MiCare Champion Podcast - MHA | Michigan Health & Hospital Association

MHA Podcast Explores How Michigan Leaders Can Collaborate to Address Gaps in Behavioral Health

May 1, 2023May 1, 2023 MiCare Champion Cast, Member News

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 episode 29, State Representative Graham Filler and Dr. Julie Yaroch, D.O., president of ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital and Senior Vice President of Inpatient & Retail Pharmacy for ProMedica Health System kick off Mental Health Awareness Month discussing how lawmakers, healthcare leaders and the community can work together to address gaps in the state’s behavioral healthcare system.

The episode is available to stream on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud.

Additional state behavioral health resources can be found through the Mental Health Association of Michigan and the Children’s Hospital Association. As mentioned in the episode, the MHA issued a request for proposal for a $50 million competitive grant program for Michigan healthcare entities to expand access to pediatric inpatient behavioral health services. The funding was appropriated by the Michigan Legislature as part of the state fiscal year 2023 state budget with the goal to increase the number of beds available to care for pediatric psychiatric patients requiring inpatient hospitalization. Applications are due to the MHA by 11:59 p.m. on June 1.

The MiCare Champion Cast 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.

Members with questions or who would like to submit ideas for future podcasts should contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

MHA Podcast Covers Patient Safety Awareness Week feat. The MHA Keystone Center

March 10, 2023April 26, 2023 MiCare Champion Cast, Member News, Patient Safety and Quality

Adam Novak, director of safety & quality at the MHA Keystone Center.

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 episode 27, Adam Novak, director of safety & quality at the MHA Keystone Center, joins during Patient Safety Awareness Week to provide a refresh on the work of the patient safety organization (PSO) along with resources that are available to Michigan hospitals and health systems through the Keystone Center.

In the episode, Novak shares details of the upcoming Keystone Center Safe Patient Mobility and Handling Conference, a free event on April 13 that will provide participants with a better understanding of how caregiver and patient safety are connected. As he shares, participants will view live simulations demonstrating best practices for patient handling and discuss how to avoid care activities that cause caregiver injury and compromise quality of care. Risk and safety officers, physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists and worker’s compensation staff are encouraged to register.

The episode is available to stream on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud.

Members with questions or who would like to submit ideas for future podcasts should contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Feb. 20, 2023

February 20, 2023February 21, 2023 Monday Report

Innovative Solutions Explored by MHA Service Corporation Board

The MHA Service Corporation board began its Feb. 8 meeting addressing current strategic priorities including exploring innovative solutions to support hospital financial viability, workforce restoration and wellbeing, behavioral health improvements, health equity and more. The board considered strategies to continue …

MHA Keystone Center and MVC Release Statewide Childbirth Outcomes Report

The MHA Keystone Center and the Michigan Value Collaborative (MVC) developed and released a statewide report Feb. 2 on birth outcomes following recently released data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in an effort to support maternal health …

Nominations Open for the 2023 Healthcare Leadership Award

The annual presentation of the MHA Healthcare Leadership Award honors those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership within individual facilities and in their communities. Nominations for exceptional healthcare trustees, executives, physicians, nurses or other leaders for …

MHA Podcast Explores the Community Benefit of Rural Hospitals

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 episode 26, Helen Johnson, …

The Keckley Report

SOTU 2023 Takeaways for Healthcare: Surprises, Implications

“The spontaneous reaction to the President’s commentary on Medicare was the biggest surprise of the night! It’s especially significant as 2024 Presidential campaigns launch in the next 90 days (Haley this week) and Congress grapples with the debt ceiling and appropriations to Medicare, Veterans Health, Medicaid, pandemic preparedness and public health to name a few. ….”

Paul Keckley, Feb. 13, 2023

News to Know

The Michigan Society of Healthcare Risk Management is now accepting nominations for the Paul Venzke Award for Outstanding Performance in the field of Healthcare Risk Management. …

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of Feb. 13 regarding challenges impacting hospital viability in Michigan and on a statement released by MHA CEO Brian Peters following the shooting Feb. 13 on the campus of Michigan State University …

MHA Podcast Explores the Community Benefit of Rural Hospitals

February 17, 2023April 27, 2023 MiCare Champion Cast, Member News

Helen Johnson, RN, MSN, NEA-BC, FACHE, president at Sparrow Eaton Hospital and chair of the MHA Small & Rural Hospital Council.

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 episode 26, Helen Johnson, RN, MSN, NEA-BC, FACHE, president at Sparrow Eaton Hospital and chair of the MHA Small & Rural Hospital Council, shares the impact rural hospitals have on their communities and local economy.

Johnson, who began her career as an oncology nurse in Marquette, has more than 30 years of leadership experience on both the clinical and executive side of healthcare. She has received many accolades and awards, including the MHA’s 2018 Healthcare Leadership Award and the 2017 Ludwig Community Benefit Award.

In the episode, Johnson shares her personal journey to healthcare and the heart-warming experiences that have made her – and many of her staff – proud to serve rural communities. She also shares the stories of residents who have found community and connection through Sparrow’s Al!ve wellness facility, where she is currently interim executive director.

The episode is available to steam on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud.

Members with questions or who would like to submit ideas for future podcasts should contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

MHA Podcast Explores Working Inside Michigan’s Rural Hospitals

January 26, 2023April 27, 2023 MiCare Champion Cast, Member News

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 episode 25, Ross M. Ramsey, MD, president and CEO of Scheurer Health, gives listeners an inside look at working in one of Michigan’s rural hospitals as both a clinician and leader. Ramsey, who grew up in the region before attending medical school at Michigan State University, explains the care model and culture that sets rural hospitals like Scheurer apart from their urban counterparts.

The episode, currently available to stream on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud, also explores the vital role healthcare plays in rural communities and why those in the medical field might consider a career in the less populated areas of the state.

Members with questions or who would like to submit ideas for future podcasts should contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Oct. 31, 2022

October 31, 2022April 24, 2023 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 Race of the Week – Michigan Ballot Proposals

October 26, 2022 Member News

MHA RACE OF THE WEEK

The MHA’s Race of the Week series highlights the most pivotal statewide races and ballot questions for Election 2022. The series provides hospitals and healthcare advocates with the resources they need to make informed decisions on Election Day, including candidates’ views and background.

STATEWIDE BALLOT PROPOSALS:

Proposal 1 – Term Limit Reform and Financial Disclosure (MHA Supported)

If approved, Proposal 1 would reduce overall term limits from 14 years split between the two state legislative chambers to 12 years in one or both chambers. Further, the proposal would require each member of the legislature, the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state and attorney general to file annual financial disclosure reports.

Proposal 2 – Promote the Vote

If approved, Proposal 2 would add new opportunities to increase access to early voting, provide more absentee voting options and allow for the use of a signed affidavit in lieu of state-issued identification.

Proposal 3 – Reproductive Freedom for All

If approved, Proposal 3 would enshrine an individual right to reproductive health decisions in the Michigan Constitution and effectively repeal the existing Michigan law from 1931 which prohibits most abortion procedures.

LEARN MORE

The Citizens Research Council of Michigan, a well-respected, independent, nonpartisan public policy research organization, currently has available on their website three excellent analyses of each statewide ballot proposal. Each analysis provides an in-depth look at how the proposals will impact Michigan residents free of any support for one side or another.

WHY IT MATTERS

Statewide ballot proposals serve an important role in public policy by putting the power to approve or reject changes to Michigan’s Constitution or state law in the hands of voters. Nearly all ballot measures have a significant impact on Michigan citizens and those which amend the Michigan constitution cannot be changed by the state legislature once passed. While the MHA has only taken a position on Proposal 1 this year, we encourage voters to learn more about each proposal to make informed decisions on Election Day.

REMEMBER

View both sides of the ballot before submission, as ballot proposals often appear on the back side of a ballot.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

View an episode of the MiCare Champion Cast which features Laura Appel, executive vice president of government relations and public policy at the MHA, discussing the upcoming general election, including the three ballot proposals.

For more election information and updates or to request Election 2022 informational materials, visit the MHA Election webpage or email election@mha.org. Join the MHA in talking about Election 2022 on social media using #MIVoteMatters.

MHA Monday Report Oct. 24, 2022

October 24, 2022April 24, 2023 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

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 Podcast Details Upcoming Election

October 21, 2022April 27, 2023 Member News, MiCare Champion Cast

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, Laura Appel, executive vice president of government relations and public policy at the MHA, discusses the upcoming general election which will set the stage for critical healthcare decisions for Michigan and the nation in the years ahead. Appel explains how voting directly impacts healthcare in Michigan and outlines details on this year’s candidates and ballot proposals.

The episode, currently available via Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud, also explores examples of past and present legislation that have had a lasting impact on healthcare, along with key dates to keep in mind ahead of Election Day.

In November, Michigan voters will help elect the next governor, attorney general and secretary of state of Michigan, decide who will represent the state in all 13 Michigan seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, plus cast ballots for all 110 seats of the Michigan House of Representatives and 38 seats of the Michigan Senate, among other contests.

The MHA MI Vote Matters 2022 election webpage provides the latest information about the election. Members are encouraged to use #MIVoteMatters to join the election 2022 conversation on social media and follow along for the MHA’s Race of The Week series to learn more about candidates and ballot proposals.

Members with questions or who would like to submit ideas for future podcasts should contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Oct. 17, 2022

October 17, 2022April 24, 2023 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.