- 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.
Tag: MIVoteMatters
MHA Monday Report Oct. 10, 2022
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
Michigan Harvest Gathering Launches Oct. 10Food 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 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
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
MHA in the NewsBridge 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 …
News to Know – Week of Oct. 10
- 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. Representatives from WXYZ Channel 7 Detroit, WXMI FOX 17 Grand Rapids and WSYM FOX 47 Lansing will moderate. The candidates are also debating Oct. 13 from 7 to 8 p.m. in Grand Rapids, which will be broadcast by WOOD TV8.
- Early in-person voting by absentee ballot at a clerk’s office is currently 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 remain 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 Secretary of State
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 SECRETARY OF STATE
Incumbent Democrat Jocelyn Benson is the former CEO and executive director of the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality, a national nonprofit dedicated to improving race relations and driving social progress in professional sports. She is a graduate of Wellesley College, Harvard Law School and Oxford University, and is a former dean of Wayne State University Law School. During her time as Secretary of State, Benson has focused her efforts on election access. She played a key role in advocating for opportunities to vote early and by mail, particularly during the early-pandemic election in 2020. For more information, visit votebenson.com.
Republican Kristina Karamo is a public speaking and college orientation professor at Wayne County Community College. Her prior political experience is highlighted by an unsuccessful attempt in 2018 to serve as Oakland County Commissioner for the 10th District. She also served on the Right to Life of Michigan’s Black Leadership Committee, and as communications chair for the Oakland County Republican Party and the Michigan Republican Party State Committee. Karamo is primarily focused on the issue of election security after claiming she witnessed fraud while serving as a poll challenger during the 2020 election. Karama is a graduate of Oakland University and Biola University in La Mirada, California. For more information, visit kristinakaramo.com.
WHY IT MATTERS
The Secretary of State oversees the Michigan Department of State. In addition to licensing drivers and registering and titling vehicles, Michigan’s secretary of state also administers election law and voter registration. The Michigan Department of State, maintains the Michigan Organ Donor Registry, a confidential database of residents who wish to be organ and tissue donors. Gift of Life Michigan, the state’s authorized organ recovery organization, may access the database to assist hospitals in cases where a transplant is pending. The process of signing up to be a donor has been streamlined to allow individuals to register when requesting or renewing a driver’s license or state ID card, but the number of donor registrations has fallen given the lack of renewals during the COVID pandemic.
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. 3, 2022
Economic Development Supplemental Passed by Michigan Legislature
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
MHA Distributes Workforce Grant Report to LegislatureBased 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
MHA Keystone Center Presents Annual Health Equity SummitRegistration 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
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 …
MHA CEO Report — Michigan Hospitals: Benefitting Communities in Significant Ways
MHA CEO Report — Michigan Hospitals: Benefitting Communities in Significant WaysFall 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.
News to Know – Week of Oct. 3
- 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. The Citizens Research Council has for over 100 years been an independent, nonpartisan organization that does not lobby, support or oppose candidates for public office or take positions on ballot issues. Registration is required for the event.
- Michigan voters can now vote early in person by absentee ballot at a clerk’s office. The first day to submit a ballot in this fashion was Sept. 29. 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 Governor
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.
THE GUBERNATORIAL RACE
The governor’s race is a critical decision for Michigan voters. Candidates for this election cycle are incumbent Democrat Gretchen Whitmer and Republican Tudor Dixon. The MHA worked extensively with Gov. Whitmer throughout her first term and during her previous work in and around the Michigan Legislature, while Dixon is a newcomer to Michigan politics. The two are scheduled to debate Oct. 13 from 7 to 8 p.m. in Grand Rapids. WOOD TV8 will air the debate and political reporter Rick Albin will moderate.
THE CANDIDATES:
Incumbent Gretchen Whitmer is an attorney and formerly served as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives and the Michigan Senate. The MHA maintains a strong, positive working relationship with Whitmer as it did throughout her years as an elected official. During her time in the Senate, Whitmer established herself as a healthcare champion through her work as Senate Minority Leader to expand healthcare coverage through the Healthy Michigan Plan, an effort that the MHA and its member hospitals advocated for and continue to support. Governor Whitmer continued that trajectory in her executive role, leading the state through a very difficult time in healthcare with the COVID-19 pandemic and on-going behavioral health crisis. Whitmer’s running mate for lieutenant governor remains Garlin Gilchrist II, Detroit’s first-ever director of innovation and emerging technology and a former software engineer at Microsoft. For more information, visit gretchenwhitmer.com.
Tudor Dixon is a former steel industry employee and conservative media activist. Dixon’s early career focused on industrial sales for heavy equipment in the agriculture, automotive and energy sectors, among others. After beating a breast cancer diagnosis, Tudor left the steel industry to begin her media career. Dixon worked with Lumen News, where she developed pro-America, pro-constitution morning news programs for grade school students. Dixon’s running mate is Shane Hernandez, a former architectural designer and state representative from Port Huron. Hernandez served as the Appropriations Chair for the Michigan House of Representatives from 2019-2020. For more information, visit tudordixon.com.
WHY IT MATTERS
The outcome of the gubernatorial race will determine Michigan’s healthcare future for the next four years, if not longer. The Governor of Michigan plays a critical role in the state’s healthcare policy. In addition to appointing key positions in state government, including department leaders and the state’s Medicaid Director, the governor bears the responsibility of laying out the state budget each year, as well as ultimately deciding which bills become law. The governor also serves as an advocate for the state during healthcare deliberations in Washington, D.C., particularly when it comes to the future of the Healthy Michigan Plan. Given that the ultimate mission of Michigan community hospitals is to provide high-quality healthcare to all patients who walk through their doors, regardless of ability to pay, the MHA encourages members to learn as much as possible about where each candidate stands on healthcare issues when determining which candidate will be a true healthcare champion.
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 Sept. 26, 2022
Michigan Hospitals Invested $4.2 Billion in Community Programming Mid-pandemic
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
Webinar Highlights Discipline Required to Accomplish 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 …
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. …
News to Know – Week of Sept. 26
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. An online order form is an easy way 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 Monday Report Sept. 19, 2022
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
Strategic Planning Webinar Available for Hospital Leadership
The Keckley Report
Health System Distrust Contributes to Poor Health and Avoidable Cost
“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. 12, 2022
News to Know
MHA Endorsed Business Partner ParaRev will host two free webinars this month.
MHA in the News
