The MHA Legislative Policy Panel met virtually March 12 to develop recommendations on legislative and policy issues impacting Michigan hospitals. The MHA advocacy team provided important updates to the panel on healthcare activities at both the federal and state levels.
Adam Carlson, senior vice president, advocacy, shared the federal update, recapping the activities of the Trump administration since inauguration. Topics included a review of several healthcare-related executive orders, federal agency appointments and proposed Medicaid funding cuts.
Elizabeth Kutter, senior director, advocacy, then provided the panel with a state legislative update, recapping the recent passage of 340B contract pharmacy legislation in the Senate and the recently revised Earned Sick Time Act. Senate Bill (SB) 94, sponsored by Sen. Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), passed the Senate 33-3, with overwhelming bipartisan support, on March 6, which safeguards the 340B program in Michigan, ensuring cost savings and preserving access to affordable healthcare services in both urban and rural Michigan communities. The bill is paired with SB 95, sponsored by Sen. Jonathan Lindsey (R-Allen), which requires hospital compliance with federal cost transparency laws.
John Karasinski, senior director, communications, discussed the public communications strategies supporting Medicaid and 340B efforts. Panel members were encouraged to visit the MHA’s Legislative Action Center and to use the action alerts for both topics.
The Panel chose to act on two issues, making recommendations related to opioid treatments. The first recommendation directs the MHA to support efforts to eliminate prior authorization requirements for buprenorphine. The second recommendation is for the MHA to work with state agencies on state regulatory requirements for opioid treatment programs.
For more information on the MHA Legislative Policy Panel, members may contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.