By Bonnie Bochniak
MBPA Government Relations

The Michigan Business and Professional Association (MBPA), along with its sister group, the Michigan Food and Beverage Association (MFBA), work diligently to keep you up to date on our new federal healthcare law and how it will affect you, your family, and your business.

The lesser of two evils: Although our Association’s did not support the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), when given the option of allowing the federal government to control Michigan’s healthcare exchange, or having more state control, we opted for Michigan controlling its own healthcare exchange. Michigan must retain power over what happens with our healthcare.

Update:

House Health Policy Chair Representative Gail Haines is taking a deliberate approach and hearing all those individuals who would like to testify about the federal healthcare law in general. Haines has yet to take up Senate Bill 693, which passed the Senate at the end of 2011. This bill authorizes the establishment of the MIHealth Marketplace, a virtual, medical insurance clearinghouse where individuals and small businesses can compare policies and premiums, and buy insurance on a competitive basis.

Governor Snyder has indicated strong support of a healthcare exchange in Michigan, with or without federal legislation, so the Supreme Court ruling in June on the constitutionality of mandating healthcare, might be a moot point for our State’s Administration. Nonetheless, this issue is rumored to be kept at bay in the House until the Supreme Court does make its final ruling.

As always, we will keep you up to speed as this legislation continues to move through the legislative process. Please contact our Government Relations Team with questions/comments at: bbochniak@michbusiness.org or by phone at: 517-374-9128.

Visit our website www.michbusiness.org , and click the National Healthcare tab for more detailed information. In addition, please use our website to find more helpful links understanding your healthcare options, obligations, and frequently answered questions.