Tag: MIVoteMatters

MHA Monday Report Nov. 14, 2022

Monday Report
MHA Monday Report

MI Vote Matters logoRecapping 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 …

capitol buildingLegislature 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 

Paul KeckleyThe 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

Laura AppelMHA 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

Monday Report
MHA 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 …

Logo for MI Vote Matters, Tuesday Nov. 8Healthcare 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 Rounds Report - Brian Peters, MHA CEOMHA 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 ReportPaul Keckley

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

Michigan Harvest GatheringsNews 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 …

Healthcare Community Urged to Vote in Nov. 8 General Election

Member News
Logo for MI Vote Matters, Tuesday Nov. 8

Logo for MI Vote Matters, Tuesday Nov. 8The 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. Sample ballots are available through the Michigan Secretary of State website, and additional information and resources can be found on the MHA Election 2022 webpage.

Those who would like to ensure they are properly registered or need to verify their precinct number may click on “Your Voter Information” on the Michigan Secretary of State website and complete the requested information. Under Michigan’s State Constitution citizens may register to vote up to and on Election Day at their local clerk’s office.

The 2022 gubernatorial and midterm elections are critical to Michigan’s healthcare future. In addition to choosing the next governor, secretary of state and attorney general of Michigan, voters across the state will decide political contests that impact the legislative and regulatory environments faced by hospitals and the patients they serve, including two Michigan Supreme Court seats and all seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, the Michigan House of Representatives and the Michigan Senate.

Three statewide ballot questions appear on this year’s ballot as well as local races. Voters should check both sides of the ballot to ensure all items are completed before submitting the ballot.

Members with questions should contact Sean Sorenson-Abbott at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Oct. 31, 2022

Monday Report
MHA Monday Report

MDHHSMDHHS 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 …

Logo for MI Vote Matters, Tuesday Nov. 8MHA 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 …

Paul KeckleyThe 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

Logo for MI Vote Matters, Tuesday Nov. 8News 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

Member News
Logo for MI Vote Matters, Tuesday Nov. 8

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.

Logo for MI Vote Matters, Tuesday Nov. 8

 

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

Monday Report
MHA 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 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 …

 

Paul KeckleyThe 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 KnowLogo for MI Vote Matters, Tuesday Nov. 8

  • 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 CEO Brian PetersMHA 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 …

 

News to Know – Week of Oct. 24

Member News
  • The last day to register online to vote in the Nov. 8 election is Oct. 24. Registration can be completed through the Michigan Voter Information Center of the Michigan Secretary of State website. Voters can still register to vote in person at a clerk’s office until 8 p.m. of Election Day.
  • 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. Representatives from WXYZ Channel 7 Detroit, WXMI FOX 17 Grand Rapids and WSYM FOX 47 Lansing will moderate.
  • 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.
  • Complimentary MI Vote Matters informational posters and the 2022 Candidate Guide are still available for MHA members. An online order form is available to request the guide and/or various sizes of laminated posters. In addition, the MI Vote Matters webpage contains up-to-date election information and social media conversations using the hashtag #MIVoteMatters afford additional insight and opportunities to discuss how the 2022 election affects healthcare. Questions regarding the election should be directed to Laura Appel at the MHA.

MHA Race of the Week – Michigan Attorney General

Member News
Logo for MI Vote Matters, Tuesday Nov. 8

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 will provide hospitals and healthcare advocates with the resources they need to make informed decisions on Election Day, including candidates’ views and background.

MICHIGAN ATTORNEY GENERAL:

Incumbent Democrat Dana Nessel is a former Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor and civil rights attorney. As Attorney General, Nessel pursued the financial settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors which will eventually bring more than $700 million to Michigan to treat and combat opioid addiction. The Attorney General is also actively working on implementing the Clean Slate Act of 2021, which expands on the types and numbers of offenses that can be expunged from a person’s record allowing for more opportunities for education and employment. The Attorney General’s role in the expungement is to determine whether an applicant is statutorily eligible to have the conviction(s) expunged from their record.

Prior to elected office, Nessel served as president of the Fair Michigan Foundation, an organization dedicated to advocacy, education and outreach regarding LGBTQ and men’s and women’s civil rights in Michigan. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Wayne State University Law School and litigated several major LGBTQ rights cases before the Michigan Supreme Court before being elected. For more information, visit dananessel.com.

Republican Matthew DePerno is a tax attorney and conservative activist. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Detroit Mercy School of Law. DePerno is most widely known for his claims of fraud in the 2020 election and subsequent attempts to obtain voting machines and initiate a forensic audit. Those efforts are currently under investigation but remain the core message behind his campaign. For more information, visit depernoformi.com.

WHY IT MATTERS

The state’s attorney general serves as Michigan’s top legal adviser and law enforcement official. In addition to overseeing a staff of state attorneys, the attorney general prosecutes violations of state law and issues legal opinions to the Legislature and state government, which can result in changes to public policies and legislation in all areas of state government, including healthcare. The attorney general also serves as a consumer advocate for Michigan residents and often guides public policy decisions when it comes to law enforcement efforts.

Logo for MI Vote Matters, Tuesday Nov. 8For 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. 17, 2022

Monday Report
MHA 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

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 …

MHA Podcast Explores Program Year Priorities with Michigan Medicine

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 …

MHA Race of the Week – Michigan Supreme Court

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

Paul KeckleyIs 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

Logo for MI Vote Matters, Tuesday Nov. 8News 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.

News to Know – Week of Oct. 17

Member News
  • The last day to register online to vote in the Nov. 8 election is Oct. 24, 2022. Registration can be completed through the Michigan Voter Information Center of the Michigan Secretary of State website. Voters can still register to vote in person at a clerk’s office until 8 p.m. of Election Day.
  • 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.
  • Complimentary MI Vote Matters informational posters and the 2022 Candidate Guide are still available for MHA members. An online order form is available to request the guide and/or various sizes of laminated posters. In addition, the MI Vote Matters webpage contains up-to-date election information and social media conversations using the hashtag #MIVoteMatters afford additional insight and opportunities to discuss how the 2022 election affects healthcare. Questions regarding the election should be directed to Laura Appel at the MHA.