The following statement can be attributed to Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association.
Healthcare access is vital for the physical and economic health of our local economies. This budget proposal presented by the Whitmer administration checks the boxes hospitals and health systems need when it comes to crucial state funding. It includes new funding that can make significant impacts on maternal and infant health, behavioral health and the healthcare workforce, while maintaining existing support for a variety of needed healthcare programs.
Hospitals and health systems are focused on addressing health disparities. Supporting additional maternal health services can help reduce the disparity in maternal health outcomes among non-white women. Expanded Medicaid reimbursement for behavioral health services will improve access across the state and benefit the workforce. We’re encouraged to see funding for tuition-free community college pathways for Michiganders. This can increase the number of students pursuing healthcare pathways and address workforce shortages. Continuing funding pools to support rural and critical access hospitals, obstetrical services, graduate medical education, the Healthy Michigan Plan and Michigan’s Medicaid populations will help maintain access to care for underserved populations throughout Michigan.
Gov. Whitmer is clearly a healthcare champion. We look forward to working with other legislative healthcare champions during the budget process to make sure Michigan healthcare providers have the necessary funding support to advance the health and wellness of Michiganders and communities.