Tag: state budget

MHA Monday Report Oct. 13, 2025

Monday Report, Member News

Healthcare Funding Protected in New State Budget Signed by Gov. Whitmer

The Michigan Legislature’s newly passed state budget, which protects all existing healthcare funding, was signed into law Oct. 7 by Gov. Whitmer. Public Act 22 of 2025, sponsored by Rep. Ann Bollin (R-Brighton), passed by both …

Community Benefit Collaborative Members Gather for Kickoff Event

The MHA brought together the Community Benefit Collaborative members for a daylong kickoff event on Oct. 2 to network and learn from peers across the state conducting community benefit work in chronic disease, behavioral health …

CDC Updates Guidance for COVID-19 and Chickenpox Vaccines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated its guidance for the COVID-19 and varicella (chickenpox) vaccines. The CDC’s decision uses an individual-based decision-making framework, referring to vaccination decisions made through shared clinical …

Strengthening Rural Healthcare Through Smarter Physician Recruitment

MHA Endorsed Business Partner AMN Healthcare recently released the Rural Physician Recruiting Challenges and Solutions white paper, produced by its Physician Solutions division (formerly Merritt Hawkins). The resource identifies several approaches to address these challenges: Recruiting physicians …

Investing in Rural Hospitals Means Investing in Rural Michigan

When the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law in July, it created the Rural Health Transformation Program, a five-year, $50 billion investment in rural healthcare. The MHA Board of Trustees took swift action empowering an MHA board-appointed task force charged with creating …

Keckley Report

Shutdown Impact: The Affordable Care Act 2.0 Takes Center Stage

“In 2009, I facilitated discussions with key health industry trade associations and the White House Office of Health Reform focused on reforms to reduce costs, increase insurance coverage and improve quality by 2019. It was the Obama administration’s aim to use the health system’s bulk as a lever to stimulate recovery from the 2008-2009 recession and simultaneously increase coverage through Medicaid expansion and marketplace subsidies that for lower-income households. …

The current federal government shutdown is a tipping point for healthcare in the U.S. It’s about more than extended subsidies per Dem’s and holding the line on spending per Republicans. It’s about a growing sense of helplessness among the majority and resentment among many that institutions like the federal government, higher education, big business and healthcare are no longer motivated to serve interests beyond themselves. …

Some will harken back to the Affordable Care Act in 2010 when coverage was also the issue. We’re there again. But the bigger issue is this: extending subsidies and maintaining coverage will not lower spending or transform U.S. healthcare to an affordable, accessible, appropriately structured system of health.

The moral high ground for healthcare is in jeopardy and its direction unclear. Perhaps PPACA 2.0 is an answer. Doing nothing isn’t.”

Paul Keckley, Oct. 5, 2025

Healthcare Funding Protected in New State Budget Signed by Gov. Whitmer

Member News

The Michigan Legislature’s newly passed state budget, which protects all existing healthcare funding, was signed into law Oct. 7 by Gov. Whitmer.

Public Act 22 of 2025, sponsored by Rep. Ann Bollin (R-Brighton), includes the following:

  • Full funding for Medicaid and the Healthy Michigan Plan.
    • Complete recognition of hospital provider taxes and the ability to access those funds without additional legislative action or red tape.
  • Restoration of Specialty Network Access Fee (SNAF) funding.
  • Continued support for the rural and obstetric (OB) stabilization pools.
  • Preserved funding to support Maternal Levels of Care verification.
  • Restoration of funding for the Michigan Clinical Consultation and Care (MC3) program.

This funding reinforces support for Michigan hospitals, healthcare workers and patients. Full funding for Medicaid means maintained access to healthcare for all patients across communities, especially in rural and underserved areas. Furthermore, SNAF supports physician reimbursements for those providing care in vulnerable communities, while rural and OB stabilization pools ensure funding for rural areas and for labor and delivery services. Lastly, Maternal Levels of Care and MC3 funding were both sustained, safeguarding hospitals’ ability to collaborate among facilities and providers to guarantee women receive risk-appropriate maternal care as well as provide access to important pediatric behavioral health services in Michigan.

The MHA worked diligently with legislators over the last several weeks on the budget and applauds the efforts of Gov. Whitmer, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks and Speaker of the House Matt Hall to pass a bipartisan budget that preserves healthcare funding for hospitals, providers and patients.

MHA CEO Brian Peters is quoted in the press release published by Gov. Whitmer following the signing. Members may refer to the MHA-supported budget corrections summary for more details.

Members with questions about the state budget should contact the MHA Advocacy team.

MHA Monday Report Oct. 6, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

Michigan Legislature Passes State Budget, Preserves Healthcare Funding

The Michigan House of Representatives and Michigan Senate passed a state budget protecting all existing healthcare funding on Oct. 3. House Bill 4706, sponsored by Rep. Ann Bollin (R-Brighton), passed by both chambers, includes …

CMS Shares Updates for Medicare Operations During Federal Shutdown

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently directed Medicare Administrative Contractors to hold Medicare fee-for-service claims for ten business days due to the expiration of several Medicare payment provisions and the Oct. …

Hospital Communicators Gather at MHA Communications Retreat

The 2025 MHA Communications Retreat brought together about 100 communications, marketing and public relations professionals from MHA-member facilities Oct. 1 to network and learn from peers across the state. The agenda featured sessions on reputation management …

CE Credits Available for Maternal Health Quality Improvement Modules

Continuing education (CE) credits are now available for obstetric teams that complete the Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (MI AIM) virtual modules. The approximately three-hour series consists of the following modules: MI AIM …

MDHHS Introduces New Provider Updates Under Michigan’s Mental Health Framework

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently introduced new requirements under the state’s Mental Health Framework to strengthen assessments, referrals and care coordination for Medicaid enrollees. These changes take effect beginning October …

MHA Rounds image of Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — Launching Collaboratives to Improve Community Health

In the healthcare community, we know that a person’s health is shaped outside the four walls of a hospital and our support must expand beyond acute care. The MHA recently launched community benefit collaboratives with …

Keckley Report

Who Owns the Public’s Health?

“September 2025 marks a significant shift in U.S. health policy, especially its approach to the public’s health. …

Public health is a vital part of the U.S. health system but a stepchild to its major players. In reality, the U.S. operates a dual system: one that serves those with insurance (public and private) and another for those without. Public health programs like SNAP, HeadStart, Federally Qualified Health Centers et. al., serve lower income and under-insured populations and integrate with local delivery systems emergency services and during mass-events like pandemics, mass-casualties and disease outbreaks. Funding for public health programs is 2-5% of total health spending shared between local, state and federal governments.

Studies show food, housing and income insecurity—areas targeted by public health– correlate to chronic disease prevalence and health costs. Unlike most developed systems of the world which operate at a lower cost and produce better population-health outcomes, our system perpetuates a structural divide between healthcare and public health. Integrating the two is a necessary strategy for system transformation, but a difficult task given entrenched animosity toward “the system” held by public health leaders and funding pressures.  The bridge between public health and the healthcare delivery systems is a two-lane road with lots of potholes at the federal level, and sometimes better in local communities. But funding seems to be an afterthought unless local communities deem it vital.”

Paul Keckley, Sept. 28, 2025

New to Know

News to Know

  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner (EBP) SunRx is hosting a 340B Regulatory Brief webinar Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. EDT with Bharath Krishnamurthy, health policy & analytics, American Hospital Association.
  • The American Hospital Association (AHA) is accepting applications for the AHA’s 2026 Dick Davidson NOVA Award.

 

Michigan Legislature Passes State Budget, Preserves Healthcare Funding

Member News

The Michigan House of Representatives and Michigan Senate passed a state budget protecting all existing healthcare funding on Oct. 3.

House Bill (HB) 4706, sponsored by Rep. Ann Bollin (R-Brighton), passed by both chambers, includes the following:

  • Full funding for Medicaid and the Healthy Michigan Plan.
    • Complete recognition of hospital provider taxes and the ability to access those funds without additional legislative action or red tape.
  • Restoration of Specialty Network Access Fee (SNAF) funding.
  • Continued support for the rural and OB stabilization pools.
  • Preserved funding to support Maternal Levels of Care verification.
  • Restoration of funding for the Michigan Clinical Consultation and Care (MC3) program.

This funding reinforces support for Michigan hospitals, healthcare workers and patients. Full funding for Medicaid means maintained access to healthcare for all patients across communities, especially in rural and underserved areas. Furthermore, SNAF supports physician reimbursements for those providing care in vulnerable communities, while rural and OB stabilization pools ensure funding for rural areas and for labor and delivery services. Lastly, Maternal Levels of Care and MC3 funding were both sustained, safeguarding hospitals’ ability to collaborate among facilities and providers to guarantee women receive risk-appropriate maternal care as well as provide access to important pediatric behavioral health services in Michigan.

The MHA worked diligently with state lawmakers over the last several weeks to ensure this state budget protected hospitals, providers and patients, which led to the MHA’s full support of the finalized version of HB 4706. Following its passage, HB 4706 will now be sent to the Governor’s desk for her signature and its enactment into law.

The MHA published a media statement celebrating the budget, which was picked up by Gongwer and Michigan Advance.

Members with questions about the state budget should contact the MHA Advocacy Team.

Bipartisan State Budget Protects Healthcare

Issues in Healthcare, Top Issues - Healthcare, News Releases

The following statement can be attributed to Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association.

Michigan’s elected officials demonstrated today a strong, bipartisan commitment to protecting healthcare funding in the state budget. We thank all of those who worked together when it mattered most, especially Gov. Whitmer, Senate Majority Leader Brinks and Speaker of the House Hall for their leadership in agreeing to a budget that will continue to advance the health of individuals and communities throughout the state. Hospitals, healthcare workers and patients have secure state funding for another year, maintaining access to care and protecting important service lines.

Hospital Nurses Ensure Healthcare Stays Top of Mind for State Legislators

Member News

The Michigan Organization for Nursing Leadership (MONL) and the American Nurses Association of Michigan (ANA-MI) hosted more than 75 nurses from across the state for an advocacy day at the Michigan State Capitol on Sept. 17.

Nurses from across the state, including many from MHA member hospitals, attended the advocacy day and spoke with lawmakers about protecting healthcare workers from violence, investing in hospitals and healthcare, and nurses’ voices are included when decisions are being made at the state legislative level.

The day featured presentations on healthcare priorities from both Senate Health Policy Chair Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores) and House Health Policy Chair Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington). In addition, MONL and ANA-MI members heard from Representatives Natalie Price (D-Berkley) and Matthew Bierlein (R-Vassar) on addressing workplace safety for healthcare workers. Throughout the day, MONL and ANA-MI leaders met with nearly 45 lawmakers and staff to share legislative and budget priorities.

The MHA recognizes the nurses from member hospitals, as well as lawmakers and legislative staff, who participated in discussions, emphasizing the essential role of hospitals and the urgent need to pass a state budget that prioritizes healthcare before the Sept. 30 deadline.

Members with any questions related to legislation and advocacy efforts may contact the advocacy team at the MHA.

Media Recap: State Budget & Vaccines

Member News, MHA In The News

The MHA received media coverage the week of Sept. 1 on the state budget and COVID-19 vaccines.

Several news outlets published stories related to the harmful impacts to healthcare found in the state budget bill passed by the Michigan House of Representatives.

Adam Carlson9&10 News aired a story Sept. 2 that includes an interview with Adam Carlson, senior vice president, advocacy, MHA, explaining the cuts found in the bill.

“It includes billions of dollars in cuts that impact things like maternal health care payments to physicians and all sorts of other healthcare related cuts that are completely unnecessary,” said Carlson.

The MHA issued a press release Sept. 3 sharing the House version of the budget endangers 20,000 hospital jobs and a $4.9 billion economic loss to the state. This led to a critical reaction from the House Speaker, resulting in stories from The Detroit News and Gongwer. A MHA media statement shared responding to the Speaker’s criticism was released that evening.

“We will not be bullied away from defending our patients. We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting healthcare access throughout Michigan,” said Peters in the statement, that was included in the Gongwer story.

Lastly, Bridge published an article Sept. 4 providing information on how to access the COVID-19 vaccine. The MHA provided a comment for the story from Gary Roth, DO, chief medical officer, MHA.

“Our role is to support hospitals in their efforts to increase overall vaccination uptake and avoid the spread of vaccine preventable diseases, as the evidence is indisputable that vaccines are the best tool available to prevent severe illness and save lives,” said Roth.

Members with any questions regarding media requests should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

House Budget Endangers 20,000 Hospital Jobs and $4.9 Billion Economic Loss

News Releases, Issues in Healthcare, Top Issues - Healthcare

An estimated 20,000 hospital jobs could be lost in Michigan and lead to a $4.9 billion loss to the state’s economy if the House version of the state budget ultimately is signed into law, according to new estimates from the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA).

The estimates consider the more than $2.5 billion in potential hospital funding cuts included in House Bill 4706. The impact on jobs would be particularly profound, as on average, 60% of a hospital’s budget is due to labor. Such a cut could have an additional estimated induced and indirect economic loss of $2.4 billion on the economy. More than one million jobs are directly, indirectly or induced by healthcare in the state.

“Healthcare is the largest private-sector employer in the state, with hospitals employing the most direct jobs within the sector with approximately 222,000 employees,” said MHA CEO Brian Peters. “Our calculations show the House version of the state budget could ultimately lead to a 9% reduction in the direct hospital workforce. Hospitals are one of the largest employers in each of their communities, meaning job losses to this magnitude would be felt in every corner of Michigan.”

Provisions of the budget bill that would lead to losses include:

  • New language that places $2.5 billion of hospital provider-tax funded payments in contingency line, requiring unnecessary administrative and legislative actions that could jeopardize timely hospital payments.
  • Elimination of at least $100 million of funding from the Specialty Network Access Fee (SNAF), which provides reimbursement to physicians caring for patients with Medicaid coverage.
  • Elimination of $10 million to support the Maternal Levels of Care verification and MI-AIM safety program for birthing hospitals.

Hospitals depend on stable funding, predictable reimbursements and policies that reflect the real costs of care. This is necessary from all healthcare payors, including the state. Eroding established funding levels and risking both the certainty and the timeliness of payments prevents hospitals from making needed investments in the hospital workforce, patient care and capital improvements.

House Budget Guts Hospital Funding

News Releases

The following statement can be attributed to Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association.

The proposed state budget from the Michigan House of Representatives guts hospital funding and would be disastrous if even a semblance of the cuts eventually makes it into the state budget. Michigan hospitals already stand to lose more than $6 billion over the next ten years due to federal budget cuts. Slashing more funding that supports delivering healthcare services and the nurses, physicians and other staff employed by hospitals harms Michigan and our more than 10 million residents.

Hospitals are already bracing for busier emergency departments, sicker patients and higher rates of uncompensated care. We are extremely disappointed in the message being sent to healthcare providers to do more with less. Hospitals can only stretch resources so far before it impacts their ability to provide the care our communities need.

Hospitals need a real budget by Sept. 30 that supports healthcare and those who show up to work every day to care for Michiganders. It is time to stop playing political games and get to the table with real solutions that give our state the basic support that it needs.

MHA CEO Report — A Year of Progress and Purpose

Member News, MHA Rounds
MHA Rounds image of Brian Peters

“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” — Margaret J. WheatleyMHA Rounds graphic of Brian Peters

With another program year behind us, the MHA Annual Meeting served as a powerful reminder of our shared mission to advance the health and well-being of Michigan’s patients and communities. Despite an evolving political landscape, we’ve made meaningful progress and are moving ahead with clear purpose.

As you can imagine, the 2024-2025 MHA program year was marked by busy periods of state legislative activity and various developments at the federal level. We can attribute a tremendous amount of our success to Dr. Julie Yaroch, president of ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital, who served as board chair. Dr. Yaroch’s leadership, clinical expertise and passion for public health had significant impact across countless areas of work.

It’ll come as no surprise that ensuring access to quality healthcare for all Michiganders continued – and continues – to be a priority. This program year, the MHA successfully prevented proposed government mandated nurse staffing ratio legislation from receiving a committee vote. Advocacy efforts also continued around 340B to maintain access to community-based care and prevent drug manufacturer overreach. This resulted in strong bipartisan support for legislation that passed the Michigan Senate and collaboration at the federal level with Senator Debbie Stabenow on the SUSTAIN 340B Act.

I’d be remiss not to mention our response to proposed federal cuts to Medicaid. The MHA, alongside urban and rural members, has prioritized congressional meetings, grassroots communications, coalition efforts and collaboration with state executive leadership to send a strong, clear message: Michigan needs Medicaid.

All that said, playing defense didn’t define our program year. In an effort to grow and develop our healthcare workforce, the MHA successfully hosted the inaugural Healthcare Careers Conversation and led changes to the Michigan Reconnect Program. This resulted in 4,300 students enrolling in short-term healthcare programs, a complement to our ongoing MI Hospital Careers campaign work. Additionally, we pursued state legislation to address provider credentialing delays, secured key amendments to the Earned Sick Time Act and had a hand in proposed changes to the state’s unemployment compensation benefits, among many other employer-related policies.

I’m also incredibly proud to share that we worked with state legislators to design, draft and introduce legislation that makes assaulting a healthcare worker a felony, while tying it to appropriate criminal justice system diversions. Our MHA Keystone Center collaborated to offer active shooter trainings and workplace violence gap analyses to our members while serving as a founding partner of Lawrence Technological University’s Healthcare Violence Reduction Center (HVAC).

We were fortunate to see several MHA priorities included within the FY 2024 state budget, notably a large sum put toward mental and behavioral health. The MHA team successfully secured $8.3 million to launch a competitive grant program for hospital-based peer recovery coach (PRC) programs while leading the charge on a series of impactful prevention and data-driven efforts. Understanding that gaps in behavioral health continue to effect urban and rural hospitals alike, these successes lay the groundwork for what’s ahead.

Emerging technologies and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) reinforced our commitment to addressing cybercrime and strengthening cybersecurity policy. With this in mind, the MHA worked directly with the Michigan Attorney General and state policy leaders to ensure hospitals are reflected as victims of cybersecurity events. Simultaneously, we engaged our MHA Service Corporation, MHA AI Task Force, CFO Council and industry experts to deploy a series of cybersecurity events and resources to members.

I’d like to applaud our teams for handling a handful of unforeseen challenges, including working over the course of many months to address critical supply chain needs following the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. We also saw impressive engagement across annual member events, from our MHA Human Resources Conference and MHA Keystone Safety & Quality Symposium to the Healthcare Leadership Academy and Excellence in Governance Fellowship.

These milestones are just a glimpse into what we accomplished together this program year. I’m deeply grateful to our MHA Board of Trustees, members, sponsors, business partners and dedicated MHA staff – your unity and unwavering dedication to this work continues to have a lasting impact.

As always, I welcome your thoughts.