminary wage and occupational mix data released May 23 by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and submit any requests for changes to their Medicare Administrative Contractor …
The U.S. House of Representatives passed July 27 the Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID–19 Act to expand telehealth services by extending several telehealth flexibilities under Medicare that were initially authorized during the public health emergency relating …
The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) revised Public Health Code Rules requiring implicit bias training for all professions licensed or registered under the Public Health Code took effect in June. Implicit Bias trainings …
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule to obtain comment on potential Conditions of Participation (CoPs) for critical access hospitals (CAHs) and certain rural hospitals seeking to convert from …
Approximately 100 hospitals and ambulatory care providers in Michigan have explored the features of the MHA and the Michigan Health Council’s standardized, validated nurse preceptor toolkit – the Nurse Preceptor Academy (NPA). The academy is …
We have rightfully spent a lot of time in the past two years thanking the heroes who work in our hospitals and other healthcare settings for the incredible work they have done in the face of extreme challenge. I want to take a moment …
The Keckley Report
The U.S. Economy at the 2022 Mid-point: Three Immediate Implications for Healthcare
“The labor market is tight. Inflation is at a 40-year high. Consumers are worried but still spending. And this week, 5 key indicators of the economy’s strength/vulnerability will be reported. … Collectively, these indicators are likely to show an economy in stress. … So, what’s that mean for healthcare?”
The MHA received media coverage since July 15 from Crain’s Detroit Business on new investments for behavioral health funding and the healthcare workforce in the fiscal year 2023 state budget. Crain’s first published an article …
Michigan’s COVID-19 case numbers and hospitalizations have increased since early July with the onset of omicron variant BA.5. Here are the latest key statistics: 875 hospitalizations with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, a 20% increase since …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released a proposed rule June 30 that would establish conditions of participation that Rural Emergency Hospitals must meet to participate in the Medicare and Medicaid …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule for physician fee schedule payments and other Medicare Part B issues, effective Jan. 1, 2023. The rule proposes to reduce the …
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently released a final policy effective Aug. 1, allowing authorization for return transfers of stabilized infants from a neonatal intensive care unit to the community hospital …
At its June 29 meeting, the MHA Service Corporation board focused on supporting MHA Strategic Action Plan priorities to address workforce challenges, behavioral health improvements, redesigning care, insurance market solutions and more. The board …
The Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) Keystone Center presented Courtney Meagher, RN at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, July 12 with the quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award. The MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award celebrates …
By Kurt Mosley, vice president of strategic alliances at Merritt Hawkins, an MHA Endorsed Business Partner For the last 29 years, Merritt Hawkins, a division of AMN Healthcare, has released its annual Review of Physician …
The Keckley Report
It’s Time for Hospitals to Implement Plan B
“This weekend, hospital leaders will gather in San Diego for the American Hospital Association’s Annual Leadership Summit. … ‘Transformation’ will be a frequent theme: most hospitals recognize their future is not a repeat of their past. … But Plan A is a short-term solution; Plan B is a decidedly different future state for hospitals. Some will successfully pursue it; others will elect to watch and wait.”
Registration will open Sept. 6 for Michigan’s 2022 Fall Immunization Conferences, which will be held on eight separate dates throughout the state between Oct. 4 and Nov. 2.
For the remainder of the summer, the Monday Report will be published every other week. The next editions will arrive in inboxes Aug. 1, Aug. 15 and Aug. 29.