MHA CEO Report — Patients Over Politics

“Happy are those who dare courageously to defend what they love.”  — Ovid

Most people will find themselves in a hospital at one point or another, whether it’s to hold a loved one’s hand, welcome a child or receive needed – perhaps even life-saving – care.

I’m no exception. Like many others have done before and since, my wife and I looked to the team at Corewell Health Devos Children’s Hospital to keep our daughter safe and healthy while she was fighting for her life in their neonatal intensive care unit some 19 years ago (a story I recently shared on the MiCare Champion Cast). Needless to say, it’s in those moments that we realize just how personal – and non-partisan – healthcare truly is.

As an association, it’s our job to protect Michigan hospitals and safeguard healthcare services for patients and communities. That’s why in recent months we’ve spoken out against attacks to Medicaid – and why now – we’re ringing the alarm on the devastating impact proposed House budget cuts would have if signed into law.

Political posturing aside, here are the facts: Michigan hospitals stand to lose more than $2.5 billion under House Bill 4706, which would directly impact patient access to care in hospital beds, labor and delivery units, emergency departments, cancer treatment and many other vital service lines across the state. As we stated repeatedly during the debate on “One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA),” when service lines and hospitals close, access is not only lost for Medicaid recipients – it is lost for everyone.  In addition, this funding keeps our incredibly dedicated healthcare workers employed. The House-proposed budget puts more than 20,000 Michigan hospital jobs at risk and could result in a $4.9 billion loss to the state’s economy.

While some politicians point fingers, Michigan hospitals are focused on patients. It’s time to put egos aside and act as a united front when it comes to protecting access to care, helping our communities thrive and showing up for those who care for us all in times of joy, uncertainty and crisis.

We cannot let partisanship put lives at risk. On behalf of our MHA family, I ask you to show courage in speaking truth to power. I ask you to join me in urging lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to protect essential hospital funding by visiting our MHA Legislative Action Center.

As always, I welcome your thoughts.