Snyder to visit MGH Tuesday

LANSING, Mich – Gov. Rick Snyder on Tuesday will visit the Upper Peninsula to continue making the case for the Healthy Michigan legislation. The measure would provide health care coverage to nearly half-a-million Michigan residents, while encouraging healthier lifestyles and reducing costs for the entire state.

The governor will meet with officials at Marquette General Hospital. The visit is one in a series of events Snyder has been holding across the state to raise awareness of the importance of the legislation to Michigan’s future.
The legislation, House Bill 4714, was approved last month by the Michigan House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support. The state Senate, however, adjourned June 20 without taking action on the bill. The Senate has formed a work group on the plan. Snyder has urged Senate leaders to set a date for a vote and to pass the legislation.

“Too many Michigan citizens have inadequate health coverage, and frequently use the emergency room as their primary source of care,” Snyder said. “This kind of unmanaged health care has significant human costs, as people typically wait until a crisis to seek help. As a result hospitals in the state face $880 million a year in uncompensated costs, which are passed to individuals and businesses through higher health care premiums. The Healthy Michigan legislation is a compassionate, cost-saving, common sense plan, and I urge the Michigan Senate to pass it quickly.”

The state is projected to save $206 million in the 2014 fiscal year by providing Healthy Michigan plan benefits to those now receiving services paid for with general fund dollars. The plan encourages healthy living by providing incentives for participants to make health-conscious choices and requires premium cost sharing. Healthy Michigan would boost Michigan’s economy and improve the state’s business climate.