The last year has been marked by significant changes in federal health policy. Previous work by the Research Council has highlighted changing policy regarding vaccination guidance, scientific and medical research funding, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act marketplaces. These changes exist within a broader context of the federal government spending less on public health insurance programs, but also pulling back from its role as a coordinating force for health expertise, guidance, and data collection.
In the absence of federal leadership in some cases, states have been considering what they can do to fill the gaps. One idea that has emerged is the formation of state alliances or collaboratives to perform as many of the necessary functions as possible. Michigan has not joined any of the major state alliances, but should consider doing so or take the lead to establish one for the Great Lakes states.
IN A NUTSHELL
— The federal government is actively pulling back from its role as a coordinating force for health expertise, guidance, and data collection.
— States have begun forming health alliances to perform some of the functions formerly performed by the federal government as well as those the federal government has started to do in ways that contradict established science.
— Michigan has not joined any of the existing alliances, despite strong incentives to prioritize health outcomes for its residents, and should consider joining one or leading its own.
