HR1 and Michigan Medicaid: Work Requirements
Beginning January 1, 2027, more than 500,000 adults enrolled in the Healthy Michigan Plan will face new federal community engagement requirements. While often called “work requirements,” the policy also allows enrollees to qualify through education, job training, community service, or income, with exemptions for certain groups. Key Findings Most enrollees already work or may qualify for an exemption. Seventy percent …
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The 2025 Cover Michigan Survey: Public Opinion on Medicare, Medicaid and the ACA
The 2025 Cover Michigan Survey indicates that a majority of residents hold favorable views of Medicare, Medicaid, and the ACA . While support for Medicare is consistent across the political spectrum, opinions on the ACA and Medicaid are highly polarized, with the ACA facing the lowest net favorability among Republicans. Despite these political differences, geographic location does not influence support …
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Legislative Brief: Michigan’s Health Insurance Marketplace at an Affordability Crossroads
Michigan’s Health Insurance Marketplace is a critical bridge for residents who do not have Medicaid or affordable employer coverage. With enhanced subsidies now expired, consumers may face higher out-of-pocket premiums, reduced coverage, and greater financial exposure. Impact: Enhanced federal subsidies for ACA Health Insurance Marketplace coverage ended this year. Michiganders are feeling the impact of this change – which is …
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HR1 and Michigan Medicaid: Eligibility and Financing Impacts
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, known as HR1, was signed into law in 2025 and represents the largest federal cuts to the Medicaid program’s history. This sweeping legislation fundamentally reshapes how Michigan’s Medicaid program is funded, who can access its services, and how health care providers are compensated. By restructuring the program along the dimensions of eligibility and financing, …
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Maternal Mortality in Michigan
Michigan faces a significant maternal mortality crisis, reporting 19.1 maternal deaths per 1,000 births in 2022, with nearly three-quarters of these deaths considered preventable. Deaths are categorized as pregnancy-related (e.g., infection or sepsis) or pregnancy-associated (e.g., substance use disorder). The core challenges are widespread provider shortages and a lack of quality, culturally competent care. Racial disparities are severe, as Black …
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Health System Transformation Through EMS Data Integration – for Policy Makers
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) data represents a critical, yet underutilized, resource with significant potential to transform public health surveillance, support the delivery of health and social services, and improve health outcomes. Investing in the integration of this near real-time data source will provide visibility into patient needs that remain hidden in traditional clinical settings, driving better care coordination, efficiency, and …
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Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs): A brief for legislators
Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are powerful intermediaries between drug manufacturers, pharmacies, insurers, and patients. They negotiate rebates and manage prescription benefits for nearly all Americans with drug coverage. While PBMs were created to streamline claims and control costs, concerns have grown about opaque pricing, market concentration, and their impact on patients and independent pharmacies. Key Findings 1. What PBMs do …
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The 340B drug pricing program in Michigan: A brief for legislators
The federal 340B Drug Pricing Program allows safety-net providers to buy outpatient drugs at reduced prices and reinvest the savings to serve low-income and uninsured patients. In Michigan, hospitals, clinics, and community health centers use these funds to sustain vital services—from behavioral health and maternity care to discounted prescriptions. While widely used, the program continues to draw debate around transparency, …
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Access to health care in Michigan: A brief for legislators
The Center for Health and Research Transformation (CHRT) has released an issue brief focused on access to health care. The brief, titled “Access to Health Care in Michigan,” describes barriers that affect health care access in the state. Health insurance coverage is a central element improving access to care, but insurance coverage alone is not sufficient to ensure access. This …
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The benefits of dental health
Increasingly, researchers are illuminating the benefits of dental health. Oral health impacts overall health and dental care is vitally important to curb chronic conditions and improve the systemic health of patients. In this publication by CHRT and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, CHRT’s health policy team analyzes peer-reviewed clinical research to understand the benefits of dental health for whole …
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