Media Recap: Auto No-fault & Executive Insights

The MHA received media coverage since March 15 on efforts to reform the state’s auto no-fault insurance system as well as the future for healthcare teams.

The Detroit News published an article March 17 describing how auto no-fault insurance reforms have reduced access to care for auto accident survivors and impacted providers. Senate Bills 530 and 531 have passed the full Michigan Senate and would address reimbursement for providers, including simplifying and increasing Medicare hospital reimbursements, clarifying the definition of Medicare and creating a new post-acute care provider fee schedule. MHA Executive Vice President Laura Appel is quoted in the article expressing the importance of including hospitals in any reform efforts.

“Everything is not only more expensive but much more expensive,” said Appel.

Becker’s Hospital Review also published a story where they asked 35 C-suite healthcare executives across the U.S. to share areas of growth for the next few years. MHA CEO Brian Peters participated, sharing insights on technological innovation, advocacy engagement and health equity.

“First, we need to look at every emerging challenge through the lens of technological innovation; in other words, is there a better, more effective way to deal with an issue by deploying technology, which will become even more robust in the years ahead,” said Peters. “Second, because more and more of the people we serve will be covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other governmental programs, everyone in healthcare needs to have a comfort level with the public policy and political arena — how the process works, and the elected officials who make the decisions in state capitols and in Washington, DC. Politics is not a spectator sport! And third, while we are clearly on the health equity journey, we need to continue to embed it firmly in our organization’s cultures.”

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

Signed Legislation Supports Hospital Workforce

Gov. Whitmer signed House Bill 4016 today, appropriating $75 million for the recruitment, retention and training of hospitals workers. This funding will directly benefit hospital workers and play an important role in helping to support hospitals experiencing a generational workforce shortage.

According to a recent survey of hospitals conducted by the MHA, there are more than 27,000 job openings in hospitals throughout Michigan, including nearly 8,500 nursing job opportunities. Other areas with a high need include technicians with more than 4,500 job openings, clinical assistants with 3,000 openings and 1,700 openings for operational support in areas such as environmental services and food service.

Hospital staffing levels determine patient capacity within facilities. Michigan has lost a high of about 1,700 staffed hospital beds since 2020 because of workforce shortages. Filling these job openings would increase statewide inpatient hospital capacity, expand service availability and assist in the transition of care outside of a hospital.

“Maintaining the sustainability of our healthcare workforce is a universal priority for all Michigan hospitals and health systems,” said MHA CEO Brian Peters. “We appreciate the work from the Michigan Legislature and Gov. Whitmer in passing this funding that will support hospital workers and help solve staffing shortages that persist throughout healthcare.”

House Bill 4016 was introduced by Rep. Angela Witwer (D-Delta Township) and passed the Michigan Senate Feb. 28 and the Michigan House of Representatives March 1 with bipartisan support.

Those interested in a healthcare career should visit the careers webpage of their local hospital or health system.