Tag: MHA in the News

Media Attends Press Conference Highlighting Impacts of Medicaid Cuts

Member News, MHA In The News

Adam Carlson, senior vice president, advocacy, MHA, joined JJ Hodshire, president and chief executive officer, Hillsdale Hospital, for a press conference April 17 to discuss how proposed cuts to Medicaid will further destabilize hospitals already experiencing financial strain.

Carlson urged Congress to reconsider or delay cuts outlined in H.R.1.

“Congress can still take action as these cuts continue to ramp up to stop them, to delay them, to look at other measures where they can support health care and really support rural health care across our state,” Carlson told WLNS-TV.

WILX-TV also covered the round table discussion.

Members with questions regarding media requests should contact Elise Gonzales at the MHA.

Media Roundup: Mandatory Nurse Overtime Legislation

Member News

Recent coverage of the Michigan Senate’s April 15 action on mandatory nurse overtime highlighted the MHA’s active engagement in ensuring hospital concerns were reflected in the final package.

MHA Chief Nursing Officer Amy Brown was quoted in Michigan Public Radio Network, MLive and Crain’s coverage, emphasizing the importance of preserving nurse leadership decision-making autonomy.

“Nurses are essential to high-quality, accessible healthcare. Michigan hospitals rely on our nursing workforce and support decisions being made by our nurse leaders at the hospital level. The MHA appreciates the Michigan Senate’s willingness to listen to the concerns of hospital leaders and implement changes that recognize the importance of preserving nurse decision-making at the local hospital level, particularly during unpredictable events.”

The MHA’s support for a bill package recently passed by the state House that aims to reshape how Michigan treats mental health cases and improve early intervention was also featured in an April 16 Bridge Michigan story.

Members with questions regarding media requests should contact Elise Gonzales at the MHA.

WJR Spotlight Highlights the Importance of the 340B Drug Pricing Program

Member News, MHA In The News

Elizabeth Kutter, vice president and deputy general counsel, MHA, joined Paul W. Smith for a WJR Spotlight interview April 9 about the value the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program brings to Michigan communities.

The conversation explored how hospitals use 340B savings to reinvest directly into patient care by maintaining or expanding services, lowering out-of-pocket costs and supporting community health initiatives.

The segment also addressed ongoing pressure from drug manufacturers to enact policy changes that would weaken the program through restrictions that would impact healthcare access, especially in rural communities. Kutter emphasized how the program operates at no cost to taxpayers and allows hospitals to stretch limited resources as drug, labor and supply costs continue to rise.

Members with questions regarding media requests should contact Elise Gonzales at the MHA.

Healthcare Access Policy Developments Draw Media Attention

Member News, MHA In The News

The MHA received media coverage during the week of March 23 on key issues affecting access to care and the healthcare workforce.

MLive, Gongwer and the Michigan Advance reported on the bipartisan agreement to extend Michigan’s participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. MHA CEO Brian Peters was quoted in the articles emphasizing how the compact helps hospitals recruit qualified physicians more efficiently while maintaining critical state oversight.

Peters underscored the importance of participation in the compact, especially in areas where workforce shortages can limit patient access to specialty services.

“For many hospitals, especially those serving rural or border communities, the compact supports access to care in high-demand specialties such as emergency medicine, psychiatry, obstetrics and primary care,” he said.

Laura AppelLaura Appel, executive vice president, government relations & public policy, was featured in Michigan Independent’s coverage surrounding Gov. Whitmer’s executive budget recommendations to fund Michigan’s Medicaid program.

Appel highlights the challenges hospitals will face if more Michiganders lose healthcare coverage.

The MHA was also quoted in a Bridge Michigan story examining increased federal immigration enforcement activity near healthcare facilities, reiterating that hospitals remain focused on caring for every patient who seeks treatment. Meanwhile, Peters also appears in an MLive article about sharing the impact of Medicaid funding cuts to hospitals.

Members with questions regarding media requests should contact Elise Gonzales at the MHA.

KFF Health News: Rural Health Transformation Program Fund Allocation

Rural Health Updates, Member News

KFF Health News published a story March 4 detailing concerns from hospital leaders and lawmakers across the country about how states plan to spend new federal rural health funding.

The $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) is designed to drive innovation and maintain access in rural communities following significant federal Medicaid cuts.

Lauren LaPineLauren LaPine-Ray, DrPH, MPH, vice president, policy and rural health, MHA, is quoted in the article, raising concerns about rural hospitals’ ability to access critical funds due to the complexity and competitiveness of state grants.

The article was syndicated by CBS News and Fierce Healthcare.

LaPine-Ray was also featured in Modern Healthcare’s article discussing the challenges associated with securing RHTP dollar. She notes how specific grant requirements surrounding population health data analytics-backed care coordination programs and technology implementation will negatively impact rural hospitals.

“Funding care coordination and community initiatives is a wonderful thing, but given the short timeframe and the fact CMS will judge programs over one year, rural hospitals are worried about funds being retroactively pulled back,” she said. “With Medicaid redeterminations and Medicaid cuts coming in 2027, rural hospitals may not have the luxury to choose between committing to do something new or trying to keep their doors open.”

Members with questions regarding media requests should contact Elise Gonzales at the MHA.

Media Recap: Healthcare Affordability and Access

Member News, MHA In The News

MHA CEO Brian Peters bylined an op-ed Feb. 16 in The Detroit News, highlighting Michigan hospitals’ understanding of the financial strain that rising healthcare costs are creating and reinforcing their commitment to being part of the solution.

Peters outlines how hospitals are confronting the same cost pressures affecting households and businesses, including workforce shortages, supply chain costs and increased cybersecurity demands. He emphasizes that amid these challenges, hospitals are committed to collaboration, working alongside policymakers, employers and community partners to advance solutions that improve affordability while protecting access to care for all Michiganders.

Lauren LaPineLauren LaPine-Ray DrPH, MPH, vice president, policy and rural health, MHA, was quoted in a Feb. 17 Bride Magazine story expressing concern for emergency room (ER) capacity following Oakland Community Health Network’s recommendation to direct mental health patients to the ER amid paused operations at the county’s resource and crisis center.

Members with questions regarding media requests should contact Elise Gonzales 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 …

Common Ground: Statewide effort tackles postpartum depression and perinatal mood disorders

Member News, MHA In The News

Lauren LaPineCommon 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 quoted in the story discussing the MHA’s role in convening the collaborative and the need to address these issues.

“For mothers, depression rates continue to increase,” said LaPine-Ray. “Making sure we have real support for behavioral-health services in this state is somewhere we urgently need to see change and investment.”

The story also highlights collaborative partners, including Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, with their Mother & Baby Day perinatal mood disorder program, and Michigan State University’s ROSE (Reach Out, Stay, Strong, Essentials) postpartum depression prevention program.

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

FREEP Op-Ed: Access to Care is a Promise — and Hospitals Are Keeping It

Member News, MHA In The News

The Detroit Free Press published an op-ed Oct. 21 from MHA CEO Brian Peters that affirms the commitment of hospitals to patients and shares the actions hospitals are taking to keep costs low for patients. Those include moving care to more affordable settings, using lower-cost medication alternatives when appropriate, improving care coordination and expanding the behavioral health workforce.

Peters highlights the cost pressures impacting hospitals, including the rise in prescription drug costs, labor and inflation. He also discusses how public reimbursements routinely fail to cover the cost of that care and the issues it can cause to access to healthcare services when combined with rising costs.

“We’re the backbone of access: the nurse at the bedside at 3 a.m., the surgical team on call, the therapist helping a child walk again. Michigan hospital teams will keep showing up with compassion and professionalism,” Peters said.

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

Local TV News Coverage Focus on Nurse Compact & Medicaid Funding

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

The MHA received news coverage during the week of June 9 that included local TV news stories on the Michigan House of Representatives passing a bill that would have the state join the National Nurse Licensure Compact and how federal funding cuts to Medicaid would impact northern Michigan, while the MHA also responded to a hospital drug pricing study story by the Lansing State Journal.

Adam Carlson, senior vice president, advocacy, MHA, speaks with WILX News 10 about the current nurse shortage.

WILX News 10 aired a story June 12 following the 57-52 vote by the Michigan House to have Michigan join more than 40 other states in the nursing compact. Adam Carlson, senior vice president, advocacy, MHA, was interviewed for the story, discussing the current shortage of nurses in hospitals, despite Michigan outperforming the national average retention rate for nurses.

“14% of Michigan nurses are turning over, which is lower than the national average, so Michigan is already doing an above-average job and doing a better job than most other states,” said Carlson. “It’s about trying to find those new ones and bring those new ones in.”

9&10 News also aired a story June 9 about how proposed Medicaid cuts could result in the loss of OB/GYN services in northern Michigan. MHA Executive Vice President Laura Appel spoke to 9&10 News about how having to travel to access healthcare services can impact long-term health.

“You’re traveling a greater distance for any problems you have, and the further that people have to travel, especially people with limited means, the less likely they are to be able to adhere to the best care plan that we might have for them,” said Appel.

The Lansing State Journal also published an article June 9 on a study released by the Michigan Health Purchasers Coalition (MIHPC) related to hospital drug pricing. The MIHPC published their report despite published studies by KFF that conclude price transparency data should not be used to draw broad conclusions about hospital pricing. Appel was interviewed for the piece, expressing the inability to verify the information from the MIHPC, the flaws associated with how they present inpatient drug prices for drugs predominantly administered in an outpatient setting and the lengths hospitals are going to minimize costs.

“Payers are trying to do what they can to keep costs down,” said Appel. “Hospitals are trying to do what they can to keep costs down. Patients are trying to do what they can to keep their out-of-pocket costs down. Everybody’s trying to pull the boat in the same direction, but there are just outside pressures that make our healthcare system somewhat costly and growing. And hopefully we can keep the growth at a minimum, but it takes a lot of effort.”

Lastly, Gongwer published an article June 13 following a press release issued by Gov. Whitmer on a memo from the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services sharing 120,000 Michiganders could lose healthcare access if the Federal budget reconciliation legislation passed by U.S. House of Representatives is signed into law. MHA CEO Brian Peters is quoted in the press release and story.

“These proposed changes will cut healthcare coverage for countless individuals, making Michigan unhealthier and leading to worse outcomes and higher rates of uncompensated care,” said Peters. “Increasing health care costs and reducing access is a bad deal that Michigan hospitals uniformly oppose.”

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