Jocelyn Benson Unveils Ambitious Health Policy Plan in Michigan Governor Race
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has launched her health policy platform as she campaigns for governor, emphasizing the need for accessible, affordable, and equitable healthcare. Her agenda includes introducing a caregiver tax credit, resolving insurance disputes, and establishing a prescription drug affordability board.
Benson’s proposals hinge on the capabilities of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), which she believes is currently overwhelmed and underfunded. She highlighted the need to modernize the department’s infrastructure to achieve her healthcare objectives.
During a recent press conference, Benson addressed the concept of universal healthcare, expressing that while it should be accessible to all, the effectiveness of such a system depends on the implementing agency. She stated, “The centerpiece of my plan is recognizing that an outdated infrastructure bogs down MDHHS and that’s what we have to fix in order to achieve any of these outcomes. The agency is overburdened, it’s under resourced, and it’s a safety-net system that is failing and that is at the core of a lot of the stories I’m hearing around the state.”
Despite the importance of healthcare in the upcoming elections, Benson’s proposals have faced legislative hurdles. Previous attempts to pass drug affordability and maternal healthcare equity bills have stalled in the Republican-led House, despite passing in the Democratic-controlled Senate.
Benson has indicated that she might resort to executive action if legislative support remains elusive. She affirmed, “As the next governor of Michigan, ensuring our healthcare system is affordable, accessible, and fair is my priority. And working with every single person to get that done while using every tool in my toolbox to get that done will be my mandate and will be my north star.”
Benson’s competition for the Democratic nomination includes Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, former Cape Coral, Florida, Mayor Marni Sawicki, and research scientist Kevin Hogan.
The next Michigan governor will also face upcoming federal changes in 2027, which may limit Medicaid access by introducing work requirements. Benson emphasized the state’s role in mitigating these impacts, stating, “It all boils down to, at a time when the federal government is abdicating its responsibility to invest in people’s health, the state will step up its responsibility through the empowerment of our state agency to be on the side of residents who need that care, who need that support, and need all of us working together to ensure a healthier Michigan.”
For further details on federal Medicaid changes, visit this link.
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