MHA Monday Report - MHA | Michigan Health & Hospital Association

MHA Monday Report Nov. 21, 2022

November 21, 2022November 18, 2022 Monday Report

Urge Congress to Support Hospitals by Enacting Key Priorities in Lame-duck Session

The American Hospital Association (AHA) recently released an action alert to impress upon lawmakers the immediate need to support hospitals and health systems. It is important the last session days of the year are used as an opportunity to advance key priorities at the federal level …

Webinar Outlines CRNA’s Role in the Future of Clinical Operations

Michigan legislation in 2022 modernized the scope of practice for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), eliminating the state requirement that a CRNA must work under direct physician supervision. Hospitals can now choose the anesthesia care model that best fits their location, staffing and resources to offer safe and effective patient care …

Keckley Report

The Two Lessons Healthcare Should Take from Campaign 2022

“The public’s opinion (vote) on healthcare issues is defined by personal circumstances and core beliefs about a single issue. Most lack an informed view about the entire system. Healthcare must do a better job in educating citizens about our system of health and the roles of personal responsibility, commercial operations and governmental oversight. It must do a better job in understanding consumer needs and expectations especially in younger and independent-minded users.

The healthcare market is not homogenous: a one size fits all approach to service delivery, pricing, and user experiences is short-sighted. While single-issue voter blocks in healthcare matter (i.e., abortion, Medicaid expansion, drug prices, et al), they’re unlikely to advance a system of health that contributes effectively and appropriately to the future of our democracy—a key issue in Campaign 2022.”

Paul Keckley, Nov. 14, 2022

News to Know

DataGen is hosting a national webinar to review the 2023 Medicare fee-for-service outpatient prospective payment system final rule and hospital impact analysis at 3 p.m. on Nov. 30, 2022.
MHA Endorsed Business Partner NextJob is hosting a free webinar on Actionable Neuroscience Insights for Improved Workplace Performance at noon ET Dec. 7, 2022 to educate employees about the brain processes of perception, cognition and neuro-linguistics and share tips to help improve performance at work.

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage during the week of Nov. 14 on financial and staffing challenges impacting hospitals in Michigan and the potential for further state funding support …

MHA Monday Report Nov. 14, 2022

November 14, 2022November 11, 2022 Monday Report

Recapping 2022 Election Results

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 …

Legislature Returns for Lame Duck Session

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 …

CMS Finalizes Rate Cuts in 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule

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 …

October MA Enrollment Increases by 17,000 Beneficiaries

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 …

The MHA Keystone Center Offers Ongoing Workforce Well-Being Courses

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.”

Paul Keckley, Nov. 7, 2022

MHA in the News

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 …

MHA Monday Report Nov. 7, 2022

November 7, 2022November 4, 2022 Monday Report

MHA Board of Trustees Advances Strategic Action Plan, Affirms Policy Panel Legislative Recommendations

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 …

Healthcare Community Urged to Vote in Nov. 8 General Election

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. …

Parents Urged to Take Preventive Measures as Pediatric Beds Fill Up

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 …

CMS Releases Final Rule to Update OPPS

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 …

Provider Enrollment Requirements Reinstated Effective Dec. 1, 2022

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 …

CMS Releases Final to Update Medicare PPS Effective 2023

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 …

MHA Supports Increased Access to Affordable Post-Secondary Education

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 …

CE Credits Available for Unionization and Legal Guidelines Webinar

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 …

MHA CEO Report — Your Vote Matters

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 …”

Paul Keckley, Oct 31, 2022

News to Know

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 …

MHA in the News

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 …

MHA Monday Report Oct. 31, 2022

October 31, 2022October 28, 2022 Monday Report

MDHHS Announces Plans to Establish Stroke and Heart Attack Systems of Care

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced Oct. 28 they are reorganizing to create systems of care for stroke and acute heart attack emergencies. The Bureau of EMS, Trauma & Preparedness within the MDHHS …

Two Days Remain to Register for the Nov. 2 Virtual Trustee Forum

Registration is being accepted for the MHA virtual Trustee Member Forum Wednesday, Nov. 2 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The forum will outline ways the association and members are supporting critical strategic pillars and allow trustees to discuss how governing boards can support workforce development and wellbeing, health equity, behavioral health and financial stability …

Webinar Prepares for The Joint Commission and CMS Health Equity Requirements

Recently, The Joint Commission (TJC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced their commitment in driving the next decade of health equity for people who are underserved. The commitment to advancing health equity …

MDHHS Releases Proposed Policy on Medicaid Rates for Dental Services

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently released a proposed policy to increase Medicaid payment rates to $2,300 for dental services …

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Outlines Physician Alignment and Consumerism Strategies

The latest edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), is now available. The October issue includes an article outlining the critical need for alignment of leadership …

MHA Race of the Week – Michigan Ballot Proposals

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 …

The Keckley Report

Price Transparency in Healthcare: Will It Matter?

“Last week, Turquoise Health released its first Price Transparency Impact Report which aims to track hospital and health insurer compliance with the Hospital Price Transparency Rule (January 2021) and the CMS Transparency in Coverage Rule (July 1, 2022). Both require specified disclosures and financial penalties for non-compliance…

In July 2018, I wrote: ”Arguing price transparency in healthcare is a misguided effort is like arguing against clean air and healthy eating: it’s senseless.” It’s still true. Making the case that price transparency has a long way to go based on current offerings and utilization is legitimate.

But the price transparency movement is gaining momentum in healthcare: though it still lacks widespread impact on spending today, it soon will.”

Paul Keckley, Oct. 24, 2022

News to Know

Early in person voting by absentee ballot at a clerk’s office remains available. Absentee ballots can be dropped off at a designated drop box or local clerk’s office between now and 8 p.m. Nov. 8.

MHA Monday Report Oct. 24, 2022

October 24, 2022October 21, 2022 Monday Report

Trustee Forum Converts to Virtual

To expand access to critical information and discussion about the MHA’s 2022-2023 program year’s strategic action plan, the MHA Trustee Member Forum on Nov. 2 will be offered in a virtual format rather than in …

Crain’s Healthcare Leadership Summit Features MHA and Hospital Leaders

The Oct. 20 Crain’s 2022 Healthcare Leadership Summit featured speakers from the MHA and member hospitals in a series of panels on policy issues, labor force solutions and technology integration….

Strategic Action Planning Session with MHA Service Corporation Board

The MHA Service Corporation (MHASC) board focused on supporting MHA Strategic Action Plan priorities at the Oct. 13 planning session including addressing financial viability, workforce restoration & wellbeing, behavioral health improvements, health equity and …

MHA Podcast Details Upcoming Election

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 …

Recording Available for MHA Strategic Action Plan Review

The MHA hosted a virtual forum Oct. 18 reviewing the Strategic Action Plan that was approved by the MHA Board of Trustees in August. The forum discussed pressing challenges and opportunities facing healthcare, including workforce development …

MHA Race of the Week – Michigan Attorney General

The Keckley Report

The Lame Duck Session of Congress Will Not Be Lame for Healthcare

“Mid-mid-term election day is 22 days away. The “official end” of the Covid public health emergency has been delayed to January 11. The Federal Reserve is expected to increase its borrowing rate for the sixth time this year at its November meeting as it attempts to slow inflation and the stock market is under-water as year-end approaches. Regardless of the mid-term outcome and the state of the economy, healthcare will be prominent in the upcoming lame-duck Congress…”

Paul Keckley, Oct. 17, 2022

News to Know

The last day to register online to vote in the Nov. 8 election is Oct. 24, 2022.
The second gubernatorial debate is this Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. on the Oakland University campus between Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Republican candidate Tudor Dixon.
Early in-person voting by absentee ballot at a clerk’s office remains available.
Complimentary MI Vote Matters informational posters and the 2022 Candidate Guide are still available for MHA members.

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage on through a couple stories during the week of Oct. 17, including on the introduction of the Stop Nurse Shortages Act at the federal level and the latest MiCare Champion …

MHA Monday Report Oct. 17, 2022

October 17, 2022October 14, 2022 Monday Report

Legislative Policy Panel Convenes for Program Year

The MHA Legislative Policy Panel convened Oct. 12 to develop recommendations for the MHA Board of Trustees on legislative initiatives impacting Michigan hospitals …

MDHHS Releases Medicaid Rate Increase Policies

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently released two concurrent final and proposed policies to implement Medicaid rate increases included in the fiscal year (FY) 2023 budget for dates of service on and after Oct. 1, 2022 …

MHA Keystone Center Presents Annual Health Equity Summit

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 …

ED MOUD Funding Available – Applications Due Dec. 16

The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan (CFSEM) is partnering with the MHA Keystone Center, the Michigan Opioid Partnership (MOP) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to provide …

Webinar Prepares for The Joint Commission and CMS Health Equity Requirements

MHA Podcast Explores Program Year Priorities with Michigan Medicine

MHA Race of the Week – Michigan Supreme Court

The Keckley Report

Is the Honeymoon Over for Medicare Advantage?

“The bottom line: in the next 2-3 years, regulatory scrutiny of Medicare Advantage will increase and funding by Medicare will decrease. Congress will press for a clear correlation between Medicare’s solvency and MA cost-savings. Thus, it’s likely Medicare Advantage plans will charge higher premiums, limit benefits, intensify medical management activities, share more financial risk with high-performing provider organizations and offer services to new populations. Their margins will shrink, access to capital and enrollment growth will be imperatives, and innovation in holistic cost-effective care management and affordability key differentiators.”

Paul Keckley, Oct. 10, 2022

News to Know

The last day to register online to vote in the Nov. 8 election is Oct. 24, 2022.
Early in-person voting by absentee ballot at a clerk’s office remains available.
Complimentary MI Vote Matters informational posters and the 2022 Candidate Guide are still available for MHA members.

MHA Monday Report Oct. 10, 2022

October 10, 2022October 7, 2022 Monday Report

DIFS Publishes Bulletin on No-fault Reimbursement Following Andary Decision

The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) issued Bulletin 2022-17-INS Oct. 5 in the matter of payment and billing guidance for no-fault automobile insurers and healthcare providers following an order from the Michigan Supreme Court in the Andary v. USAA lawsuit …

MDHHS Releases Proposed Policy to Resume Required Enrollment Activities

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) released a proposed policy to rescind remaining waived provider enrollment (PE) requirements implemented by MSA 20-28 and resume required enrollment activities that were waived during the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) …

CMS Announces 2023 Medicare Premiums and Deductibles

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced the calendar year 2023 Medicare fee-for-service Part A deductible for inpatient hospital services will increase by $44 to a new total of $1,600 …

MHA Creates Workforce Sustainability Communications Toolkit

As hospitals and health systems across Michigan continue to face workforce challenges, the MHA has developed a downloadable communications toolkit focused on workforce sustainability …

Michigan Harvest Gathering Launches Oct. 10

Food insecurity and health outcomes go hand in hand, as those who struggle to put food on the table are at a higher risk of conditions like diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. In 2020, more than one million Michiganders faced food insecurity – including 300,000 children …

Opportunities for Immunization Grants – Applications Due Nov. 1

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently announced multiple grant opportunities for health organizations and AAP Chapters to improve community confidence in vaccines and to support pediatricians in the delivery of on-time vaccinations …

Webinar Dispels Misinformation About Unionization and Outline Legal Guidelines

Healthcare workforce shortages, particularly nursing shortages, are severely hindering the ability to provide patient-centered care. Unionizing to negotiate for policies like staffing ratios is popular but does not consider the complexity of significant workforce shortages …

MHA Race of the Week – Michigan Secretary of State

The Keckley Report

The White House Strategy for Nutrition and Hunger: Three Glaring Oversights

“Last Wednesday, the White House hosted the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in DC—the first since the Nixon administration’s conference in 1969. Noting that food insecurity is an issue in one in four US households and the eroding nutritional value of the food supply chain, the Administration laid out its strategy in a 44-page document featuring 5 pillars of its attention…

The White House Strategy is a great start but the issues of food insecurity and nutritional deficiency require urgent, comprehensive and dedicated attention. The White House says it has secured pledges of $8 billion from the private sector to advance the strategy: that’s a good start, but only a fraction of what’s needed.”

Paul Keckley, Oct. 3, 2022

News to Know

A second gubernatorial debate is scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 25 on the Oakland University campus between Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Republican candidate Tudor Dixon.
Early in-person voting by absentee ballot at a clerk’s office is currently available.
Complimentary MI Vote Matters informational posters and the 2022 Candidate Guide remain available for MHA members.

MHA in the News

Bridge Michigan published an article Oct. 4 which focuses on the staffing challenges impacting behavioral health providers that limit bed capacity. The article begins by reviewing the number of reduced beds at state psychiatric facilities …

MHA Monday Report Oct. 3, 2022

October 3, 2022September 30, 2022 Monday Report

Economic Development Supplemental Passed by Michigan Legislature

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 …

MHA Distributes Workforce Grant Report to Legislature

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 …

MDHHS Releases Proposed Policy for Attending Physician Claims

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 …

MHA Keystone Center Presents Annual Health Equity Summit

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.

Trustee Member Forum Outlines Membership Strategies

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 …

Revised Doula Services Policy Released by MDHHS

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 …

Webinar Highlights Diverse Perspectives and Collaboration to Improve Strategic Goals

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 …

MHA Race of the Week – Michigan Governor

MHA CEO Report — Michigan Hospitals: Benefitting Communities in Significant Ways

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… ”

Paul Keckley, Sept. 26, 2022

News to Know

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.

MHA in the News

Below is a collection of headlines from around the state that include interviews or statements from MHA representatives.

MHA Monday Report Sept. 26, 2022

September 26, 2022September 23, 2022 Monday Report

Michigan Hospitals Invested $4.2 Billion in Community Programming Mid-pandemic

The Michigan Health & Hospital Association released the Healthy Futures, Healthy Communities report that demonstrates a nearly $4.2 billion investment in community-based partnerships …

Legislature Returns to Continue Healthcare-related Work

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 …

MHA Hosts Valuable Advocacy Events

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 …

MHA Launches Physician Membership with AAPL Partnership

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 …

Michigan Healthcare Leaders Speak on Clinical Genomics During White House Panel

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 …

Webinar Highlights Discipline Required to Accomplish Strategic Goals

Suicide Prevention Focus of AHA Trustee Insights

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.”

Paul Keckley, Sept. 19, 2022

News to Know

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.

MHA in the News

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. …

MHA Monday Report Sept. 19, 2022

September 19, 2022September 16, 2022 Monday Report

MHA Launches MI Vote Matters Campaign to Encourage Voter Participation Nov. 8

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 …

Legislation Introduced to Regulate Temporary Staffing Agencies

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 …

Strategic Planning Webinar Available for Hospital Leadership

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, …