The MHA Board welcomed AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack to the April 9 meeting at MHA's Capital Advocacy Centre in downtown Lansing. The board has maintained access to critical community healthcare services currently facing rapid proposed funding cuts, focusing primarily on ways to advocate effectively with state and federal lawmakers.
In a “fireside chat” format moderated by MHA CEO Brian Peters, Pollack shared political insights he has gathered from more than 40 years of federal healthcare advocacy to provide his perspective on the current Congressional budget process, the key drivers of current management and congressional leadership, and the most effective message to understand how low makers understand community proposals.
Pollack shared a recent public messaging from the coalition to strengthen American healthcare, showing the face of Medicaid and urged lawmakers to protect their funds. “If lawmakers haven't heard from you, they think it's fine. Hospitals are not a single problem group,” Pollack said. “We have the opportunity to become objective teachers, so we reach out to your lawmakers. Take them to your hospital and tell them your story.”
At the state level, the board supported support for efforts to address medical debt relief and provided directions to continue working with policymakers on this important issue. The board also discussed ongoing advocacy in support of state laws to protect 340B contract pharmacies. Additionally, the board reviewed the Advisory Committee on Community Interest Cooperation, focusing on voluntary collaborators to improve prenatal care and address perinatal mood disorders.
The MHA Health PAC campaign is achieving its goal to achieve its $400,000 target. Finally, the board approved the Type 3 membership application for Warner, Norlos & Judd and LLP.
Members who have asked questions about the actions of the MHA Council may contact MHA Amy Burkurtz.
