The following statement can be attributed to Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association.
Wednesday marked the 60th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid making a monumental difference in improving the health of Michiganders and supporting healthcare providers.
This anniversary reminds all of us about the value these programs bring to the health of our citizens and access to care throughout Michigan. At a time when the federal government has taken steps to limit these programs that will result in Michigan hospitals losing $6 billion over the next ten years, healthcare providers will continue to do everything in our power to protect these vital programs and the people they serve.
Nearly half of Michigan residents receive health coverage from these two insurance programs, and 40% of all babies born in the state every year are covered by Medicaid, demonstrating the reliance our state has on publicly available health insurance coverage. These programs help vulnerable Michiganders receive preventative care, cancer treatment, and important hospital and post-acute services during their time of need.
Our message to lawmakers is clear: act now to protect these programs before it is too late. If the harmful policies signed into law earlier this month come to pass, we will see less healthcare services offered in all areas of the state, more uninsured and sicker patients, and longer wait times in emergency departments.
The creation of these programs was a huge step forward for the health of our country. We can’t afford to go backwards by undermining Medicare and Medicaid and what they do for millions of Michiganders.
