MHA Monday Report April 18, 2022

MHA Monday Report

MHA Covid-19 update

Combating the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19): Week of April 11

The number of confirmed and suspected cases of COVID-19 in Michigan went up April 7-13 from the previous week, rising from an average of 750 per day to 1,104 per day. Out of the 7,725 confirmed and suspected cases that week, 81 Michiganders …


Board of Trustees Meets at MHA Capitol Advocacy Center

The MHA Board of Trustees met at the MHA’s downtown Lansing offices April 13 and were joined by Michigan House of Representatives Appropriations Committee Chair Thomas Albert (R-Lowell). Albert provided an update on the progress of the fiscal year 2023 state budget, which includes funding for …


capitol building

State Legislature Discusses Multiple Bills Affecting Healthcare


MHA Annual Membership Meeting Registration Open

MHA members will return to an in-person annual meeting June 29 through July 1 on Mackinac Island. COVID-19 vaccination is required for attendees 12 years of age and older; details surrounding the vaccination verification process are outlined …


State Extension of Medicaid/CHIP Coverage for 12 Months Postpartum Approved

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently approved an extension of Michigan Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program coverage for 12 months after pregnancy, up from 60 days, effective April 1, 2022. This coverage extension is expected to apply to approximately 16,000 pregnant and …


Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule Released

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system for skilled nursing facilities for fiscal year 2023. …


Proposal Would Update Hospice Payment System

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently released a proposed rule to update Medicare fee-for-service hospice payment rates, wage index, beneficiary cap amount and quality reporting program requirements for fiscal year 2023, which begins Oct. 1, 2022. …


EIGFExcellence in Governance Fellowship Prepares Trustees to Lead

The MHA Excellence in Governance Fellowship is the best choice to help prepare health organization board members to excel in performing their vital responsibilities as hospitals and health systems navigate an environment where COVID-19 is endemic. Launched 20 …


MHA Comments on Telecommunications/Broadband Rules for Rural Hospitals

The MHA submitted a comment letter April 14 on behalf of its rural hospital members to the Federal Communications Commission in response to its request for input on proposed rulemaking to improve the Rural Health Care Program. …


New Podcast Explores Social Determinants of Health with Wright Lassiter

The MHA released another episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, which features interviews with healthcare policy experts in Michigan on key issues that impact healthcare and the health of communities. …


Workplace Safety and Minority Health Recognized in April

National organizations are recognizing April as Workplace Violence Awareness Month and Minority Health Month, each of which are key priorities for the Michigan Health & Hospital Association. The Alliance Against Workplace Violence is leading efforts for Workplace Violence Awareness Month while the U.S. …


The Keckley Report

Paul Keckley

U.S. Healthcare and Inflation: A Tipping Point

“Inflation hit a 40-year high of 7.9% in the first quarter of 2022. Driven by higher gas and food prices, the average household’s expenses have increased $433/month this year and the end is not in sight.

“It is taking its toll on consumers– disproportionately in lower income households, rural communities, the unhealthy and frail elderly and non-white populations. Recent polling underscores the gravity of the public mood.”

Paul Keckley, April 11, 2022


News to Know

  • The MHA will host a webinar from noon to 12:30 p.m. ET April 27 to discuss compliance support for the No Surprises Act.
  • The MHA will host a webinar from 10 to 11 a.m. ET April 28 with ParaRev to provide coding and billing guidance related to COVID-19.
  • MHA CEO Brian Peters issued a statement April 13 on the tragic shooting of Patrick Lyoya.

MHA Comments on Telecommunications/ Broadband Rules for Rural Hospitals

The MHA submitted a comment letter April 14 on behalf of its rural hospital members to the Federal Communications Commission in response to its request for input on proposed rulemaking to improve the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program.

The RHC Program provides funding to healthcare providers for telecommunications and broadband services necessary to provide healthcare services. Given the advancement in technology in recent years, the RHC Program is critical for expanding access to broadband services. Members with questions should contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.