Updates About Legislation

House Democrats recently introduced a bill package that aims to reform Michigan’s primary care. The eight-bill package is being led by Rep. Matt Longjohn (D-Portage). The series of bills aims to increase the share of state-contracted health plans spending dedicated to primary care from 6% to 12%.

Also included are bills creating a state commission and office focused on primary care access, workforce needs, and monitoring investments. The package would codify the MiDOCS recruitment program and create a MiNURSES program that would offer loan repayment and scholarships for nurses who work in underserved areas.

The package also comprises a proposal to create a program for state-backed loans to help students who are pursuing a career in primary care but have already reached the federal student loan cap. Lastly, a bill in the package is included to create tax credits for clinicians who train providers and grants for medical schools to introduce students to health careers.

The introduction of the package comes as primary care, and healthcare in general, see access shortages across the state.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently announced that they are preparing to implement the federally required Medicaid changes that were passed under H.R. 1. This includes the new work requirements and more frequent eligibility reviews for certain Healthy Michigan Plan (HMP) beneficiaries.

Beginning in January 2027, some HMP enrollees ages 19 to 64 may need to complete approved activities. The list of approved activities includes employment, education, volunteer work, or work programs. Some enrollees can qualify for an exemption to maintain their coverage. The department will be reviewing federal guidance, updating systems, and developing outreach materials to help beneficiaries understand and comply with the new requirements.

The changes will be implemented gradually, and MDHHS has stated that beneficiaries will receive additional information and notices as the transition moves forward.

Legislative Democrats have reintroduced a package of nine bills that were previously vetoed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer after they had failed to reach her desk during the previous legislative session. The package includes legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids), House Minority Leader Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton) Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), and other Democratic lawmakers addressing issues including public employee pensions, healthcare costs, debt garnishment protections, and Detroit museum funding. Democratic leaders said they intend to advance the bills again during the current legislative session.

To view our previous coverage of this issue, including the previous nine bills click the article below.