On Thursday, Michigan Governor Whitmer signed legislation protecting the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which ensures affordable health care coverage for millions of Michiganders and their families, and makes it harder for the federal government or Supreme Court to repeal the ACA and claw back healthcare access.
“When I was in the Legislature, I brought Democrats and Republicans together to establish Healthy Michigan, which now covers over one million Michiganders,” said Whitmer. “The ACA includes critical provisions that protect people with pre-existing conditions from being charged more, allows kids to stay on their parent’s insurance until they turn 26, and guarantees essential services in all health insurance plans. Today, I am proud to sign bipartisan bills putting the cost-saving provisions of the ACA into Michigan state law and protect health care for millions of Michiganders.”
House Bill 4619, sponsored by Rep. Julie Rogers (D – Kalamazoo) prohibits insurers from denying coverage based on gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation or expression.
“As a health care provider, I am thrilled that all eight of the bills in the Affordable Care Act package have now been signed into law by the governor,” said Rogers.
“Preserving access to care and insurance by safeguarding some of the most important aspects of the ACA will save lives. An important element includes the prohibition against discrimination based on an individual’s gender or sexual orientation. This legislation helps protect all Michiganders by ensuring they get the coverage they need and the protections they deserve.”
House Bill 4620, sponsored by Rep. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe), prohibits insurers from denying coverage because of pre-existing conditions.
“The Affordable Care Act was enacted to protect access to health insurance, especially for people with chronic diseases. It’s important for Michiganders to have continued access to medical care regardless of their current medical needs. We’ve all read heartbreaking stories on GoFundMe and similar sites in attempts to fundraise for lifesaving care; this should not be the case. Medical care should be accessible to all as a basic human right,” said Edwards.
House Bill 4621, sponsored by Rep. John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming), requires insurance coverage for dependents under age 26.
“Signing the ACA’s protections into state law is monumental for the people of Michigan. Now, Michiganders-present and future-can rest assured that their access, and their family’s access, to health insurance is protected,” said Fitzgerald. “With these laws, Michiganders will be able to access healthcare when they need it most, no matter the circumstance.”
House Bill 4622, sponsored by Rep. Reggie Miller (D – Belleville), prohibits insurers from instituting annual and lifetime dollar limits.
“Prior to the implementation of the federal ACA, insurance providers had every right to implement annual and lifetime caps on health care coverage,” said Miller.
“These providers had the freedom to decide that coverage for things like cancer were too expensive, and people could be hit with an annual cap on their coverage. This is yet another wrong that Michigan Democrats have corrected, and I’m proud to see this package signed into law.”
House Bill 4623, sponsored by Rep. Matt Koleszar (D – Plymouth), requires insurers to provide coverage for specified services such as hospitalization, pregnancy, and emergency services.
“Ensuring access to affordable healthcare for residents should be a top priority for every lawmaker in our state,” Koleszar said, “by signing these bills into law, we have guaranteed that Michigan has done just that.”
Senate Bill 356, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Hertel (D – St. Clair Shores), require insurers to provide a summary of a health insurance policy and coverage to consumers.
“The Affordable Care Act is one of the most impactful pieces of healthcare legislation passed in a generation,” said Hertel. “Because of the ACA, countless Michiganders with pre-existing conditions were able to afford insurance and access preventive care. While some of the federal legislation’s most popular provisions face challenges in court, we are ensuring those protections remain safe here in Michigan for years to come.”
Senate Bill 357, sponsored by Sen. Mary Cavanaugh (D – Redford Twp.), prohibits insurers from rescinding coverage.
“Every Michigander deserves access to high-quality, affordable health care,” said Cavanagh. “Following its passage in 2010, the Affordable Care Act was instrumental in extending and expanding coverage for thousands of Michigan residents. This legislation is an important step to codify the ACA’s most critical provisions into state law and ensure Michiganders can continue to maintain quality and consistent insurance benefits.”
Senate Bill 358, sponsored by Sen. Veronica Klinefelt (D – Eastpointe), requires the level of coverage insurers must provide in the state, including coverage equal to a certain percentage of the full actuarial value of benefits under a health insurance policy.
“Before the Affordable Care Act’s passage, too many Michiganders were denied access to health insurance due to pre-existing conditions,” State Senator Veronica Klinefelt. “Since its implementation, Michigan residents have enjoyed increased access to quality coverage — including access to lifesaving preventative care such as cancer screenings. Our work today to codify the ACA into Michigan law will ensure Michiganders’ healthcare remains protected, helping secure a healthier future for our state.”
Also on Thursday, Whitmer signed bipartisan bills to protect children in Michigan by requiring the installation of water filters in childcare centers and schools to prevent lead contamination, known as Filter First bills.
“Every parent wants to make sure their kids are healthy, and today’s bills ensure that our kids have safe and clean drinking water when they sip from the drinking fountain,” said Whitmer. “In Michigan, we have seen the devastating and long-lasting impact of lead exposure, and we are committed to making sure no child has to suffer through this again. That’s why we’ve enforced the strongest lead and copper rule in the country, invested billions of dollars into water facilities, and helped communities replace lead service lines and rebuild their water infrastructure.”
Together, House Bills 4341 and 4342, sponsored by state Representative Ranjeev Puri (D – Canton), Cynthia Neeley (D – Flint), and Senate Bill 88, sponsored by Senator Sylvia Santana (D – Detroit) will enact the Clean Drinking Water Act and require schools and childcare centers to install filtered-faucets, develop a drinking water management plan, and conduct routine sampling and testing to ensure safe and accessible drinking water for children.
“Flint has paid an unimaginable price for water contamination. This is why I continue to push legislation that focuses on clean water and why this filter first bill package has been a priority for me. We must take steps to protect Michiganders from harmful contaminants — especially our kids,“ state Neeley. “Lead poisoning can have devastating effects on the health and development of our kids. Having a drinking water management plan ensures the most up-to-date strategies and tools are in place to ensure safe water sources. I am elated that these bills are now signed into law.”
“No amount of lead in water is safe for kids. It’s a public health issue, an environmental issue and an equity issue. As parents in the Great Lakes State — surrounded by an abundance of fresh water — the least we can expect is that the place we send our children every day to learn and play is safe and has clean drinking water. I’m glad we’re on that path now,” said Puri.
“This legislation demonstrates a high level of commitment and care to Michigan families. More importantly, we are showcasing we care about one of our most vulnerable populations — our youth,” said Santana. “Impacts of child lead exposure are well known, as well as negative effects on the learning environment. With implementation of filter first, and monitoring water quality in all schools and daycare centers, our state is taking a preventative approach to ensure all children receive the head start in life they deserve.”
In addition, Whitmer signed legislation on Thursday to help lower costs for disabled veterans and their families by ensuring spouses of disabled veterans can maintain property tax exemptions, even after their spouse passes away.
"Our veterans and their families have sacrificed so much to keep our state and nation safe,” said Whitmer. “Losing a partner can rock a family’s financial stability, but we can ease the burden for spouses of disabled veterans by ensuring they can still qualify for property tax exemptions, keeping a roof over their heads and more money in their pockets.”
Together Senate Bills 176, 330 and 364 amends the General Property Tax Act to ensure the spouses of disabled veterans can keep their property tax exemptions after their spouse passes away.
Senate Bill 176 was sponsored by Sen. Sylvia Santana (D – Detroit), Senate Bill 330 was sponsored by Sen. Mary Cavanaugh (D – Redford Twp.), and Senate Bill 364 was sponsored by Sen. John DaMoose (R – Harbor Springs).
"Veterans have selflessly sacrificed for our country and this legislation ensures those sacrifices continue to be honored when they return home,” said Cavanagh. “Senate Bill 330 will make a tangible difference in the lives of disabled veterans and their surviving spouses, removing barriers to this financial relief. I’m incredibly proud of this legislation and the support it provides our veterans and their families.”
“I am thrilled to see that Senate Bill 176 has been signed into law by Governor Whitmer. This is a crucial piece of legislation that seeks to address the challenges faced by disabled veterans and their surviving spouses in accessing property tax exemptions,” said Santana. “By enacting this legislation, we are ensuring much-needed stability and relief to our veterans and their families. This bill also increases transparency and accountability in the tax exemption process. I am proud to have sponsored this legislation and am grateful for the governor's support. With this new law, we are making a lasting impact in the lives of those who have served our nation.”
Whitmer also signed House Bill 4602, sponsored by Rep. Jimmie Wilson Jr. (D – Ypsilanti), which designates I-94 between Highway US-23 and Rawsonville Road in Washtenaw County as the "Washtenaw County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway.”
“This bill is a reminder of the brave Michiganders from Washtenaw County that sacrificed so much. War weighs heavily on communities and has tragic consequences,” said Wilson. “In everything we do, we must be grateful for our democracy, freedoms and fundamental rights. This memorial highway is another reminder of that, and the ultimate sacrifice that has again and again been made to protect them. We must continue to find ways to remember and honor those that live on through their impact in history. I want to thank the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 310 for working alongside me and for their service and dedication to this country.”
Whitmer also signed Senate Bills 179 and 180, which allow the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) to enter into an agreement with an Indian tribe for marijuana related business and exempts tribal marijuana businesses on Indian lands from the state's 10% excise tax on marijuana and makes Indian communities eligible to receive a share of the Marihuana Regulation Fund proportional to the number of marihuana retailers or microbusinesses located on tribal lands.
“We needed reasonable and fair rules for Michigan's tribal governments that allow cannabis businesses to work with state-licensed cannabis businesses,” said State Senator Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor). “This amendment to the law allows products to cross boundaries while rules on testing, labeling and taxation are standardized.”
Senate Bill 179 was sponsored by Irwin and Senate Bill 180 was sponsored by Sen. Roger Hauck (R – Union Twp.).
Whitmer also signed Senate Bills 43, 397, 268, and 281.
Senate Bill 43, sponsored by Sen. John Cherry (D – Flint), requires MDOT to use concrete barriers when closing a freeway for construction, keeping construction workers and drivers safer on the road.
“With Gov. Whitmer’s signature, Senate Bill 43 will help Michigan continue to fix the damn roads while better protecting the dedicated workers who are making it happen,” said Cherry. “This commonsense legislation will keep our roads safer and help save lives.”
Senate Bill 397, sponsored by Sen. Mary Cavanaugh (D – Redford Twp.) amends the State Housing Development Authority Act to increase principal amount for outstanding bonds under Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), enabling MSHDA to finance more affordable housing units.
“Amid a national housing crisis, Michigan needs every tool to make housing affordable and accessible to our residents,” said Cavanagh. “This bill allows the State Housing Development Authority to expand housing investments, placing a much-needed focus on the housing needs and economic development of Michigan’s communities.”
Senate Bill 268, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Hertel (D – St. Clair Shores), amends the Insurance Code to make pre-paid funeral arrangements, otherwise known as funeral insurance, more available and accessible for Michiganders. This bill will keep important businesses in Michigan open and vibrant.
“The cap on death benefits has not been increased in over 26 years — harming both consumers and funeral directors throughout Michigan,” said Hertel. “I thank my colleagues in the Legislature and Governor Whitmer for recognizing the need for a change in current regulation and acting swiftly to provide relief to those who having to navigate funeral preparations after the death of a loved one.”
Senate Bill 281, sponsored by Sen. Sam Singh (D – East Lansing) improves transparency in dental insurance processes, clarifying benefits for dentists, patients and third parties.
“Oral health is an important part of overall health and my legislation will ensure access to critical care by reducing confusion for patients and their providers, limit surprise fees and expenses and increase transparency on dental network practices,” said Singh. “This improvement will ensure continued quality, affordable dental care and insurance coverage.”
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