News & Media
Legislative Update: State of the State Sets Tone as Budget Season Begins
Attention in Lansing this week centered on Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s final State of the State Address, pausing much of the typical committee work. Although MSMS expects key health policy discussions to resume in the weeks ahead, the fiscal year budget will soon dominate lawmakers’ time and attention. Therefore, the window for advancing substantive policy initiatives is narrowing.
Governor’s Final State of the State Address
In her 2026 State of the State Address, Governor Whitmer reflected on her three decades in state government — from legislative intern to chief executive — while outlining the priorities she hopes to complete in her final year in office.
The Governor highlighted several accomplishments, including investments in infrastructure, protections for reproductive health care, and the implementation of universal free school meals and free Pre-K for four-year-olds. Looking ahead, she placed particular emphasis on health care affordability, identifying rising costs, and medical debt as urgent challenges for Michigan residents.
Among the proposals outlined:
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Capping interest rates on medical debt
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Prohibiting medical debt from appearing on credit reports
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Requiring hospitals to establish structured payment plan programs
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Ending foreclosure actions related to medical debt
The Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS) has an existing policy, adopted by the 2023 House of Delegates, supporting reforms that prevent medical debt, reduce court involvement, and protect patients from destabilizing financial consequences. MSMS policy further supports garnishment protections and caps the maximum interest rate on medical debt at 5 percent. The Society looks forward to engaging with the administration and Legislature to advance balanced, patient-centered solutions in this space.
To view Governor Whitmer’s 2026 State of the State as Prepared for Delivery, click here.
MSMS Legislative Priorities
Independent Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners: House Bill 4399
House Bill 4399 remains in the House Rules Committee. The Committee Chair continues to evaluate potential revisions to the bill’s language but has not yet identified a clear path forward.
MSMS, alongside coalition partners, continues to oppose HB 4399 and to advocate for physician-led care teams as the optimal model for ensuring patient safety, clinical quality, and coordinated care delivery.
Independent Practice Authority for Physician Assistants: House Bill 5522
House Bill 5522 was recently introduced and referred to the House Committee on Health Policy. MSMS anticipates that the bill will receive at least a hearing. The Society opposes this bill and is actively educating lawmakers regarding the demonstrated effectiveness of Michigan’s current practice agreement framework.
Continuing Medical Education (CME) Reform: House Bill 5313
House Bill 5313 — legislation that would reduce Michigan’s continuing medical education requirements and provide relief for minor infractions — was reported favorably by the House Health Policy Committee and referred to the House Rules Committee.
MSMS supports HB 5313 and worked closely with the bill’s sponsor, Representative Matthew Bierlein (R-Vassar), to get it introduced. Immediate goals are to secure a vote in the Rules Committee and then full House passage prior to the Legislature’s adjournment for spring break in mid-March.
To share your position on these bills with your legislator, click here.
Local Grassroots Advocacy Opportunities
To share your thoughts on these and other issues of interest or concern, you can connect with your elected officials at a local Coffee Hour event. These in-district events are hosted by legislators to make it easier for their constituents to share their views. Currently scheduled events are below:
MONDAY, MARCH 2
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Representative Erin Byrnes (D) Local Office Hour 6:00 pm to 7:30pm, Caroline Kennedy Library, Program Rooms A and B, 24590 George St., Dearborn Heights, MI 48127
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Senator Jeremy Moss (D) Local Coffee Hours 5:30pm to 6:30pm, Bloomfield Township Public Library 1099 Lone Pine Rd. Bloomfield Twp.,48302
FRIDAY, MARCH 14
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Representative Tim Kelly (R) Local Coffee Hours 10:00am to 11:00am, Miles Market, 6235 Gratiot Road, Saginaw, MI 48638
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Representative Tim Kelly (R) Local Coffee Hours 12:00pm to 1:00pm, McDonald’s, 1000 N. Saginaw Street. St. Charles, MI 48655