Updates About Health Policy

A recent survey of over 1,000 Michiganders showed that voters on both sides of the aisle share the same affordability concerns over healthcare issues. The survey, commissioned by Healthier United during the month of September, asked the participants various health policy questions.

Over 90% of respondents agreed that Medicaid is an important or very important part of healthcare access in their community. Support was high among both parties, with 97% of Democrats and 86% of Republicans sharing this view.

The top priority among survey goers was making health insurance premiums more affordable, with 76% agreeing. Again support was bipartisan, with 70% of Republicans and 85% of Democrats putting it as their top priority. The second-highest priority identified in the survey was addressing the growing mental health crisis among the state’s children and youth, with 66% of respondents indicating it is a top priority.

Responses for support of “Medicare for All” and state funding for the RxKids program saw a wider partisan split. Overall, 60% of respondents supported “Medicare for All,” while 34% opposed it. Support was higher among Democrats, at 85%, compared with 37% of Republicans. The approval numbers for the RxKids program, which provides direct cash payments to new and expecting mothers, were lower. Overall, 58% of respondents supported using state funding to make the program available across Michigan, including 75% of Democrats and 42% of Republicans.

The survey indicates that healthcare affordability and health policy reform are top of mind for voters during the final stretch of the 2026 election season.

As a reminder, starting on October 1 only legal permanent residents, Cuban and Haitian entrants, and Compacts of Free Association (COFA) migrants will be able to receive full Medicaid coverage. Certain individuals will still need to meet the five-year waiting period for full coverage. Anyone who falls under a different immigration status will qualify for emergency services only (ESO). These changes will put Michigan in compliance with Section 71109 of H.R. 1, commonly referred to as “The One Big Beautiful Bill Act”.

Due to Michigan providing coverage under section 214 of the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIRPA), pregnant individuals and children under the age of 21 who are legal residents will not have their coverage affected by H.R. 1.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Michigan Medicaid Policy bulletin detailing the changes can be viewed here.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently sent out a Michigan Medicaid Policy bulletin reminding Medicaid providers of the upcoming policy changes. In compliance with Section 71109 of H.R. 1, commonly referred to as “The One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, beginning October 1 only legal permanent residents, Cuban and Haitian entrants, and Compacts of Free Association (COFA) migrants will be able to receive full Medicaid coverage. Certain individuals will still need to meet the five-year waiting period for full coverage. Anyone who falls under a different immigration status will qualify for emergency services only (ESO).

Due to Michigan providing coverage under section 214 of the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIRPA), pregnant individuals and children under the age of 21 who are legal residents will not have their coverage affected by H.R. 1.