News & Media
Governor Signs Budget Amid Major Health Funding Changes
Governor Whitmer signed Michigan’s new state budget earlier this week, and one of the biggest shifts is in the Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). The Department’s $30 billion budget marks a 20 percent drop in overall funding, largely because of federal changes in H.R. 1, which includes eligibility changes and cuts off billions in Medicaid dollars over the next ten years.
To soften the blow, the state is increasing its General Fund contribution by 6.2 percent, but the loss of federal support still leaves a major gap. Much of the reduction stems from new federal limits on “provider taxes” — fees hospitals and insurers pay that help draw in federal matching funds.
In response, Michigan has moved several programs into “contingency funds,” essentially placeholders totaling over $9 billion, while the state works to secure a waiver from federal health officials that would allow these funds to be released.
Additionally, the budget preserves approximately $6.4 million in funding for the MIDOCS program. While advocates had hoped that last year’s one time infusion of $4.6 million for a total allocation of $11 million this fiscal year would be continued, this continued investment will still allow MIDOCS to sustain its mission of expanding residency opportunities and bringing expert medical care to underserved communities across Michigan.
Legislative Update: Action Needed on House Bill 4399
Now that the Legislature has approved a bipartisan state budget, many expect lawmakers to pivot their attention to policy issues that have been on hold in recent weeks. Among those is House Bill 4399, which would allow nurse practitioners to practice medicine without physician supervision.
The Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS), along with our coalition partners, have actively opposed this dangerous legislation since its introduction. Despite strong advocacy, the bill remains a real possibility—and your voice can make a difference. For information on the bill, click here.
The most effective way to express your position is by contacting your legislators directly. Sending a brief email to share your concerns is a simple but powerful step. Attending local events—such as coffee hours or office hours—is another excellent way to engage face-to-face with your representatives. We have heard from reliable sources that nurse practitioners are consistently showing up to such events and working hard to counter the concerns we’ve identified in testimony, public messaging, and legislator visits.
Below is a list of upcoming local events that we’ve identified from legislators’ public schedules. Please note that additional events may be added or not publicly listed, so we encourage you to check your legislators’ websites or social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 13
- Rep. Jaime Greene (R) – Local Office Hours, 10:00 a.m. Gather & Grounds North, 36446 Division Road, Richmond, MI 48062
- Rep. Jaime Greene (R) – Local Office Hours, 12:00 p.m. Good Grounds Coffee Company, 126 N. Main St., Almont, MI 48003
- Rep. Jaime Greene (R) – Local Office Hours, 2:00 p.m. The Bulldog Lounge, 103 S. Main St., Yale, MI 48097
- Rep. Stephanie A. Young (D) – Local Office Hours, 10:00 a.m. 19800 Grand River Ave., Detroit, MI 48219
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18
- Rep. Jimmie Wilson Jr. (D) – Local Coffee Hours, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Ypsilanti District Library, Whitaker Branch, 5577 Whitaker Rd., Ypsilanti