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