The MHA Legislative Policy Panel met virtually Jan. 21 to develop recommendations on legislative and policy issues impacting Michigan hospitals.
The meeting began with guest speakers from the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and The Cornerstone Group. Wendy Block, senior vice president of business advocacy, Michigan Chamber of Commerce, provided an overview on the Money Out of Politics ballot proposal. Laura Bozell, principal, Cornerstone Group, delivered a federal update on current activity in Congress.
John Karasinski, vice president, communications, MHA, presented on the MHA’s communications and marketing strategy supporting the program year’s Strategic Action Plan.
Jim Lee, senior vice president, data policy & analytics, MHA, shared next steps for the Rural Health Transformation Program, following Michigan’s $173 million award from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for fiscal year 2026, which will be administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) through grant programming identified in the state’s application. The MHA remains engaged and will continue advocacy with MDHHS on behalf of rural hospitals as next steps are shared.
The MHA advocacy and health finance teams shared a state legislative update, including a recap on hospital financial assistance policies, medical debt and affordability.
For more information on the MHA Legislative Policy Panel, contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.