Michigan Health Policy Resources is a collection of accessible, evidence-informed publications designed to help health care organizations, community groups, policymakers, advocates, and other stakeholders understand key health policy issues affecting Michigan.
Developed with support from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, these resources translate complex policy topics into clear, practical information that can support program planning, outreach, decision-making, and public education. The collection includes introductory primers on foundational topics such as Medicaid and the behavioral health landscape, as well as more detailed issue briefs examining topics like health insurance enrollment trends and drug pricing.
These publications are intended to strengthen shared understanding of Michigan’s health policy landscape and support efforts to improve health, reduce disparities, and connect residents with the care and resources they need.
Michigan State Capitol building. Lansing, Michigan, USA.
Michigan’s Medicaid program provides health insurance coverage for many low-income children and adults. It is a powerful tool for improving the health of Michiganders. In June 2024, over 2.6 million of Michigan’s 10 million residents were enrolled in Medicaid: 1.7 million adults and 946,314 children. Most of Michigan’s Medicaid costs —over 65 percent in 2024—are paid for by the federal …
Like the rest of the nation, Michigan is experiencing severe workforce shortages, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. One 2023 survey showed that 86 percent of physician practices in the state reported declines in staff since the COVID-19 pandemic and another showed 27,000 hospital job openings in early 2023 – a 13 percent vacancy rate. Nearly all health roles are expected …
Direct care workers (DCWs) provide long-term care services to vulnerable populations—largely older adults and people with disabilities—and often help keep people in their homes. Medicaid is the largest payer for long-term care services, many of which are provided by DCWs. According to the 2024 Michigan Healthcare Workforce Index, Michigan’s home health aides, personal care aides and nursing assistants have some …
