Health Issues Missing From Governor Granholm’s State of the State Address

Governor Granholm used her final State of the State address on February 3 to urge lawmakers to make some last-minute fixes to state government, while trying to convince  residents that Michigan’s evolving high-technology economy is taking off.

As for fixes, she said she wants legislative leaders to work with her to pass the Fiscal Year 2011 budget by July 1, and that she wants to protect funding for education and tourism.  She also stated she wants to reinstate the Michigan Promise Scholarship that lawmakers carved out of this year’s budget, and she called for more revenue for roads so Michigan doesn’t lose $2 billion in federal funds.

Governor Granholm used much of her speech to build her legacy, sharing examples from across the state of how change is starting to happen.

“I find nothing but hope for the new Michigan on the other side,” Granholm said.

Gongwer News Service quoted Doug Rothwell, CEO of Business Leaders of Michigan, as saying that the legacy of Governor Granholm and the rest of those now serving in Lansing would be shaped more by how they spend their final year in office. Will they pass the government reform that is needed? Will they pass the changes in the tax structure that is needed?

“That will define the legacy of everybody who is serving,” Rothwell said. “This is the year that has to be seized upon. There’s such turnover, it’s naïve to think the people who succeed them will be able to hit the ground running. This group of leaders needs to do everything they can to act now.”

Unfortunately, in her speech and of interest to the Michigan Primary Care Association, there was absolutely no mention of anything related to health — not Medicaid, public health, mental health or any other health issue.  In fact, she said she would protect education from additional cuts to the base grants, thus leaving all other parts of the budget to absorb even more cuts.

Neither did she mention anything about the need to address the structural deficit, although she did indicate that her budget message, to be released next week, would address budget related issues and that she intentionally avoided that issue in her State of the State address.

The View of A Better Michigan Future

by Doug Paterson, MPA, Director of State Policy, MPCA

On February 2, a coalition of organizations called “A Better Michigan Future”, of which the Michigan Primary Care Association is a member, held a press conference to kick off a public information and legislative advocacy campaign that calls on policymakers to address the state’s structural deficit.  They defined a structural deficit as one created by tax policies that cannot, DESPITE WHETHER THE ECONOMY IS GOOD OR BAD, keep up with inflation.  It is because of outdated tax policy, NOT THE ECONOMY, that the state legislature faces budget deficits year after year. 

The group pointed out the three main sources of tax revenue in our state are income tax, sales tax, and property tax.  In all three cases, Michigan’s tax policy results in revenues that can only decrease.  Property tax increases are limited by proposal A that was passed in the 1990s.  Sales tax is tied to goods rather than services, while goods are a declining portion of our economy and also are affected by the growing volume of sales conducted via the Internet, through which little state sales tax is collected.  The flat income tax does not allow the state to benefit from income from the part of our population where income is growing, the top 5%, because there is no policy for taxing discretionary income at a higher rate than other income.  That is something that a graduated income tax would resolve.  The group also pointed out that Michigan is well behind other states in all three areas.

In addition, the coalition is calling for a review of all tax exemptions that have been legislated over the past 30 years but not reviewed to determine any benefit that the state has received from them.

Finally, the group called for an audit of all current state contracts to measure value and benefit to the state and called for a policy that prohibits “no bid” contracts in the future.

New Health Center Opening in Upper Peninsula in Spring

A new Community Health Center will soon be launched to improve access to a variety of health care services for residents of the Copper Country. 

The Quincy Hill Health Center will be located at 51024 US 41 near Hancock.  The Health Center is a collaborative effort of the U.P. Association of Rural Health Services with Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital and other area health providers.  Its purpose is to improve access to health care for all residents, including the uninsured and underinsured.

“The Quincy Hill Health Center is not just another doctor’s office.  We’re a Community Health Center.  We serve everyone, regardless of insurance status and ability to pay.  We specialize in providing care to people who might otherwise slip through the cracks,” said Sandy Wilson, board chairperson of the U.P. Association of Rural Health Services, Inc. (UPARHS).  UPARHS has owned and operated Federally Qualified Health Centers in the Upper Peninsula for over two decades.

Wilson noted that the establishment of a Health Center in the Copper Country has been part of UPARHS’s long-range plan for years.

“Many of the patients we serve at our Ewen clinic travel from the Keweenaw Peninsula area to receive medical and dental services.  This new Health Center will make it so much easier for them to get care, and it will improve access for others too.  Aspirus Keweenaw is providing wonderful support in helping us to reach those who rely on our services.”

Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital will help provide medical staff and services for the new clinic.

“The Quincy Hill Health Center is a great addition to our health care community.  Expanded services in behavioral, dental and family health mean more access for people across the Keweenaw,” said Dr. Jerry Luoma, Medical Director of Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital. “The Upper Peninsula Association of Rural Health Services has a proven track record of excellent care and community service in six other locations in the UP.  They bring a proven formula for serving the needs of many communities directly to us.  Aspirus Keweenaw looks forward to supporting the Quincy Hill Health Center with necessary equipment, lab services and medical support staff to meet the needs of the community.”

UPARHS is completing the process for Quincy Hill Health Center to become a Federally Qualified Health Center.  Support will come from patient payments, co-payments, insurance reimbursements from those who have health insurance, donations and eventually government and community grants.  In the meantime, the clinic is being launched with UPARHS’s existing resources.

“We all know relatives or friends who have lost their job and their health coverage; it’s frightening,” said Phil Kolehmainen, a member of the UPARHS Board.  “Our clinics can help these folks.  They can get services on a sliding fee that’s based on family size and income.  It’s not a free clinic, but the co-payments are minimal.  It makes getting health services possible for just about anybody.”

The new clinic will provide medical services upon opening.  Behavioral health, dental and pharmacy services will be added in the future.

Over the years, a number of studies have demonstrated the positive outcomes of Community Health Centers.  Some of these include:

• Greatly improved access to basic care and preventative services to vulnerable populations
• Reduced patient care costs resulting in as much as $24 billion in nationwide annual savings, which includes a $6.7 billion in savings to the federal share of the Medicaid program
• Reduced health disparities between groups based on socio-economic factors
• Reduction of infant mortality rates by 10 percent, and lowered rates of low birth weight
• Create economic growth in communities they serve by creating jobs; in 2008, Michigan Community Health Centers had a positive economic income on the state of $323,800,000

“As a Community Health Center we often serve those who would otherwise not get the care they need, but we’re here for anyone who needs care.  We accept Medicaid, Medicare and most insurances,” Wilson said.

The Quincy Hill Health Center will be the latest addition to the U.P. Association of Rural Health Services, Inc.  The association also has sites in Crystal Falls, Engadine, Ewen, Gwinn (Sawyer), Menominee, Spalding and soon in Marquette.  More information will be forthcoming regarding the opening of the Quincy Hill Health Center.  For more information about the U.P. Association of Rural Health Services visit www.upruralhealth.org.

Cherry Street Health Services Launches Capital Campaign for Heart of the City Health Center

Cherry Street Health Services – a nonprofit organization that operates Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, and Health Care for the Homeless Centers in Kent and Montcalm Counties – recently launched “Gifts from the Heart”, a $4.1 million capital campaign to support the construction of Heart of the City Health Center. 

This new 79,000 square-foot Health Center to be built in downtown Grand Rapids will house behavioral/mental health care services, as well as the current operations of both Cherry Street Health Services’ Grand Rapids Pediatrics and Ferguson Adult Health Centers.  It also allows for the potential expansion of services.

“Gifts from the Heart” is embracing ‘One person, one place, one solution’ to support Cherry Street Health Services’ pilot for integrating behavioral and physical health care at the new location through collaboration with Touchstone innovare and Proaction Behavioral Health Alliance. 

Altarum Institute, a nationally recognized consultation group, is supporting the pilot by assisting the Health Center in employing a team-based approach to managing chronic health conditions with the goal of achieving full integration of behavioral health and primary health care services. 

“With the expertise of Altarum, we will unite professional staff towards a unified treatment plan in which differences between medical and behavioral components will be nearly transparent,” said Chris Shea, Cherry Street Health Services’ Executive Director.

Gifts will help enhance the Health Center’s mission to provide health care to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.  For more information about ‘Gifts from the Heart’, please contact Delvenia Beason at 616-776-2125 or delveniab@cherryhealth.com.

MPCA’s ARRA AmeriCorps Program Exceeds Expectations

Michigan Primary Care Association’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) AmeriCorps program has already far exceeded expectations and proven to be a resounding success since its launch in August 2009. 

“Members are excited to serve, excited to come together for training and service projects, and have been described as tremendous assets in the organizations where they are serving,” said John Taylor, MPCA Community HealthCorps Program Director.  

MPCA received funding for the program under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to provide support for Health Education and Outreach initiatives in regions across the State of Michigan.

MPCA Community HealthCorps members are committed to “Serving Our Communities by Building a Healthier Michigan.”  As part of Michigan’s AmeriCorps program, each member serves a one-year term at one of MPCA’s partner sites throughout Michigan in order to improve the health of Michigan residents.  Members provide support to their host sites by serving as community outreach specialists, assisting with collaborative programs that increase access to health care.  The MPCA Community HealthCorps program is committed to providing members and the communities they serve with the four key components of a successful National Service experience:  getting things done, strengthening communities, encouraging responsibility, and expanding opportunity.

As of December 31, 2009, ARRA Community HealthCorps members have provided information on health insurance, health care access, and health benefits programs to 7,583 individuals.  Of these individuals served, members were able to provide direct assistance 7,891 individuals, enable 4125 of these individual to be properly assessed, 509 individuals were referred to appropriate health programs to meet their continuing needs, members followed up with 836 individuals, 8504 individuals were provided educational support, and 424 individuals were targeted for further outreach attempts.  Members created 882 new resources, and distributed 13959 health-related resources in the community, recruited 12 volunteers for a total of 48 hours of volunteer service, and distributed AmeriCorps resource materials to 11 individuals during 2 AmeriCorps presentations. Members also provided 4 additional educational presentations to their local communities.”

For more information about MPCA’s Community HealthCorps Program, go to www.mpca.net/healthcorps.html.

Health Centers Stand Ready to Care for Millions More Under Reformed Health Care System

With the number of uninsured residents in Michigan and across the country continuing to rise, and as more and more people have difficulty accessing quality health care they can afford, NOW is the time for Congress to reform the American health care system.  And NOW is the time for U.S. lawmakers to recognize that Community Health Centers stand ready to serve as the health care home for 60 million Americans in the years ahead.

Please contact your Members of Congress TODAY using the NACHC Advocacy hotline at 1.866.456.3949 and let them know that you want them to continue on the path toward health care reform that includes a renewed commitment to strengthening and expanding the Health Center program.  Today, Community Health Centers provide comprehensive primary and preventive health care for 20 million Americans, including nearly 600,000 Michigan residents. 

Or, you can send an e-mail to your Members – click here to log into the NACHC online advocacy center and send your message.

Next Year’s State Budget Projections Underscore Need for Revenue

by Douglas M. Paterson, MPA, Director of State Policy, Michigan Primary Care Association

On Monday, January 11, Michigan economists met to determine the revenue number that will be used to craft the budget for the State’s 2011 fiscal year.  Staff of the House Fiscal Agency, Senate Fiscal Agency and Treasury came together and presented information showing the state budget is in good shape for the current year, but big deficits are projected in the 2011 budget as revenues keep dropping.

Senate Fiscal Agency director Gary Olson said the state faces a $1.6 billion-plus deficit in the budget that starts October 1, because Michigan is less likely to get federal recovery money and the state’s poor economy is holding down tax revenue.  He expects a $1.2 billion shortfall in next year’s general fund and the school aid fund to be about $423 million short.  This equates to about $268 per student.

Olson also stated that Michigan is no longer a wealthy state, having fallen to 37th in per-capita income in 2008 and likely falling to 40th now.  He also said that taxes are taking a smaller percentage of residents’ income, having dropped under 7 percent compared to around 9 percent a few years ago.

Although revenues appear to have plateaued, because the current year budget uses almost all of the federal stimulus funds that have come into Michigan, much of that money will not be available in 2011 leaving the $1.6 billion hole.

The legislature only has two means address this hole, cutting spending drastically once more or addressing the need to raise revenue. 

Because Medicaid is one of the largest single areas in the state budget requiring state funding as match to federal funds, it will be almost impossible for Medicaid to stay intact as it is now if cuts in the magnitude of $1.6 billion are implemented.  For this reason, the Michigan Primary Care Association has joined other organizations in a coalition named “A Better Michigan Future” to insist that revenues MUST be part of the solution to next years’ budget.  

“A Better Michigan Future” will unveil a new campaign in the near future, and MPCA will be asking our members to aggressively engage in the efforts of this campaign to educate the public and influence policymakers on making revenue part of the solution. For information about “A Better Michigan Future” and to view the platform that we will be advancing, please visit abettermichiganfuture.org.

Kids Count Data Shows Status of Children’s Well Being in Michigan

The Kids Count in Michigan Data Book 2009, released Tuesday by the Michigan League of Human Services, shows that childhood poverty, abuse, and neglect continue to rise in Michigan but child deaths are down dramatically.

The Kids Count report annually examines trends in child well-being at the county level, ranking Michigan’s 83 counties on 15 measures.  Below are some of the highlights and lowlights of the report:

• Childhood poverty rose by 6% between 2005 and 2007, with nearly one in every five children in Michigan living in poverty
• Confirmed victims of abuse or neglect jumped an alarming 16% between 2000 and 2008, with nearly 30,000 children found to be abused or neglected in 2008
• Childhood deaths dropped 18%, teen deaths dropped 11%, and infant mortality declined 4% between 2000 and 2007
• Births to teens declined 20% over the decade

In an effort to improve the health of children in Michigan, the Michigan Primary Care Association is preparing to launch a children’s health insurance enrollment initiative.  Over 142,000 Michigan children currently lack health insurance coverage because their parents have lost their jobs or employer-sponsored coverage, or it simply costs too much. 

“Contrary to misconception, thousands of families are eligible for low-cost or free health insurance for their children but think they don’t qualify because their income is too high,” said Phillip Bergquist, CHIPRA Program Manager, Michigan Primary Care Association.  “The reality is the majority of children covered by MIChild, our state’s Childrens Health Insurance Program, come from working families.”

To educate, identify, and enroll eligible Michigan families, Michigan Primary Care Association will work through the Community HealthCorps program to bring enrollment specialists to community centers, schools, migrant camps, churches, homeless shelters, and Community Health Centers across the state.  The goal is to enroll 12,000 children in MIChild and HealthyKids in the next two years.  Organizations interested in collaborating with MPCA on this bold initiative should contact Phillip Bergquist at 517.381.8000 or pbergquist@mpca.net

National Influenza Vaccination Week in Full Swing

National Influenza Vaccination Week in Full Swing

January 10-16 marks the annual national observance that highlights the importance of ongoing influenza vaccination.  This flu season has presented communities across the country with a unique challenge to fight not only the seasonal flu but also a new type of influenza—the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus.

Between April and mid-November 2009, there were approximately 47 million cases of 2009 H1N1 flu, more than 200,000 hospitalizations, and nearly 10,000 deaths.  Although flu activity has declined in recent weeks, it is expected to continue throughout the season, which can last until May each year.  Therefore, now is NOT the time to become complacent.  No one knows what will happen with the H1N1 flu virus over the coming months; however, a third wave and ongoing outbreaks of disease are anticipated. 

Encouraging more people to get vaccinated over the next several weeks could prevent serious illness and death. The Michigan Department of Community Health urges health care providers to take the opportunity NOW to vaccinate themselves and their patients against the H1N1 flu since vaccination is the most effective prevention method.   

National Influenza Vaccination Week activities this week are aimed at increasing public awareness about ongoing influenza vaccination efforts.  Every day of the week is designated to highlight the importance of influenza vaccination for different groups:

• January 11:  General audience and health care workers
• January 12:  People with chronic health conditions that put them at high-risk of serious influenza-related complications
• January 13:  Children, pregnant women, and caregivers of infants younger than 6 months old
• January 14:  Young adults 19-24 years old
• January 15:  Seniors

To learn more about National Influenza Vaccination Week, go to www.flu.gov/news/nivw.html. There you will find a calendar of events happening at the national, regional, and state level; materials for use during the week; web tools like buttons, banners, and podcasts; and resources for health professionals.

Registration for MPCA Legislation Forum Now Open

As Michigan Primary Care Association gears up for its annual Legislative Forum to be held in Lansing on February 2, we at the Association are optimistic that Community Health Center advocates can and will make a difference in 2010.  With so many issues at stake that impact Community Health Centers, NOW more than ever is the time to mobilize, voice our opinions, and help shape the future of this state.

MPCA’s Legislative Forum is an annual opportunity to convene together in the State’s Capitol to learn about the current legislative environment as it pertains to Community Health Centers; educate our elected officials about the issues that most affect Community Health Centers, our patients, and our communities; and develop or continue to nurture relationships.  The most effective method of communication with legislators is a one-on-one visit.  Yes, e-mailing and calling them about an issue or piece of legislation is important, but it’s the personal visit that makes the best impression, where they can see a constituent’s face and hear our stories first-hand.  That is what leaves the most lasting impression.

It is important to remember that it takes time to nurture relationships with your legislators.  I have been fortunate to participate in visits with Community Health Center staff members, board members, and patients who have developed friendships with their elected officials over the years.  It is friendship and true respect for each other that bridges the divide between citizen and elected official, opens ears and eyes, and provides opportunities for teachable moments.  Community Health Center staff members, board members, and patients are, after all, experts in all that is Community Health Centers and how they provide access to care for those who might otherwise go without, while saving money and reducing use of the emergency room. 

So if you already have a relationship with your State Senator and/or Representative, use this year’s MPCA Legislative Forum as an opportunity to make it stronger.  If you don’t know your elected officials on a more personal level, then attend Legislative Forum to lay the foundation for new friendships. 

We hope to see you on February 2 – click here for the agenda and registration information.