Gov. Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bills Lowering Health Care Costs, Expanding Access to Health Care

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 22, 2026 

Contact: press@michigan.gov 

Gov. Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bills Lowering Health Care Costs, Expanding Access to Health Care

Bills expand on work done to lower health care costs and expand health resources in FY27 budget

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Whitmer signed 10 bipartisan bills to lower costs on health care and expand Michiganders’ access to the care they need. These bills build on the work Governor Whitmer has accomplished to expand access to quality, affordable health care and lower costs for every Michigander. Earlier this week, Governor Whitmer signed her eighth balanced, bipartisan budget to fund whole-of-government initiatives to protect access to health care and ensure the future sustainability of Medicaid, lowering costs for Michiganders and helping them protect their benefits.  

“Getting sick or injured shouldn’t mean going broke,” said Governor Whitmer. “I’m proud to sign these bills that will lower health care costs and make it easier for Michiganders to receive the care that they need. Over the last seven and a half years, we’ve done a lot to save you money on care; we lowered the cost of prescription drugs, codified the Affordable Care Act in our state, protected Medicaid, and erased nearly $200 million in medical debt. Let’s keep working together to build a healthier, more affordable Michigan.” 

Affordability

Senate Bill 415, sponsored by state Senator Ruth Johnson (R-Holly), provides coverage for group prenatal care under Medicaid, expanding resources for new mothers and their babies and supporting group prenatal services at hospitals and care centers across Michigan.  

Senate Bill 105, sponsored by state Senator Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor), amends the Insurance Code to require health insurers to provide at least one payment method for dentists and dental therapists that does not incur extra fees.  

House Bill 4072, sponsored by state Representative Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills), requires hospitals and outpatient facilities to provide a patient with any unused portion of facility-provided eye drops or ointment if the drug is required for the patient’s continued treatment, reducing medication waste, and saving patients money on prescriptions.   

Senate Bill 301, sponsored by state Senator Joseph Bellino Jr. (R-Monroe), incentivizes companies to offer paid organ donation leave for employees through a non-refundable income tax credit for 100% of the wages paid to an employee during up to 12 weeks of paid organ donation leave. 

Access to Health Services and Care 

Senate Bill 501 and House Bill 4101, sponsored by state Senator Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit) and state Representative Matthew Bierlein (R-Bay City), allow Michigan to join the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact, making it easier for licensed physical therapists from participating states to practice in Michigan without having to go through a separate licensing process, getting more Michiganders the care they need.  

House Bill 4103 and 4104, sponsored by state Representative Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) and state Representative Doug Wozniak (R-Shelby Twp.), allow Michigan to join the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, making it easier for licensed occupational therapists from participating states to practice in Michigan without having to go through a separate licensing process, expanding access to occupational therapy services for Michiganders across the state. 

House Bill 4309, sponsored by state Representative Dave Prestin (R-Cedar River), allows Michigan to join the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact, helping make it easier for qualified physician associates from participating states to provide care in Michigan. 

House Bill 4746, sponsored by state Representative Jason Woolford (R-Howell), requires the Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to issue chip-enabled Michigan Bridge Cards to recipients of food or cash assistance benefits, continuing funding from the FY26 budget to modernize and protect access for those who receive benefits.