MHA Race of the Week – U.S. Senate

MHA RACE OF THE WEEK

The MHA’s Race of the Week series highlights the most pivotal statewide races for the 2024 General Election. The series will provide hospitals and healthcare advocates with the resources they need to make informed decisions on Election Day, including candidates’ views and background.

MICHIGAN CANDIDATES FOR U.S. SENATE

U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) is a former national security official currently serving Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, which includes all of Ingham, Livingston, Shiawassee and Clinton counties, as well as parts of Eaton, Genesee and Oakland counties.

Like many Americans, healthcare is a deeply personal issue for Rep. Slotkin. In Congress, she worked across the aisle to help pass legislation to make prescription drug prices more transparent and fought to pass laws that capped the cost of insulin for seniors and allowed Medicare to negotiate for lower drug prices. Slotkin also worked closely with the MHA and the hospitals in her district during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Slotkin is a third-generation Michigander who believes government works best when there are two healthy parties that debate the big issues facing Americans. For more information, visit elissaslotkin.org.

Mike Rogers (R-White Lake) is a former state senator and member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Michigan’s 8th congressional district. Prior to his time in the legislature, Rogers worked as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army and a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Rogers, also a Michigan native, is known for his work on Michigan’s 529 College Savings Program and efforts passing legislation to help low-income families receive healthcare. Additionally, Rogers served as Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and was a part of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Rogers entered the private sector in 2015 to champion small businesses before announcing in August 2023 his candidacy for the U.S. Senate. To learn more, visit rogersforsenate.com.

WHY IT MATTERS

Congress is responsible for lawmaking and budgetary decisions critical to Michigan’s healthcare community and residents. In addition to setting the course on federal funding that impacts Michigan’s Medicare and Medicaid populations, among other issues, Congress is responsible for making policy decisions that can vastly impact the delivery and access to healthcare in the state, as well as confirmation of Supreme Court nominees. Due to the major financial and policy decisions made in Washington, DC, Michigan relies on its federal officials to advocate and protect the needs of state residents, which is why electing healthcare champions to federal offices is so important.

For more information or to request 2024 Election materials, visit the MHA Election webpage or contact the MHA.

Rural Emergency Hospital Improvement Act Introduced in the U.S. Senate

U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced the Rural Emergency Hospital Improvement Act May 14  to bolster rural healthcare. Senate Bill 4322 aims to address critical gaps in rural healthcare infrastructure by incorporating several technical improvements to the Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) statute. The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) expressed support over the proposed legislation, noting that it incorporates key suggestions brought forward by its members. Among the key provisions outlined in the bill are measures to facilitate the reopening of previously closed rural hospitals. Under the proposed legislation, these hospitals could apply for REH designation if they can demonstrate compliance with eligibility requirements between Jan. 1, 2015, and Dec. 27, 2020.

Additionally, the bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a waiver program to allow facilities operating similarly to an REH to convert to this designation. This move aims to expand the reach of REHs and ensure more communities can benefit from their services. The bill addresses other keys, such as expanding the scope of care to include psychiatric, obstetric and rehabilitation services. It also seeks to enhance funding for REH facilities, clarify their eligibility for grants and improve workforce recruitment by authorizing them as National Health Service Corps sites. Furthermore, the bill streamlines patient transfers and offers flexibility for facilities to revert to Critical Access Hospital status, if needed.

Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.