Tag: rural

Register Now for MHA Rural Advocacy Day

Member News

Registration is currently open for Rural Advocacy Day as the MHA facilitates connections between rural hospital leaders throughout Michigan with legislators to discuss the vital role these hospitals and organizations play in their communities. The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 21 at the MHA Capitol Advocacy Center located in downtown Lansing.

Small or rural members will have the opportunity to have one-on-one meetings with lawmakers, engage with legislative leadership, learn how to host lawmakers for hospital tours and more.

Registration is available online and required by Friday, Sept. 16. Questions about the event and further details may be directed to Lauren LaPine at the MHA; contact Meghan Protz-Sanders at the MHA for assistance with registration.

Legislature Passes State Budget That Protects Healthcare Funding

Member News
capitol building

Michigan CapitolThe Michigan Legislature approved Sept. 22 the fiscal year (FY) 2022 state budget. The governor has indicated support for the budget that goes into effect Oct. 1, and the agreement protects vital funding sources for patient care in Michigan hospitals and expands access to healthcare services. The MHA published a statement on the passage of the budget Sept. 22.

Specifically, the budget reflects the protection or enhancement of many MHA priorities:

  • Continues enhanced outpatient Medicaid rates. For FY 2022, the increase in rates is projected to result in the continuation of funding that translates to $270 million in net revenue for hospitals.
  • Protects funding for the rural access pool and obstetrical stabilization fund.
  • Continues to maintain funding for disproportionate share hospitals (DSH) and graduate medical education (GME), pursuant to the MHA board-supported multiyear budget agreement.
  • Fully funds the Healthy Michigan Plan.
  • Continues the additional $2.35 hourly wage increase for direct care workers at skilled nursing facilities and enhanced reimbursement for ground ambulance services to reimburse at 100% of the Medicare rate.
  • Continues expanded Medicaid coverage for women up to 12 months postpartum.
  • Adds $3 million in new funding to set up a statewide system of care for stroke and ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) emergencies within the existing statewide trauma system.

In addition, nearly $10 billion in state and federal funding is still available that will be allocated through a supplemental budget process. The MHA will advocate the state use portions of the funding to address the association’s behavioral health priorities and workforce issues.

Members with questions on the state budget may contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.