June 28, 2013
LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder on Monday will visit southeast Michigan to encourage state senators to pass the Healthy Michigan plan, which would extend health care coverage to nearly half-a-million Michigan residents, encourage healthy living and save money.
Monday morning Snyder will meet with employees and community members at Trinity Health in Livonia and Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. In the evening Snyder will take part in an online Google Plus town hall. The events are part of a series of meetings the governor is conducting across the state advocating for this important health care legislation.
Last week Snyder signed an online petition from HealthyMichiganNow.com. The group formed to support passage of the Healthy Michigan bill.
"Michigan residents recognize that this plan is crucial to the well-being of citizens and the vitality of the state's economy," Snyder said. "Healthy Michigan will save taxpayers money and boost our business climate. State senators should take advantage of this opportunity to provide health care coverage to the uninsured and save everyone money."
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 with general fund dollars. Healthy Michigan would alleviate most of the $880 million a year in uncompensated costs that are borne by hospitals and passed to individuals and businesses through higher health care premiums.
The legislation, House Bill 4714, has been approved by the Michigan House with bipartisan support. The Michigan Senate adjourned June 20 without taking action on the legislation. The Senate has formed a work group on the plan. Snyder has urged Senate leaders to set a date for a vote on the bill.
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